The network is working.
Founders, students, employers, and community partners keep showing up because Santa Cruz Works creates the rooms, referrals, and relationships that help local companies and careers grow.
“Openness, innovation, and the ability to dream BIG.”
What people say after they plug in.
Short proof points from founders, executives, local businesses, and people who found opportunity through the Santa Cruz Works network.
Business growth
“It is my #1 referral source.”
Local careers
“I never want to drive highway 17 for work again.”
“The best local rolodex for thought leaders and potential talent.”
“A real sense of community.”
A few longer notes from the people behind the quotes.
Longer stories from founders, partners, and local leaders who turned SCW connections into customers, hires, collaborations, and momentum.
Startup community
“This is what all startup communities should strive for.”
Jack Wolosewicz
CEO, Certus Tech
I have been very impressed with the level of assistance, advice, personal involvement and community spirit that Santa Cruz Works has afforded me as part of my membership.
It is by far a nicer and more business friendly experience than I have encountered in my participation in a variety of accelerators and incubators I had participated in in the past in the US and the EU.
It is a community of friends with similar goals, happy to share resources, expecting nothing other than the best outcome for all its members.
Networking
“Every meetup I attend, I end up walking away with several emails.”
Ted Holladay
Creative Director, Studio Holladay
Of all the meetups, groups, and events I’ve been able to attend and be part of in the area, Santa Cruz Works is hands down the most valuable to my studio.
Networking is the key. It’s the best local rolodex for thought leaders and potential talent.
I can’t think of another local group that provides as much opportunity to connect with and learn from our community in the way SCW provides.
Founder support
“We’ve partnered together, made new connections, and been promoted in ways we never expected.”
Suzanne Wouk
CEO, SellHound
As a mentor at Santa Cruz Works, I was thrilled to work with new, up and coming local startups and innovators.
It was during this time I met my current co-founder who was also a mentor there. We ended up starting a company together called SellHound.
It’s been a fantastic experience to be involved in all these aspects of Santa Cruz Works and to benefit from the vibrant entrepreneurial community they’ve built.
Momentum from every corner of the ecosystem.
Students, startups, nonprofits, service firms, and employers all point to the same thing: the network compounds.
“A fantastic organization and resource.”
“A community of friends with similar goals.”
“The best regular networking event in Santa Cruz.”
“Instrumental to the local Startup scene.”
“The support from SCW has been wonderful.”
“Internships are a great way to get local students interested.”
“Powerfully nurtures tech community building.”
“Helped us open doors we never thought we would open.”
“Helped us refine our pitch and validate our ag-tech business model.”
“Made dozens of valuable personal connections.”
“An indispensable network for the local business community.”
“Helping me explore the growing tech ecosystem right here.”
Have a Santa Cruz Works story?
Share the connection, hire, customer, investor, internship, or community moment that moved your work forward.