ARTICLE
By Mabel Moonrising, Santa Cruz Area Chamber Marketing & Communications Intern Santa Cruz County has long been a hub of creativity, independence, and entrepreneurial spirit. Today, that vibrant energy is carried forward by a new generation of young business leaders, from student ventures to early-stage startups, who are shaping the future of our local economy. At UC Santa Cruz, innovation thrives through the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurial Development (CIED), which supports student entrepreneurs with mentorship, workshops, and funding opportunities. Programs like the Society for Creative Entrepreneurship & Engineering (SCEE) and GetVirtual provide hands-on experience while helping real clients throughout the county. These initiatives are part of an ever-growing ecosystem supported by partners such as Santa Cruz Works and Launchpad, a dynamic pitch competition and job fair connecting student ventures with the local business community. Meanwhile, Cabrillo College offers its own pathways for young entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurship & Business Career and Academic Pathway (CAP) and the student-led Entrepreneurs Club. These programs provide foundational business education and mentorship opportunities that help launch the next wave of small business owners in Santa Cruz County. Events like Santa Cruz Launchpad help spotlight and support these young leaders. In 2025, more than a dozen student teams pitched innovative ideas across industries, from technology to community services, competing for cash prizes and valuable professional feedback. These gatherings not only showcase the potential of emerging entrepreneurs but also create vital spaces for connection, growth, and collaboration. Among the inspiring local success stories is Shanty Shack Brewery, founded by Brandon Padilla and Nathan Van Zandt. Their journey began in 7 Brew, a homebrew supply store, and fate brought them together again in a Cabrillo College business class. Their story began with brewing in a rundown shack and church, but they transformed their hobby into a thriving community-supported brewery, delivering craft beer directly to neighbors. In 2016, they opened their brewery, the Shanty Shack, in Harvey West, creating a vibrant community space filled with local art, live music, and a welcoming backyard vibe, where everyone can enjoy creative beers, food, and good company. Another remarkable story is Black Surf Santa Cruz, a nonprofit founded in 2020 by 25-year-old local, Esabella “Bella” Bonner. Born from her passion for inclusivity in ocean recreation, Black Surf offers free surf lessons and equipment to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community members. Since 2020, the organization has promoted healing and empowerment through surfing, hosting events like the annual Liberation Paddle Out that foster community and challenge systemic barriers. Bella’s leadership continues to inspire a more inclusive connection to the ocean for the BIPOC community. Looking forward, the Chamber is seeking your input on how we can support young professionals and connect emerging business leaders across Santa Cruz County. Send us your thoughts and ideas to kbrown@santacruzchamber.org. Together, we can support and celebrate the next generation of Santa Cruz entrepreneurs.
By Mabel Moonrising, Santa Cruz Area Chamber Marketing & Communications Intern
Santa Cruz County has long been a hub of creativity, independence, and entrepreneurial spirit. Today, that vibrant energy is carried forward by a new generation of young business leaders, from student ventures to early-stage startups, who are shaping the future of our local economy.
At UC Santa Cruz, innovation thrives through the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurial Development (CIED), which supports student entrepreneurs with mentorship, workshops, and funding opportunities. Programs like the Society for Creative Entrepreneurship & Engineering (SCEE) and GetVirtual provide hands-on experience while helping real clients throughout the county. These initiatives are part of an ever-growing ecosystem supported by partners such as Santa Cruz Works and Launchpad, a dynamic pitch competition and job fair connecting student ventures with the local business community.
Meanwhile, Cabrillo College offers its own pathways for young entrepreneurs through the Entrepreneurship & Business Career and Academic Pathway (CAP) and the student-led Entrepreneurs Club. These programs provide foundational business education and mentorship opportunities that help launch the next wave of small business owners in Santa Cruz County. Events like Santa Cruz Launchpad help spotlight and support these young leaders. In 2025, more than a dozen student teams pitched innovative ideas across industries, from technology to community services, competing for cash prizes and valuable professional feedback. These gatherings not only showcase the potential of emerging entrepreneurs but also create vital spaces for connection, growth, and collaboration.
Among the inspiring local success stories is Shanty Shack Brewery, founded by Brandon Padilla and Nathan Van Zandt. Their journey began in 7 Brew, a homebrew supply store, and fate brought them together again in a Cabrillo College business class. Their story began with brewing in a rundown shack and church, but they transformed their hobby into a thriving community-supported brewery, delivering craft beer directly to neighbors. In 2016, they opened their brewery, the Shanty Shack, in Harvey West, creating a vibrant community space filled with local art, live music, and a welcoming backyard vibe, where everyone can enjoy creative beers, food, and good company.
Another remarkable story is Black Surf Santa Cruz, a nonprofit founded in 2020 by 25-year-old local, Esabella “Bella” Bonner. Born from her passion for inclusivity in ocean recreation, Black Surf offers free surf lessons and equipment to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community members. Since 2020, the organization has promoted healing and empowerment through surfing, hosting events like the annual Liberation Paddle Out that foster community and challenge systemic barriers. Bella’s leadership continues to inspire a more inclusive connection to the ocean for the BIPOC community.
Looking forward, the Chamber is seeking your input on how we can support young professionals and connect emerging business leaders across Santa Cruz County. Send us your thoughts and ideas to kbrown@santacruzchamber.org. Together, we can support and celebrate the next generation of Santa Cruz entrepreneurs.