Micro Biz Launchpad (Folsom CA, Oct 24 & 25, 2026)
Want to benefit from the AI revolution but haven't found the time, the space, or the people to have the progress you want?
You get all 3 combined at this personal Launchpad event!
Build something real - in a day or a weekend
👉🏼 Choose from either Saturday, Sunday, or 2-day options.
The barrier to entry is gone. Today, powerful AI and no-code tools allow anyone to build software products and automations in hours or days, not weeks or months.
Whether your goal is to launch a startup, automate your business, or unlock career freedom, this weekend is your launchpad. Let’s build!
This workshop is provided by Micro Biz Launchpad, a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit based in Folsom, CA.
📣 Hear from others who attended one of our workshops:
🍎 Breakfast, lunch, training, and expert 1-on-1 help are included both days!
✅ BENEFITS OF ATTENDING:
Learn how to make good prompts (instructions) for AI
Learn how to pick between many AI tools for your particular situation
Learn how to effectively make multiple AI tools work together
Learn how to instruct AI to write code (software products) for you
Learn how to iterate, change, and improve on something AI has built for you
Learn how to turn your idea into something real - that works!
Get uninterrupted time and space in a productive environment to focus and build your product, service, or idea
Get 1-on-1 help from experts in the room
Learn and build with others using the same AI tools as you
Get a working prototype of your website, mobile app, or automation
“This weekend gave me more clarity and momentum than any course I’ve taken in the last year.”
— Alexandra, former marketing exec, Launchpad Weekend alum (May 2025)
Action-oriented practical results
This workshop is an action-oriented “learn by building” experience that combines formal instruction, personalized guidance, and dedicated time for participants to create something new for themselves. No prior software development or coding experience is required.
⚠️IMPORTANT: Soon after Registration and before the event: The PREPARATION CALL
In the Preparation Call we will learn your unique background and goals for the workshop, set expectations for the workshop, and answer any questions you have. This will also be your opportunity to cancel your registration and receive a full refund if you decide this event is not for you at this time.
Not sure what to build?
You can build whatever you want, however you want. That said, we have this Builder's Guide for you to get the juices flowing.
📒 LAUNCHPAD AGENDA (both days):
8am-9am: Arrive, meet-and-greet, socialize with coffee, tea, breakfast
9-9:30am: Introductions. Who are you? What do you want to learn and build today or this weekend?
9:30-10am: Essentials for building with AI.
10am: Participants break out into groups and spaces based on common tools, projects, or needs. Then you get to work!
12pm: Lunch is served. Socialize and network while eating and then get back to work.
4-5pm: Show-and-tell demonstrations, recognition, lessons learned. Connections and appointments for more opportunities and progress. (For many people this is the start of exciting momentum!)
✅ This workshop IS for:
People who want help to learn AI tools and build something fun while learning
People who feel overwhelmed with the quantity and variety of AI tools available
People who know what they want to build but haven't found the time, space, and motivation to JUST DO IT and GET IT DONE!
People who want a classroom-style format to learn AI that includes time to apply the learning with action
People who want personalized guidance and assistance using AI tools
People who want to make a personalized online tool for themselves (e.g. for a hobby, family reason, personal goals)
People who have an idea for a “side hustle” and want a website or web-based app for it
People who want to avoid wasting time, money, uncertainty, and stress learning how to build with AI
❌ This workshop is NOT for:
People who have minimal to moderate interest in using AI tools
People who need to know the complete plan and route before they start a project
People who are not OK with figuring things out as they go
People who are not curious
People who don’t want to learn new things
People who don’t enjoy being creative
People who are just looking for information; no desire to build anything
📍 EVENT DETAILS:
🗓️ DATE: Saturday & Sunday, October 25 & 26, 2026
⏰ TIME: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
🌯 Lunch and light breakfast provided
🍽️ Optional Dinner (TBD within walking distance): 6–8 PM (not included in event price)
📍 LOCATION:
Granite City Workspaces
705 Gold Lake Dr., Ste 250, Folsom, CA 95630
⚡ PRICING:
💸 Either Saturday or Sunday, October 24 or 25: $97
💸 2-day package: $145 (50% DISCOUNT for 2nd day)
🌟 50% DISCOUNT for EXPERTS and RETURNING MBL participants (contact us to get the coupon code)
👥 Capacity: Limited to 30 participants each day
This workshop is limited to 30 people so that we can provide each individual the quality of attention and support they need.
OUR FACILITATORS & EXPERTS:
Brett Hoffstadt, PMP, P.E., Co-founder of Micro Biz Launchpad. An aeronautical engineer then project/program manager in his corporate career, he directed his creative energies into intrapreneurship and community-based innovation efforts. He brought 3-D printing, crowdfunding, Agile development, and employee hackathons into his Fortune 50 aerospace employer. Here in California, he has been a linchpin for Folsom Tech Week and the NASA Space Apps Challenge hackathon. bretthoffstadtpmp
"Coach Jim" Kaspari, Owner of PEAK Business Coaching. Jim has been business coaching for 21 years, with over 600 clients in 9 countries. He's the author of 5 published book and is dedicated to helping business owners live the life of their dreams, making it easier and faster to reach their goals. Jim specializes in business growth, marketing, and sales. He has also built his own AI agent workflows and multiple apps and websites using modern AI tools. peakbusinesscoaching
Sanjay Gautum. Software Engineer & Electrical Engineer. Scrum master, API design expert. MIT Sloan School of Management graduate. sanjay-gautam-93381b6
Jacob Rangel. GenAI Film Producer. TEDx Speaker. MBL returning builder and expert. Former Meta, Apple. jacobrangel
More experts in the lineup as we speak! Follow our page on LinkedIn to see updates and notifications:
Our websites:
https://microbizlaunchpad.org/
📘 FAQ
Q: I don't have a clear idea of what I want to build. Is this event good for me?
A: If you just want to learn how to use AI tools, you will benefit from this workshop. But it will be more rewarding if you have something in particular you want to build. Keep reading to learn examples of what other people have built in our workshops. We encourage you to brainstorm and find something that will benefit your life! After you register, you will be contacted by a Facilitator to have a Preparation Call. The purpose of this call is to help us both decide if this event is good for you, or not. If not, that’s perfectly fine. We prefer to have people for whom this is a great fit because space is very limited.
Q: I'm not sure I can learn the tools fast enough. Is this event for me?
A: It’s ok if you don’t have any technical knowledge or even experience with computers, beyond being a user. What is important is your attitude and mindset. Are you able to be curious? Are you able to ask questions to help yourself arrive at answers? By asking AI tools questions, they will give you answers that lead you forward to the next step. If you are able to ask questions, try something new without being perfect the first time, and treat this as a fun learning experiment, this event is for you!
Q: What am I required to bring?
A: To use these AI tools, some of which may require a paid subscription to do what you want, here is a recommended list. During your Preparation Call we will discuss your specific idea and plans to confirm or clarify this list.
Laptop and power cord
Smartphone (for 2 factor authentications and testing of your website or mobile app)
Debit or credit card to pay for AI tools (as needed)
Notepad, notebook, or note taking system of your choice
Headphones for your laptop if your project involves creating sound, music, or voice
Any food or beverages for your specific dietary needs
Any medications you need during this time period
Q: What are common examples of what people make in these workshops?
A: Ideas and opportunities are infinite! But here are popular examples that can be made:
Personal exercise tracker
Personal diet / medication / meal tracker
Website for a potential “side hustle” or part-time business
Personal “to do list” or productivity logger
Family & friends birthdates / anniversaries / celebrations / gift registries tracker and reminder
Personal “bucket list” or goal setting app
Hobby-specific app (e.g. cycling, knitting, bird watching, model trains… whatever!)
Q: How is this workshop different from other courses?
Answer:
First and most important, this is in-person. You’ll be in the room with other people learning by building just like you, receiving personalized attention from several experienced mentors (not just one instructor).
The lessons contain up-to-date information on the latest tools with practical advice
Lessons are followed by dedicated time for you to apply this knowledge by using the tools yourself to learn and build something meaningful to you.
Personalized help and support will be in the room from several experts who are experienced users of the AI tools being presented to you.
At the end of the day, people will share what they built with the rest of the cohort. Everyone gets amazed and inspired by the creativity and productivity of what was created in just one day!
Q: What if I can’t be there the entire day?
A: We have put a lot of thought into the entire day program, with each lesson and exercise building upon what came before. Due to limited capacity and the personalized attention that everyone will receive, we may put you on a wait list so that others can attend who are able to benefit from the full program.
Q: Can I bring someone to help or work with me?
A: If this is a matter of reasonable accommodation for a specific medical or ADL need you have, yes. Please mention this during your Preparation Call so we can make necessary accommodations for you. If it’s for another reason or concern, please also mention this during your Preparation Call after you register. Due to space limitations it will present a challenge.
Q: What if I register and then change my mind?
A: After you register, you will be contacted by one of our Facilitators for a Preparation Call. One reason for this is to help us both decide if this is the right event for you. This is the best time to change your mind if you haven’t already. In that case you will be given a full refund. We prefer to make room for someone else since space is very limited. Please read below for our refund and cancellation policies.
Q: What are your refund and cancellation policies?
A: Refunds may be issued before the Preparation Call or if the Preparation Call with one of our Facilitators determines that this event is not a good fit for you. After this point, due to limited capacity and high demand, instead of refunds we issue an equal credit towards a future event. Or you may transfer your registration fee to someone else. In the event that the entire event is cancelled, you will have the choice of a full refund or retaining your payment as a credit towards a future event.
Q: If I want to attend but have a conflict for this date, how can I learn about other events?
A: Subscribe to our page on Luma, and/or follow our group on LinkedIn. Look for those links elsewhere on this page.
Q: What if I don’t have a laptop?
A: In a previous workshop, we had one person bring in a PC “tower” with a separate monitor and keyboard because they didn’t have a laptop. If you can manage this yourself, this is a viable option. Your computer will need to have wireless network access. There will not be any laptops or desktop computers available as a loaner or for guest access.