venture4ward: Free Entrepreneurship & AI Program in Orange County

venture4ward is designed to take participants from identifying a problem to developing and presenting a practical solution.

Through four interactive modules, participants will learn to:

DEFINE — Identify Problems Worth Solving
Recognize everyday business challenges, understand where value is being lost, and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.

DISCOVER — Explore Real-World Opportunities
Practice customer discovery, ask meaningful questions, and identify inefficiencies through firsthand observation and research.

DEVELOP — Create Solutions Using AI
Learn effective AI prompting, compare possible solutions, and develop practical tools, workflows, or prototypes.

DELIVER — Turn Ideas Into Action
Present solutions, incorporate feedback, and prepare to collaborate with local small businesses.

Each session combines practical instruction, hands-on activities, and team-based problem-solving.

Put Your Skills to Work: Small Business Solution Sprints

Completing venture4ward can open the door to a unique real-world learning opportunity.

Qualified teams may be invited to participate in the Small Business Connector, where they are matched with a local Orange County business to address an operational challenge.

During a focused two-week Solution Sprint, teams work alongside the business owner, with guidance from the Leatherby Center and participating mentors, to develop and refine a practical solution using AI and other appropriate tools.

Projects may include improving customer communication, streamlining workflows, reducing repetitive administrative tasks, or creating simple digital tools.

Participants gain valuable professional experience while helping small businesses explore practical innovations.

Frequently Asked Questions

-What are free startup programs in Orange County?

venture4ward is a free, hands-on entrepreneurship and AI program offered by Chapman University's Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics. It helps students and aspiring founders gain practical skills in problem discovery, innovation, and business solution development.

-Do I need a business idea or entrepreneurship experience?

No. venture4ward is designed for beginners as well as early-stage founders. You do not need an existing business idea, startup experience, or technical background to participate.

-Do I need to know how to code?

No coding experience is necessary. Participants learn how to use AI tools, write effective prompts, evaluate solutions, and develop practical prototypes or workflows.

-Can I work with a real business after completing the program?

Yes, qualified participants may be matched with local small businesses for a two-week Solution Sprint. Participation depends on team readiness and available projects.

-Who can register?

Chapman students, students from other institutions, aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage founders, and interested community members are welcome to register, subject to available space.

Your Entrepreneurial Journey Starts Here!

You don't need the perfect idea to get started. You just need curiosity and a willingness to learn.

Join venture4ward to build entrepreneurial confidence, develop practical AI skills, and discover how your ideas can create meaningful value.