Plaza Vigil Incubator Program

El Pájaro CDC is best known in Watsonville for the successful retail business incubator: Plaza Vigil. Plaza Vigil opened in 1996 to give low-income, Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs a place to start their retail business and become successful before venturing out into the community.

Why Offer the Plaza Vigil Incubator Program?
The Loma Prieta Earthquake of 1989 destroyed many of the buildings in downtown Watsonville, both displacing businesses and causing business owners to close their businesses. Plaza Vigil was created to help counteract the devastation caused by the earthquake as well as help low-income, Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs make the first steps in opening and operating a successful business.

How Does the Incubator Program Help?
Plaza Vigil has 14 spaces available to business entrepreneurs. Individuals who wish to start a retail business go through the application and training process for starting their business in Plaza Vigil. Once approved, the new business owner begins operating in Plaza Vigil at a reduced rent rate, with free access to all El Pájaro CDC’s business services. The business owner moves from Plaza Vigil after completing the specified incubation time period.

The Plaza Vigil Incubator Program is exceptional because there are very few incubator programs in the United States, and none other than Plaza Vigil that offer services to the low-income, Spanish-speaking community. Click on the following links to learn more about the Plaza Vigil.


Plaza Vigil History

Plaza Vigil Merchants

Economic Impact of the Plaza Vigil Incubator Program
The Plaza Vigil Incubator Program has been a boon to the downtown retail business in Watsonville. Located on the corner of East Beach, Plaza Vigil is the perfect place for a retail business to obtain a successful start in the community.

  • Redeveloping downtown Watsonville after 1989 Loma Preata Earthquake
  • 15,000 square foot Commercial Business Space Created
  • Economic Opportunities to low-income, Spanish-speaking community
  • Job Creation and Retention
  • Construction Jobs Created
  • Incubator Businesses Started and Supported
  • Community Ownership/ Community Gathering Place
  • Unique Architectural Character Preserved