About Us


Our SBDC is part of a 40-year national legacy committed to small business success.

With unparalleled access to no-cost expertise from entrepreneurs who have seen it all, Santa Cruz SBDC provides small businesses with the solutions they seek and the confidence they need to realize their dreams.

SBDC is making a big impact on our local communities


Santa Cruz SBDC is proud to be a part of the greater NorCal SBDC network and work together to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses with the tools and insights to start, grow, and pivot their businesses.

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Small business isn’t so small after all…

Creating two-thirds of net new jobs and driving U.S. innovation and competitiveness, small businesses are the lifeblood of the U.S. economy. We pride ourselves on knowing that for each business we help, there is a family one-step closer to realizing their potential. The work of the Santa Cruz SBDC contributes to the greater impact in the Northern California region – through new businesses, good jobs, and community impact.

BY THE NUMBERS:
NORCAL SBDC’S REGION IMPACT:
01/01/2020 — 12/31/2020

5,120

New Jobs Created

$250,029,199

New Taxable Revenue

$514,937,445

Total Capital Infusion*

16,342

Businesses that received one-on-one advising

83,916

Total Hours of Advising/Consulting

48,414

SBDC Training Event Attendees

All data reported by SBDC businesses. No multipliers used, results verified annually by third-party research.
*Total capital infusion includes loans and equity

Our Mission

Santa Cruz SBDC’s mission is to empower now and next-generation entrepreneurs with a prepared, growth mindset – through transformative insights, resources, and guidance.

Our Vision

To help Northern California entrepreneurs and small businesses become the most resilient, focused, and competitive small businesses in the market.

Our Values

Excellence
The highest quality of service to our clients.

Impact
Creating measurable local economic impact.

Agility
Quick to respond to market needs.

Innovation
Open to change.

Respect & Integrity
Doing what is right and treating people right.

Collaboration
Working for the good of the team.

Confidence based on real understanding


With a network of seasoned experts, we don’t just offer advice and resources, we offer a relationship as a trusted advisor you can turn to in good times and bad. Our job is to nurture your entrepreneurial spirit, instilling confidence based on real understanding.

We provide clients a strong foundation to build on.


No one can predict the future, but we can help you prepare for it. In these uncertain times, you can rely on SBDC to provide security and stability when it’s needed most. We are your support team, genuinely excited about your business, and we’re committed to helping entrepreneurs like you successfully navigate the economy’s ups and downs and prepare for whatever lies ahead.