Summary:
El Pajaro CDC has launched over 110 small food businesses in 11 years.
Harts Fabric is relocating to a new location after closing its previous store.
Terra & Self is transitioning to online-only sales after closing its physical store.
Zach Friend receives the outstanding achievement award from the Aptos Chamber.
Upcoming events include the Women’s Leadership Summit and Santa Cruz Accelerates Demo Day.
Quick Take
In Santa Cruz County business news this week, Jessica M. Pasko highlights the legacy of successful food and small businesses developed through the El Pajaro Community Development Corporation (CDC) over its 45 years. Harts Fabric is relocating to a new Seabright location, while Terra & Self is transitioning to an online-only model after closing its Santa Cruz store.
El Pajaro CDC’s Incubators Drive Entrepreneurship
The El Pajaro Community Development Corporation has launched over 110 small food businesses in the past 11 years through its kitchen incubator. Notable businesses include the food truck Scrumptious Fish & Chips, farmers market vendor Dos Hermanos Pupuseria, and catering company Cuevas Express Foods. Under the leadership of CĂ©sario Ruiz, 35 small food businesses are currently operating from the commercial kitchen in Watsonville, receiving support with permits, food safety certificates, and scalable business plans.
Cesario Ruiz shows off the El Pajaro Community Development Corporation’s commercial kitchen space on Riverside Drive in Watsonville. Credit: Kevin Painchaud / Lookout Santa Cruz
The kitchen incubator is just one of many programs offered by El Pajaro CDC, which focuses on providing funding, training, technical support, and business counseling for entrepreneurs. This week, El Pajaro CDC celebrates its milestone with an evening of tacos and tapas, featuring dishes from local businesses that started in its incubator.
Aptos Chamber Announces 2024 Award Recipients
The Aptos Chamber of Commerce has recognized Zach Friend, outgoing Santa Cruz County Supervisor, with the outstanding achievement award. Other honorees include K&D Landscaping as business-of-the-year and Live Like Coco as organization of the year.
Ch-ch-changes: Openings, Closings, and Other Developments
- New Leaf Community Markets closed its downtown Santa Cruz store after nearly 20 years, preparing to move to a larger space next year.
- Terra & Self will close its brick-and-mortar store on Soquel Avenue on Oct. 29, shifting to online sales.
- Harts Fabric is moving to the former Midtown Surf Shop location, continuing its legacy since 1969.
Save the Date
- Oct. 17: Women’s Leadership Summit at Mount Hermon Conference Center.
- Nov. 6: Santa Cruz Accelerates will host its Demo Day, showcasing startup innovations for potential funding.
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