Santa Cruz Accelerates Program

Connect. Collaborate. Disrupt.

Founded in 2015 in Santa Cruz, California, Santa Cruz Works accelerator program Santa Cruz Accelerates empowers entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and drive societal change. We connect startups, experts, and communities to transform businesses and boost economic growth. Our commitment extends to promoting entrepreneurship as a catalyst for solving critical issues, creating opportunities, and increasing employment. We embrace founders from all backgrounds, supporting innovative ventures through our unique equity-free model, which nurtures high-impact ideas from diverse sources.

Program Advantages

  • Established Presence: Since 2007, our non-profit has been a pillar of support for entrepreneurs in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, fueled by robust local partnerships.

  • Proven Track Record: We've launched 52 startups across five cohorts, with 28 achieving significant liquidity events, demonstrating our effective support and guidance. See Portfolio.

  • Global Partners: Our platform partners with OneValley (formerly GSV Labs), Startup Science, and Innovation Within (online version of the Lean Startup Methodology now with AI). These global partners bring decades of experience and a vast network of mentors and angels. And…over $1M in perks!

  • Strong Community Support: Unique in its extensive backing, Santa Cruz Works Accelerates is supported by key local stakeholders including the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development, UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo College, Looker Google, Joby Aviation, and over 100 other organizations.

  • Equity Preservation: Unlike others who may claim up to 6% equity, our program maintains a zero-dilution policy to ensure you keep full ownership of your startup.

  • Access to Expertise: Benefit from the insights and advice of over 50 mentors and venture capitalists, including specialized support from entities like Bill Richter Law, Patrick Reilly IP Society, Studio Holladay, and Central Coast Angels.

  • Extensive Perks: Enjoy over $1 million in value through perks such as 75% off HubSpot services, six months free of Zendesk, $10,000 in AWS credits, local restaurant discounts, co-working space subsidies, and much more.

  • Flexible Online Format: Our 15-week accelerator program is entirely online and self-paced, with optional opportunities to attend in person networking events, and culminating in an in person Pitch Contest and Demo Day. Winning startups at these events have the opportunity to receive seed funding to propel their growth.

2024 Program - 6th Cohort

  • Founders: In 2024, we are excited to launch the 6th cohort of the Santa Cruz Works Accelerates program. Applications closed on July 14, 2024, with the 15-week program set to begin at the end of July.

  • Partners: Are you a business or investor interested in working with the hot startups in our community? See Santa Cruz Works Accelerates Partners.

  • Mentors: we have a stellar lineup of professionals to help our startup founders. Meet the Mentors

Flight Plan 2024

When you are accepted into our accelerator program, you will gain access to a whole array of resources. Here is what you need to know:

  • Systems check: Make sure you meet the requirements to participate in the program. See Ticket to Ride section below.

  • Countdown: Every founder thinks their idea will turn into the BEST product in the world until they realize no one else actually wants it. Founders will go through Discovery to test and validate their ideas before wasting valuable time or money. Through SCA, founders will have access to Innovation Within’s online Lean Startup (market validation) platform which was developed in collaboration with Steve Blank and Lean Startup. All startups planning to apply for an NSF grant at any time in the future will be required to complete this course.

  • Ignition: Follow the online course curriculum on One Valley or Startup Science and complete at least 80% of the courses by August 16 and 25 customer discovery interviews to be eligible for participating in the pitch competition. Startups will attend weekly meetings to share progress updates, ask questions, learn and connect with one another, and practice their pitches.

  • Launch: Interview customers, meet with mentors, establish your core team, company legal status, IP, MVP, perfect your pitch, secure funding, and much more. If you have already completed some segments such as corporate entity, blast on through to the segments which are of most value to you and your team.

  • Orbit: Startups that pass through countdown, ignition, and launch stages are now ready for orbit! Pitch to investors and go after funding. Santa Cruz Works will invite the top startups who completed the program to participate in the in person pitch competition on November 6 where they will be evaluated by judges and compete for seed capital.

  • Take off: You’re ready for exit or to continue growing your startup into a national (and possibly) global business!

  • Learn more about us here.

  • Startups will:

    -meet virtually over Zoom each week as a group to discuss progress, challenges, and gain valuable feedback and advice.

    -complete courses online at your own pace that will prepare you with knowledge needed to grow your startup

    -meet with mentors as needed

    -optional in person networking opportunities will also be provided

    -practice pitching and the top startups who complete all requirements will be selected to participate in the in person pitch contest/demo day in Santa Cruz County

  • No, your startup does not need to be based in Santa Cruz County. Courses and weekly meetings take place online. However, if you wish to pitch at our pitch competition or attend any optional networking events, those will both take place in Santa Cruz County. It is strongly recommended to have a team member who is located in California.

  • We've had numerous startups go through our program including:

    -Jane Technologies: Raised over $128.5 million over four funding rounds.

    -Cruz Foam: Time Magazine included Cruz Cool in Best Inventions of 2023, and recognition on America's Top GreenTech Companies 2024.

    -Immergo Labs: Awarded a $1 million Phase II Small Business Innovation Research Grant from the National Science Foundation.

    Check out some of our other successful launches here.

  • Startups who have their ticket to ride (see above) have the minimum requirements to participate in the program. From there, we have a panel of judges who selects the founders, and startups whose product is well thought out, have demonstrated growth progress, and whose product will make the world a better place.

  • We are based in Santa Cruz County but the courses and resources can be accessed online from anywhere in the world. Startups who have participated in the past typically are based in the Santa Cruz County and Central Coast region. Anyone can participate in the program, however, if you plan to enter the pitch contest/demo day, you or a representative must present your pitch to judges in person in Santa Cruz County.

  • After submitting your application, you will receive an automatic email confirming receipt of your application. Applications will be reviewed by our selection committee during July 15-19. If you are accepted, you will receive a welcome email with further information by no later than July 22.

  • Our goal for the program is for your startup to be investable. If your startup is making good progress and ready for investment, then we expect to connect you with investors.