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Launch a business that solves a real problem

Launchpad is an exclusive live cohort-based program for kids 9-13 where they learn business, entrepreneurship, and essential life skills by building their own from ideation to real revenue.

  • Start a real business that solves a problem and delivers value
  • Market and sell to real customers with confidence
  • Learn how to manage money, receive feedback, build and experiment
Ready to support your child in their journey? Take the free assessment to find out what type of entrepreneurial superpower your child has.
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800+ Alumni
4.8 Rating
Why launchpad

Lemonade stands, BRACELET MAKING, and bake sales aren’t teaching your kids about business

The problem?

While parents and society think it’s “good enough” for kids to get pity purchases on their cute businesses, we don’t. We believe kids are capable of more.

These businesses rob kids of the first and most important lesson of business and entrepreneurship: Give people what they want and will pay for it.

School and society’s expectations are not enough to give your kids the skills and confidence to face tomorrow’s challenges.

THE launchpad FORMAT

Here’s what kids will experience by building a competitive business

01

Solve Real World Problems

Leaders are experts at spotting problems and building solutions. We train kids on this muscle by challenging them to think deeply about what problem they are solving, for which customer profile, and how to differentiate against competitors or alternatives.

Kids are expected to build businesses that meet adult entrepreneur standards. The real world doesn’t care about age.

Sakiel sold $1 / min massages to attendees at his mom's conference and made $750 over the weekend!

02

Ambitious Goals paired with Real-World Action and Feedback

Kids are protected by textbook theory and coddled by sugar-coated feedback until they graduate college. Putting your ideas out there and creating something new is supposed to be hard.

That’s why we set the ambitious goal of making $500 and getting 50 customers.

We want kids to fail, hit roadblocks, and realize they are doing it wrong - then figure out why, pivot, and try again.



Our students have risen to the challenge and realized their potential. We know your kid is limitless, do you?

03

Role Models that raise the bar

Our instructors all have 5+ years of teaching experience but have also built businesses or led startups.

At Launchpad, kids learn from role models they look up to and want to become and mentors who have done it before, not those who learned how to teach the topic.

04

Like-minded Peers

In the age of the internet, AI, and quickly evolving tech innovations, new graduates today need to be competitive at a global standard. Yet, kids are rarely exposed to ideas or people beyond their local communities.

Your kid won’t just learn how to build a business- they will join a global community of driven and curious students. The community inspires and exposes each other to ideas that expand what kids think is possible for their future.

Launchpad ACHIEVEMENTS

REAL-WORLD SKILLS REAL-WORLD OUTCOMES

Millie
Launched a Halloween popup to sell DIY costume kits.
Matthew
Created an AI-generated space coloring book business.
Sharvie
Started a custom sticker business focused on unique design.
Leonidas
Started service-based business for seniors.
Jean Paul
Launched an on demand custom apparel business.
Lahna
Launched a healthy dog treat business for her neighborhood.
OUR PORTFOLIO

REAL BUSINESSES MADE BY OUR STUDENTS

Ethan
LAUNCHPAD '24

Ethan is revolutionizing the board game market with his innovative titles, "Mise, if you dare... attack" and "Path of Doom," designed to offer unique and engaging gameplay experiences.

Kayla Mc Nern
LAUNCHPAD '24

Kayla launched a dog bandana business with diverse designs to ensure that every dog, from the tiniest to the largest, can sport a fashionable bandana.

Parker Chowning
LAUNCHPAD '24

Parker designed and offered personalized storybooks about pets using AI to create unique narratives that are then printed into cherished keepsakes and gifts.

Alicia
LAUNCHPAD '23

hosted free game nights at the Cupertino Library, Cherry Blossoms Festival, and Bay Area Makers Fare, where customers could try her games and buy and rent. Alicia built a 500-person email list!

Faris
LAUNCHPAD '22

Found a niche by introducing a U.K. and USA-exclusive PRIME flavors to Canada, quickly turning a profit of $700 in under a month through unique market insight.

Matthew
LAUNCHPAD '23

Created diverse and seasonal coloring books for kids with AI, offering more options and better quality. Successfully achieved 34 sales in less than 1 month.

Testimonials

EXPERIENCE PROGRESS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE

Revenue Generation

The business challenge taught my partner and I how to create a product people would pay for and how to market it effectively. We made over $300 and were able to raise money from the pitch competition for more ads.

Xavier O.
Age 10
Learned to fail

We launched a business selling affirmation jars because we felt a lot of people struggled with mental health and sometimes need positive boosts. We struggled a lot and learned a lot about what it takes to be successful.

Eleonora S.
Age 12
Taking Action

Our company focused on lifestyle templates and fidget toys, curated to modern day trends. Through this challenge we created a website and a brand and tried to sell through our family and friends. It was challenging but we still made 16 sales!

Mireya H.
Age 11
SKILLS THAT MATTER

OUR PROGRAM FOCUSES ON KEY SKILLS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Selling

Present your vision and ideas so well that they are not only heard but move people into action.

Confidence

Learn to use your voice and share your ideas without fear. It's about turning "I think I can" into "I know I did."

Clear communication

Speak and write in a way that's easy to understand but hard to ignore. Make your point without confusing anyone.

Financial Literacy

How to manage money wisely, whether it's keeping track of spending or making sure you're making a profit.

Creative Problem-Solving

How to diagnose and come up with new ideas when tough problems come up.

Resilience

See challenges as chances to grow stronger. Bounce back from setbacks, not by avoiding them, but by facing them head-on.

THE PROGRAM

THIS IS WHAT CHALLENGING YOUR KID LOOKS LIKE

99% of kid-run sales are pity purchases

Kids often start with selling to family - aunts, grandparents, neighbors. It's a start, but it misses the mark. True business learning comes from selling outside the family comfort zone. It comes from mastering positioning, persuasion, and navigating the real world of business.

Build a business that pays the bills, not allowances

Lemonade stands teach supply and demand, sure. But it's time for a paradigm shift. Push kids to think big and build businesses that stand the test of time. We emphasize critical thinking, market research, and financial planning, all aimed at creating businesses that can sustain not just a hobby, but a livelihood.

SESSIONS

NOT A THEORY COURSE, BUT A  PRACTICAL
PROGRAM TO DEVELOP SKILLS FOR LIFE

Session 1
Launchpad

This is where we lay the groundwork, inspire with real success stories, and challenge students to think like entrepreneurs.

Outcome
Learn business fundamentals, distinguishing between products from services, and understand how to come up with business ideas that solve a unique problem.

Deliverable
Ideation list of problems students choose to focus on.

Session 2
Building What People Want

This is where ideas grow teeth. Students brainstorm with purpose, refining their initial problem brainstorms into viable business ideas. Students learn about market research and the 4P’s of Marketing (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion). They'll understand what makes a business stand out.

Outcome
Identify, research, and validate standout business ideas that fill a market gap with clear differentiation.

Deliverable
Come up with top 3 business ideas with clear differentiations.

Session 3
Building the MVP

Dive into the essentials of creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Students will learn how to transform their validated business ideas into tangible, testable prototypes, focusing on core functionalities that meet customer needs. Students will build out a budget, inventory plan and marketing materials for their finalized idea.

Outcome
Understand the MVP concept and have their top idea approved.

Deliverable
Finalized business idea and inventory plan.

Session 4
Making Your First Sale

Who's buying? This session focuses on understanding the target customer and building the sales pitch. Students create detailed customer profiles and craft pitches tailored to these personas with a clear story. Real sales start with knowing your audience.

Outcome
Master the essentials of sales, test and refine your pitch through feedback, and record a polished sales pitch.

Deliverable
Record a sales pitch and have a plan to make first sale with marketing assets including a poster and company logo.

Session 5
Iteration, Iteration, Iteration

Students will learn about the importance of adapting to customers. Students will test their sales strategies, gather real feedback, and use it to refine their approach. This session is about learning from actual sales experiences.

Outcome
Apply sales techniques to practical scenarios and receive feedback on your sales approach.

Deliverable
Ideation Action plan to achieve first milestone of $250 in sales.

Session 6
Tactical Review

Reflect, learn, adapt. Students share their experiences, identifying what worked and what didn't. The focus is on using these insights to develop better strategies and overcome obstacles. Students will be introduced to the Demo Day.

Outcome
Review progress, analyze sales, and craft a strategic action plan to achieve $500 in sales based on shared experiences and data insights.

Deliverable
A plan to increase sales to $500.

Session 7
Demo Day Preparation

Pitching isn't just talking; it's convincing. Students prepare to present their business ideas to investors, focusing on their story with any challenges faced.

Outcome
Learn the art of crafting a persuasive investor pitch with peer feedback on key components like problem statement and solution.

Deliverable
Create and record an investor pitch deck.

Session 8
Demo Day (Showtime)

The big reveal. Students present their polished pitches to BUILD investors. It's more than a presentation; it's the culmination of their hard work, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Outcome
Top students showcase their entrepreneurial and persuasion skills by delivering pitches to investors.

Deliverable
Deliver a standout pitch on Demo Day.

Coaching available
throughout  program

Students will have various opportunities for 1-on-1 time with our Instructors and Startup Advisors to get feedback on their plans.

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Session 2
Building What People Want

This is where ideas grow teeth. Students brainstorm with purpose, refining their initial problem brainstorms into viable business ideas. Students learn about market research and the 4P’s of Marketing (Product, Price, Place, and Promotion). They'll understand what makes a business stand out.

Outcome
Identify, research, and validate standout business ideas that fill a market gap with clear differentiation.

Deliverable
Come up with top 3 business ideas with clear differentiations.

Session 4
Making Your First Sale

Who's buying? This session focuses on understanding the target customer and building the sales pitch. Students create detailed customer profiles and craft pitches tailored to these personas with a clear story. Real sales start with knowing your audience.

Outcome
Master the essentials of sales, test and refine your pitch through feedback, and record a polished sales pitch.

Deliverable
Record a sales pitch and have a plan to make first sale with marketing assets including a poster and company logo.

Session 6
Tactical Review

Reflect, learn, adapt. Students share their experiences, identifying what worked and what didn't. The focus is on using these insights to develop better strategies and overcome obstacles. Students will be introduced to the Demo Day.

Outcome
Review progress, analyze sales, and craft a strategic action plan to achieve $500 in sales based on shared experiences and data insights.

Deliverable
A plan to increase sales to $500.

Session 8
Demo Day (Showtime)

The big reveal. Students present their polished pitches to Launchpad investors. It's more than a presentation; it's the culmination of their hard work, skills, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Outcome
Top students showcase their entrepreneurial and persuasion skills by delivering pitches to investors.

Deliverable
Deliver a standout pitch on Demo Day.

READY TO TRANSFORM YOUR IDEAS INTO REALITY?

Let's dive into the thrilling world of business and entrepreneurship.

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TUITION

TRY Launchpad RISK-FREE

GIFT YOUR CHILD A LIFE-LONG
ADVANTAGE:

  • Gain new-found confidence from launching a real business with paying customers
  • Receive personalized coaching, mentorship, and feedback from people who care and believe in them
  • Join a motivating and inspiring community of like-minded peers expanding their worldview
  • Build foundational skills and mindsets to tackle any challenge in the future
SUMMER
FALL
Tuition
Summer Program

Pay 2 installments of

$495
USD
Choose From
2-week or 4-week program
Tuition
fall Program

Monthly installments of

$450
USD
  • Starts in September
  • Meets once per week
  • 90-minute session
100% MONEY BACK GUARANTEE

If after 3 sessions of Launchpad you’re not completely satisfied with the experience, get a 100% refund. To be eligible for the refund, students must:

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  • Complete all required work by each deadline
  • Attend all 3 sessions
  • Join our global community of peers and mentors
UPCOMING START DATES

CHOOSE THE TIME THAT BEST FITS YOUR SCHEDULE

2 Weeks
4 Weeks
Summer program
mon to fri • 120min session
MON-WED-FRI • 120 MIN SESSIONS
100% Online
2-Week Program
July 8-19
Mon - Fri • Sessions
Choose From:
11am - 1pm ET
4-Week Program
JULY 8–31
MON-WED-FRI • Sessions
Choose From:
1:30pm-3:30pm ET or 6:30pm–8:30pm ET
4-Week Program
AUG 5–28
MON-WED-FRI • Sessions
Choose From:
1:30pm-3:30pm ET or 6:30pm–8:30pm ET
FAQs
common
QUESTIONS FROM PARENTS
What happens in a session?

Meet The COACHING team

Hasina Shain Daya
Program Director

Hasina has 10+ years of work experience on four continents and in thirteen countries supporting and leading young entrepreneurs and working with kids through NGOs. She runs a successful e-commerce business in North America and Europe, an Airbnb business in London, and operates a micro-lending program in Uganda.

JP Guerra
Program Director

JP is the definition of someone who has built a portfolio career. He has worked as a content creator for one of the best esports teams in the world, a professor at the best-ranked university in Portugal, a business owner of a best-selling Leopard Gecko business, and built a YouTube and TikTok channel with millions of views. JP shares his zest for life and a deep curiosity for what the world has to offer. He leads by example and is the role model who shows kids that you can do anything you put your mind to.

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