No idea required. Learn how to find problems, create value, and take your first step as an entrepreneur.
venture4ward is a 4-week development program designed to help students and community members build the innovation mindset, business knowledge, AI skills, and confidence needed to solve real-world problems.
Join them Wednesdays, September 23 to October 14, 2026 from 3:00PM to 5:00PM at Chapman Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship, 549 W. Palm Ave., Orange, CA 92868.
Participants complete core modules focused on entrepreneurial readiness through an AI lens. Each module includes practical learning, hands-on application, and a competency check to ensure individuals understand the material before moving forward as part of a small team.
After successfully completing the program, qualified teams are invited to the Small Business Connector, where they are paired with local businesses experiencing small operational inefficiencies. The teams will then work with the business and the Leatherby Center to lead a 2-week solution sprint using AI to create a practical tool, workflow, or process.
Each week focuses on a different part of the process:
Week 1: Define
Learn how to find problems worth solving by spotting friction, unmet needs, and missed opportunities in businesses, organizations, and everyday workflows.
Week 2: Discover
Practice asking better questions, listening without pitching, and turning messy information into a clear understanding of the problem.
Week 3: Develop
Use AI and practical tools to create a useful solution for a clearly understood problem.
Week 4: Deliver
Connect with local small business to kick off Solution Sprints utilizing AI and discovery skills to start working on concepts.
Why join?
Build practical AI and innovation skills
Gain real-world experience for your resume
Work with a team and mentors
Explore client-facing opportunities
Learn by doing, not just listening
No prior experience needed. Just come ready to learn.
Registration is free.
Please register here to attend.
Thanks to the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship at Chapman University for offering this local startup event, the details, and the graphic!