Micro Biz Launchpad Weekend - Orange County, CA
Announcement
We are thrilled to host our OC Q1 '26 Launchpad Weekend at the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship at Chapman University in Orange, CA, an inspiring facility specifically designed to foster high-level collaboration and innovation! This event is open to the public.
Build something real — in a weekend
We’re living in the most exciting time in history. With no-code and AI tools, everyday people can build software products & automations in days, not months.
Whether you're dreaming of launching a startup or simply want more freedom in your career, this weekend is your opportunity to start building.
Hear from our participants
🧠 In just 2 days, you’ll walk away with:
A working MVP or prototype
Insight into tools, workflows & platforms to build smarter
Clarity on your idea - or how to streamline and scale what you already do
Personalized feedback from experienced builders and Entrepreneurs
Strategies and tools for marketing & funding your micro biz
A new network of supportive community members, professionals and entrepreneurs
“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:
Action-oriented learners (no coding experience required)
Developers & no-code builders
Aspiring founders validating ideas
Designers wanting to prototype
Professionals looking to stay ahead in an 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
Kevin Meredith - Adjunct Professor and Entrepreneur in Residence at Chapman University. Founder of 4th Sector Innovations, consulting and advisory firm. Creator of Chapman University's incubator and pre-accelerator.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinmeredithii/
📍 Event Details
🗓️ DATES: March 14–15 (Sat & Sun)
⏰ TIME: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM both days
🍽️ Optional Dinner: Sat 5–7 PM (not included in event price)
🌯 Lunch provided both days (is included in the price)
📍 LOCATION
This is an in-person event with 2 location options:
You are viewing our SoCal event page:
Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship at Chapman University in Orange, CA
Go here for our NorCal listing:
Granite City Workspaces, Folsom, Sacramento County, CA
https://luma.com/upwsjj3y
While these events are designed for building in local community, NorCal and SoCal locations will come together via Zoom a few times throughout the weekend.
📘 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 Nov 8-9" 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 Mar 14-15" 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 PRICING
💸 Register by Feb 25: $119 ($500 value)
💸 Register by Mar 12: $149 ($500 value)
👥 Capacity: 20 people max per location
Your payment is a donation and is tax-deductible, made to our fiscal sponsor, Granite City Accelerator, a 501c3 nonprofit org. No refunds.
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/