Santa Cruz Launchpad is an annual event that combines an exciting student business plan competition with $50,000 in cash prizes, plus a community job fair with 20+ local companies offering jobs from all industries and experience levels. This event allows students, job seekers, professionals, and employers the opportunity to show off their resumes and career opportunities and make new connections. This is one of our biggest events of the year, with hundreds of attendees. There is no charge for job seekers to attend but you must grab your ticket in advance! NOTE: Parking is free. Bring parking stubs to Registration for validation.
12-4pm: Student Business Plan Pitch Competition
- Students will compete in a business plan competition. Submit your Pitch Ideas by May 1 for a chance to win over $50,000 in prizes. Pitch categories include: Social Impact, Mainstreet, Technology, and Climate Action
6-8pm: Job Fair (Open to the public)
- Job seekers will have the opportunity to interact with over 20 local companies offering 200+ jobs ranging from engineering to marketing, project management, sales, customer support, and more. All types of job seekers with various work experience and backgrounds are welcome. Employers of all industries are encouraged to participate. The event is free for job seekers. Employers pay $250 for a table. Company registration is free for Santa Cruz Works Partners aka Businesses (please reach out to us for a discount code). We provide 1 table per employer, linens, chairs, plus 4 attendee passes.
Job Seekers must RSVP to this event!
Hiring Companies: Join us by going to Tickets and selecting an Employer table!
Last year’s hiring companies included Joby Aviation, Amazon, PayStand, Looker/Google, Cabrillo College, Santa Cruz Bicycles, Ambient Photonics, Cruz Foam, Digital NEST, Bay Federal Credit Union, Unnatural Products, Santa Cruz Seaside Company, Digital NEST, Zero Motorcycles, and more.
2023 Hiring companies listed here.
Parking in the adjacent lot is free with ticket validation.
THANK YOU SPONSORS!
