GetVirtual's Work with SUBA Gets Recoginition

The Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurial Development (CIED) at UC Santa Cruz is proud to highlight the impactful collaboration between Crown College's GetVirtual program and the Salinas United Business Association (SUBA), dedicated to empowering small businesses in East Salinas through digital transformation.

Launched during the COVID-19 pandemic by UC Santa Cruz faculty member Nada Miljkovic and community entrepreneur Toby Corey, GetVirtual aimed to support local businesses by providing free, student-built e-commerce websites and digital marketing strategies. What began as a crisis response has evolved into a sustainable initiative offering students hands-on experience in project management, client communication, and website development, while equipping over 250 businesses with essential digital tools.

Yuliya Monstyrska

A testament to the program's success is alumna Yuliya Monastyrska (Cowell '22, economics and literature), who transitioned from a founding student of GetVirtual to an instructor leading the course at Crown College. Her journey exemplifies the program's dual impact on student development and community support. As well as our student intern, Valerie Elneser (Spring 2025) who's spanish translation and cultural understanding is integral to our success.

For the full article, please go here.

https://news.ucsc.edu/2025/02/suba-getvirtual-collab.html

We owe enormous amount of success to all the students that helped create this program that is both impactful to the businesses helping them with their online presence as well as the students who are giving purpose and the opportunity to help our community.