Micro Biz Launchpad Weekend - Orange County, CA
Announcement
We are thrilled to host our OC Q3 '26 Launchpad Weekend at UCI's ANTrepreneur Center in Irvine, CA. This event is open to the public.
Build something real — in a weekend
The barrier to entry is gone. Today, powerful AI and no-code tools allow anyone to build software products and automations in days, not months.
Whether your goal is to launch a startup, automate your business, or unlock total career freedom, this weekend is your launchpad. Let’s build.
Hear from our participants
🧠 In just 2 days, you will gain:
Your MVP: a fully functional app, website or implementation you're proud of
Smarter Workflows: The tools and platforms you need to build fast
Strategic Clarity: concrete plans to streamline and scale
Expert Feedback from seasoned builders and entrepreneurs
Growth Tactics: proven methods for marketing and funding
Community: a brand-new network of driven peers and professionals
“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)
✅ This weekend Is for:
People of every walk of life from tech nerd to plumber, mother, artist and teacher (AI codes for you now; you direct it)
Action-oriented learners
Founders validating ideas
Artists & Designers wanting to prototype
Professionals looking to stay ahead in this AI-driven world
Entrepreneurs ready to automate operations or marketing with AI and no-code tools
❌ This weekend Is Not for:
People who need a step-by-step curriculum
Passive content consumers
Anyone prioritizing perfection over getting things done
Our Guide
Ryan McNeely is a seasoned Software Architect and Developer. He is also co-founder of Micro Biz Launchpad.
From Ryan:
"MBL is my passion project. I run it in addition to my full-time day job because I love it! My inspiration is to help everyday Californians cross the chasm from the old world to the new AI-driven world. I love showing people of EVERY walk of life see for themselves what's now possible with AI. Ad Copy generation and Real Estate research are wonderful! That's just the beginning. I especially enjoy watching a participant with ZERO software-building experience build something that surprises them and me... in 2 days! It has happened countless times now, and I can't wait for the next!"
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mcneely-sfarchitect/
📍 EVENT DETAILS
🗓️ DATES: July 11–12 (Sat & Sun)
⏰ TIME: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM both days
🌯 Lunch provided both days (is included in the price)
🍽️ Optional Dinner: Sat 5–7 PM (not included in event price)
📍 LOCATION
University of California, Irvine
ANTrepreneur Center
Address & Parking Details available upon registration
📘 FAQ
Q: I don't have a clear idea of what I want to build. Is Launchpad Weekend for me?
A: Yes. We meet you where you're at. Setup a 15-minute brainstorm call with Ryan: [email protected], put "Launchpad Weekend Jul 11-12" in the subject.
Q: I'm not sure I can learn the tools fast enough. Is Launchpad Weekend for me?
A: Experience with tools is not as important. What is important is your mindset... that you can figure it out. Keep in mind, AI tools like Gemini, Claude and ChatGPT can walk you through anything you want to create. You also have an expert team unblock you throughout the weekend. If you're not sure, setup a 15-minute call with Co-founder, Ryan: [email protected], put "Launchpad Weekend Jul 11-12" in the subject.
🗻 MINIMUM COMMITMENT
Attend the entire weekend (dates & times above)
Speak with your Mentor (we'll provide you one) by phone for 15 minutes, shortly after you apply
Attend a 1-hour prep session about 1 week before the Launchpad Weekend (we'll accommodate your schedule)
✨ OPTIONAL
We offer working sessions following the Launchpad Weekend for those who attended the entire weekend. These are a free extension of the Launchpad Weekend. We also host a free online speaker series for our community.
⚡ EARLY BIRD & REGULAR PRICING
See Tickets for pricing.
Your payment is a donation and is tax-deductible, made to our fiscal sponsor, Granite City Accelerator, a 501c3 nonprofit org.
We do not offer refunds. If you're on the fence, email Ryan at [email protected]
OUR MISSION
At Micro Biz Launchpad, our mission is to empower community members and entrepreneurs across California to take charge of their future by launching micro businesses and learning the latest in AI and automation tools. We keep the price of our events as low as possible in service to our communities. We also offer need-based scholarships to ensure our workshops are accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
A simple application process
All participants fill out a brief application. We want to make sure that what we offer is what you're looking for. Spots are first-come, first-served, so don’t wait. This is our 5th run of Launchpad Weekend. We expect all seats will fill up quickly.
We keep our cohorts limited to 20 people so that we can provide each individual the quality of support they deserve.
We have some partial scholarships available
Full-time students, people who have gone more than 6 months without work, or those who qualify as low income may apply. Register for a regular-price ticket at tell us in the notes that you need a partial scholarship to attend. You may also email Ryan at [email protected]
https://microbizlaunchpad.org/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/microbizlaunchpad/