When our institutions are under threat, the best response is action. In Santa Cruz, that means adopting a nonprofit—supporting it with time, money, or attention. With over 500 local organizations, there's one for everyone. Defend what makes this place special. Civil society survives when we choose to make it ours.

Thinking about opening up a food business? Come check out this 8 week online program!

CruzHacks 2025 is back and bigger than ever! Join 500+ innovators April 11–13 at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium for 36 hours of nonstop hacking, $5K in prizes, and groundbreaking ideas. Don’t miss the public showcase Sunday at 2 p.m. Huge thanks to our amazing community sponsors!

New Leaf Energy proposes a $200 million lithium battery storage site near Watsonville to improve power reliability. Following a fire at Moss Landing, locals raise safety concerns. The project requires extensive approvals and an environmental review, with Minto Road identified as the only viable location in Santa Cruz County.

Santa Cruz Accelerates alum, Wonderfil, shares some exciting Q1 updates.

Verdagy, a green hydrogen company based in Moss Landing, has chosen Black & Veatch to lead the front-end engineering design (FEED) for its groundbreaking 60 MW clean hydrogen plant located on the Texas Gulf Coast.

MAG Aerospace is teaming with Parallel Flight Technologies to explore expansion of its Expeditionary Logistics Service offerings.

As the digital content landscape evolves, a new frontier is emerging for media creators, licensing their content to train new AI video models. Local media company, Brick House Media owned by Jared Brick, are stepping up big time to help local creators monetize their "dark media”.

Climatize Launches give $60, get $60 campaign during Earth month.

Amid tariff-induced economic uncertainties, Santa Cruz has historically shown resilience by spawning innovative startups during tough economic times. Companies like Looker and PayStand exemplify how recessions can spark creativity and groundbreaking business models.

Thinking about an EV? EVs for Everyone program provides free purchase assistance for Electric Vehicle adoption.

Beaches, Books, Budgets, and Bots brought together innovators, thought leaders, and entrepreneurs for an unforgettable evening of insight, tech demos, and dynamic discussion. From political impacts on education and climate to cutting-edge AI startups, the event sparked ideas, collaboration, and meaningful connections at the beautiful Chaminade Spa & Resort.

Santa Cruz City Council has approved the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Workforce Development grant, unlocking a transformative opportunity for local youth and businesses.

On March 29, 2025, Digital NEST marked a historic milestone—its 10-year anniversary—with a vibrant and emotional benefit celebration at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.

Santa Cruz Works is proud to announce a tasty new partnership with TOGO’S of Capitola, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville—bringing more than just fresh sandwiches to our business community

Santa Cruz Ventures has announced a pre-seed investment in Swellcycle, a Santa Cruz-based startup that is redefining how composite products are made—starting with surfboards.

SpaceX and Jane Technologies have revealed plans to launch High Frontier —the first-ever cannabis dispensary in space. Designed to serve future Mars colonies and research the effects of zero gravity on cannabis cultivation, the venture promises to boldly go where no bud has gone before.

In a city where startups meet surf breaks, one Santa Cruz company is paddling out with a truly next-level innovation. Meet SwellCycle, the startup behind the world’s first AI-powered, email-connected, fully 3D-printed surfboard —a ride designed for entrepreneurs who don’t want to miss a beat, even mid-barrel.

Looking for love? Santa Cruz Works has a groundbreaking AI-powered meetup group and website designed to connect tech-savvy singles.

Researchers at UC Santa Cruz unveil Gullspeak, a tool to decipher sea gull communication.