https://launchpad.proximity.app/events/rss <![CDATA[Events]]> Events at my space. 2026-11-19T18:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Virtual Early-Stage Business Boot Camp]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20021

Eight sessions held twice weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays over four weeks from 12:00-1:00pm.

 Are you an aspiring or early-stage small business owner? The Early-Stage Business Boot Camp helps entrepreneurs look at all aspects of their business, explore the feasibility of a new business venture, and learn how to develop a viable business model.

 During this fast-paced, interactive, fun, and energizing program, attendees will discover the best practices, talk through real-life examples, and learn about valuable local resources designed to help small businesses grow. This multi-session Boot Camp is an accelerated program that helps build your foundational business knowledge and jumpstart your new business. This program was developed by the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University.

 Participants of the program will receive ongoing coaching and mentoring to develop a growth plan and financial budget by the end of the program. Guest speakers and visiting entrepreneurs will bring their real-world experience to make the program topics come alive.

 This eight-session, group-based educational program provides future or early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners with:

• Business Resources Available

• Market Research and Analysis

• Market Identification and Sales

• Financial Management and Projections

• Marketing Channels and Reaching Customer Segments

• Building and Compensating Your Team/Hiring and Managing Employees

• Accessing Capital – Types and Sources

• Positioning Your Business for Growth

 

Attend All 8 Program Dates:

Session 1: Is Owning A Business A Good Fit For You? - July 7, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Session 2: Business Basics - July 9, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Session 3: Reaching Your Customers - July 14, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Session 4: Employees & Managing Relationships - July 16, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Session 5: Business Credit & Funding - July 21, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Session 6: Risk Management & Insurance - July 23, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Session 7: Financial Management & Cash Flow - July 27, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Session 8: Recordkeeping & Tax Planning - July 30, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

]]> 2026-07-07T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Entrepreneur Burnout: Building a Business Without Losing Yourself]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/19976
Recognizing burnout signals, setting healthy boundaries, time management, and sustaining energy for the long haul.

 

]]> 2026-07-28T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Traction Studio AI - On Demand]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20140
Traction Studio AI is a self-paced startup traction platform that combines AI-powered intelligence, stage-appropriate tools, and expert services to help founders move from idea to traction. Whether you're figuring out what to build or testing whether customers will pay, the platform gives you guidance on what to do next, the right tools to execute, and real human expertise when you need it. Built by Codefi Foundation, Traction Studio AI is designed for founders who are resourceful and ready to move but need structure — not another generic tool. AI intelligence surfaces competitive insights, synthesizes customer discovery patterns, and tells you when you've validated enough to move forward. Integrated tools like the Business Canvas Builder and Validation Tracking keep your work organized. And when you need hands-on help, services like customer Discovery, vibe-coded prototypes, and managed sales are there to accelerate your progress. Eligible Missouri founders get free access thanks to generous grant funding. Open enrollment — start anytime, work at your own pace Free first project for eligible Missouri founders]]> 2026-08-01T12:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Intro to Vibe Coding]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20022

Intro to Vibe Coding is an introductory workshop designed for anyone curious about building with AI. This workshop provides a fast-paced, hands-on introduction to vibe coding and the practice of using AI as a development partner to build functional software without a traditional coding background.

What You'll Learn

Vibe Coding Essentials The core mindset and approach to building with AI. Understand how vibe coding works, what it can produce, and how it differs from traditional software development. No coding experience necessary.

Practical Prompt Techniques Learn the key patterns for communicating with AI tools effectively. Develop the foundational prompting skills that drive reliable output — the same techniques used across every course in the AI Skills track.

Rapid Prototyping Basics Experience building something functional in hours, not weeks. Participants work through a guided prototyping exercise that demonstrates what is possible with AI-assisted development — even on day one.

]]> 2026-08-05T16:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[AI Masterclass]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20141
AI Master Class is a six-week advanced training program designed for experienced developers and engineers ready to fully integrate AI into their professional development practice. The course goes beyond introductory AI concepts to deliver deep, hands-on expertise across AI-powered development environments, complex application architecture, and advanced AI integration patterns. Participants will work within industry-leading IDE agents and build production-ready applications with real infrastructure. The program emphasizes practical application at every stage, with all coursework producing production-grade output aligned to real-world development standards. **What You'll Learn** **IDE Agents & AI Assistants** Master Cursor, Windsurf, Copilot, and other AI-powered development environments for maximum productivity. Learn how to pair with AI across your full development cycle — from architecture decisions to debugging to deployment. **Complex Application Architecture** Build production-ready applications with databases, APIs, authentication, and deployment pipelines. Structure projects that scale, not just projects that demo well. **AI Integration Patterns** Implement RAG, function calling, multi-agent systems, and other advanced AI capabilities. Move beyond basic prompting into the integration patterns that power real AI-native products. Duration: 6 Weeks, 2 Hours per Week, Total of 12 Hours of Instruction]]> 2026-08-06T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Intro to AI for Business]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20023

AI for Business Pros is an introductory course designed to help professionals understand and confidently use artificial intelligence in their everyday work. This course provides a clear, non-technical overview of what AI is, how it works, and why it matters in today’s business environment.

Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating AI into daily tasks, including writing, research, communication, and productivity workflows. The course also explores effective prompting techniques and how to use personas to generate more accurate, relevant, and high-quality outputs.

Through guided examples and hands-on practice, learners will discover how to use AI tools to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance decision-making. By the end of the course, participants will feel equipped to apply AI confidently and responsibly in real-world business scenarios.

What You'll Learn

AI Platforms & Tools for Your Role A practical overview of the AI platforms available today and how to evaluate which ones fit your specific work. No exhaustive tool reviews — just the ones that matter for what you do, with guidance on when and how to use them.

Prompting for Professional Output Learn how to communicate with AI tools to get reliable, useful results. Develop the prompting skills that turn AI from a novelty into a consistent part of how you work — writing, analysis, research, communication, and decision support.

Applying AI to Your Day-to-Day Work Identify the specific tasks and workflows in your current role where AI produces immediate efficiency gains. Every application covered is tied directly to the work you are already doing — not theoretical use cases or generic examples.

**August 6 AND August 13, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

]]> 2026-08-06T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[AI Made Simple: Your New Free Employee]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20142
Ever wonder what all the AI buzz actually means for *your* business? This session cuts through the noise and gives you a plain-language breakdown of what AI really is — no tech background required. We'll walk you through free tools you can start using today, then run a live demo showing how tools like ChatGPT and Claude can write a product description, draft a social post, or brainstorm a promotion idea in seconds. You'll see it happen in real time. From there, we'll spend time on the skill that makes AI actually useful: writing good prompts. Think of it like giving instructions to a new hire — the clearer you are, the better the result. We'll show you exactly how to do it. You'll leave with 3–5 free tools you can open before lunch is over, plus the confidence to actually use them. We'll wrap up with a live Q&A so you can get answers to the questions specific to your business.]]> 2026-08-11T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Successful Business Financial Management]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/19476

Gain hands-on insights into key financial management techniques for small businesses. Delve into crucial aspects such as effective bookkeeping, loan application strategies, and optimizing cash flow. Put the practices in place to support your business's success.

]]> 2026-08-12T16:45:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Intellectual Property for Entrepreneurs]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20143
Do you have intellectual property that you’d like to protect? Join SEED Law for a business law workshop that highlights strategies to develop and use IP as a branding tool that increases your business’ competitiveness. We’ll work through the foundations of intellectual property, how to leverage IP to grow your bottom line, and how to protect your intellectual property in a global marketplace. This program is offered in partnership with SEED Law, LLC.]]> 2026-08-12T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[QuickBooks® Online Essentials: Avoiding Common Mistakes]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20144
QuickBooks® Online is a powerful tool, but many business owners struggle to keep their books accurate and organized. This session will highlight common mistakes that cause confusion, reporting errors, and bookkeeping headaches. Topics include chart of accounts setup, bank feed management, transaction categorization, reconciling accounts, handling owner draws, sales tax tracking, invoicing workflows, understanding key financial reports, and setting proper user controls. Participants will learn simple practices to keep their QuickBooks® file clean, accurate, and useful for making informed business decisions. This program is offered in partnership with Justine PETERSEN.]]> 2026-08-13T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Find Your First Customers: Low-cost Marketing That Works]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/19979

Practical tactics for building an audience from scratch, social media, referrals, local networking, and email.

]]> 2026-08-17T20:30:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Traction Studio AI - On Demand]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20145
Traction Studio AI is a self-paced startup traction platform that combines AI-powered intelligence, stage-appropriate tools, and expert services to help founders move from idea to traction. Whether you're figuring out what to build or testing whether customers will pay, the platform gives you guidance on what to do next, the right tools to execute, and real human expertise when you need it. Built by Codefi Foundation, Traction Studio AI is designed for founders who are resourceful and ready to move but need structure — not another generic tool. AI intelligence surfaces competitive insights, synthesizes customer discovery patterns, and tells you when you've validated enough to move forward. Integrated tools like the Business Canvas Builder and Validation Tracking keep your work organized. And when you need hands-on help, services like customer Discovery, vibe-coded prototypes, and managed sales are there to accelerate your progress. Eligible Missouri founders get free access thanks to generous grant funding. Open enrollment — start anytime, work at your own pace Free first project for eligible Missouri founders Learn more: codefiworks.com/traction-studio-ai Sign up: app.tractionstudio.ai Learn fast. Build right. Gain traction.]]> 2026-09-01T13:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Never Stare at a Blank Page Again: AI for Your Marketing]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20146
Marketing your business takes time you don't have. This session is built entirely around the tasks small business owners struggle with most — social media posts, email newsletters, event flyers, and seasonal promotions — and shows you how AI can take them off your plate. We'll walk through how to use AI to generate a full week's worth of social media content in 15 minutes, write an email blast for an upcoming sale, and come up with catchy slogans and campaign ideas on the spot. You'll see it done live, start to finish. But the real game-changer? Making AI sound like *you*. We'll cover how to give AI your voice — your tone, your personality, your way of talking to customers — so the content it generates doesn't come out feeling generic or copy-paste. When you do it right, your audience won't be able to tell the difference. You'll leave with prompts you can use immediately and a repeatable process for creating marketing content faster than ever before. We'll close with a live Q&A so you can get answers specific to your business, your industry, and your customers.]]> 2026-09-08T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Business Law Considerations for Second Stage Businesses]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20147
“Second stage” businesses are those that have moved beyond the startup phase, have proof of concept, and are ready to grow. Legal support for second stage businesses involves more curated support. Join SEED Law for a business law workshop on second stage business considerations, such as scaling, working with partners and receiving investments. This program is offered in partnership with SEED Law, LLC.]]> 2026-09-09T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[How to Prepare a Winning Loan Application]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/19980

Step-by-step walkthrough of what lenders need - business plans, financial projections, credit, and collateral.

]]> 2026-09-23T20:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Intro to Vibe Coding]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20024

Intro to Vibe Coding is an introductory workshop designed for anyone curious about building with AI. This workshop provides a fast-paced, hands-on introduction to vibe coding and the practice of using AI as a development partner to build functional software without a traditional coding background.

What You'll Learn

Vibe Coding Essentials The core mindset and approach to building with AI. Understand how vibe coding works, what it can produce, and how it differs from traditional software development. No coding experience necessary.

Practical Prompt Techniques Learn the key patterns for communicating with AI tools effectively. Develop the foundational prompting skills that drive reliable output — the same techniques used across every course in the AI Skills track.

Rapid Prototyping Basics Experience building something functional in hours, not weeks. Participants work through a guided prototyping exercise that demonstrates what is possible with AI-assisted development — even on day one.

]]> 2026-09-28T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Traction Studio AI - On Demand]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20149
Traction Studio AI is a self-paced startup traction platform that combines AI-powered intelligence, stage-appropriate tools, and expert services to help founders move from idea to traction. Whether you're figuring out what to build or testing whether customers will pay, the platform gives you guidance on what to do next, the right tools to execute, and real human expertise when you need it. Built by Codefi Foundation, Traction Studio AI is designed for founders who are resourceful and ready to move but need structure — not another generic tool. AI intelligence surfaces competitive insights, synthesizes customer discovery patterns, and tells you when you've validated enough to move forward. Integrated tools like the Business Canvas Builder and Validation Tracking keep your work organized. And when you need hands-on help, services like customer Discovery, vibe-coded prototypes, and managed sales are there to accelerate your progress. Eligible Missouri founders get free access thanks to generous grant funding.
Open enrollment — start anytime, work at your own pace Free first project for eligible Missouri founders Learn more: codefiworks.com/traction-studio-ai Sign up: app.tractionstudio.ai
Learn fast. Build right. Gain traction.]]> 2026-10-01T13:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Get 5 Hours Back: AI for the Tasks You Don't Enjoy Doing]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20150
Some of the most time-consuming work in running a small business has nothing to do with your actual product or service. It's the emails, the paperwork, the scheduling, the job postings — the administrative grind that eats up your day before you've had a chance to focus on anything else. This session is built around that work. We'll show you how AI can handle routine email responses, organize inventory lists, summarize long documents, build employee schedules, and write job postings that actually attract the right people — all in a fraction of the time. We'll also cover three areas where small business owners often get stuck: drafting internal policies, responding to online reviews (the glowing ones and the tough ones), and writing professional-sounding replies to vendors and partners. You'll see exactly how to use AI to handle each one with confidence. You'll leave with a clear picture of which tasks on your daily list you can hand off to AI starting tomorrow. We'll close with a live Q&A so you can ask questions specific to your business, your team, and the situations you actually deal with.]]> 2026-10-13T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[AI Masterclass]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20151
AI Master Class is a six-week advanced training program designed for experienced developers and engineers ready to fully integrate AI into their professional development practice. The course goes beyond introductory AI concepts to deliver deep, hands-on expertise across AI-powered development environments, complex application architecture, and advanced AI integration patterns. Participants will work within industry-leading IDE agents and build production-ready applications with real infrastructure. The program emphasizes practical application at every stage, with all coursework producing production-grade output aligned to real-world development standards. **What You'll Learn** **IDE Agents & AI Assistants** Master Cursor, Windsurf, Copilot, and other AI-powered development environments for maximum productivity. Learn how to pair with AI across your full development cycle — from architecture decisions to debugging to deployment. **Complex Application Architecture** Build production-ready applications with databases, APIs, authentication, and deployment pipelines. Structure projects that scale, not just projects that demo well. **AI Integration Patterns** Implement RAG, function calling, multi-agent systems, and other advanced AI capabilities. Move beyond basic prompting into the integration patterns that power real AI-native products. Duration: 6 Weeks, 2 Hours per Week, Total of 12 Hours of Instruction]]> 2026-10-27T17:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Traction Studio AI - On Demand]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20152
To learn more, please click [here](https://app.tractionstudio.ai/users/sign_up/founder?__woopraid=AbnmvNC2IbtO&__woopraid=AbnmvNC2IbtO). Traction Studio AI is a self-paced startup traction platform that combines AI-powered intelligence, stage-appropriate tools, and expert services to help founders move from idea to traction. Whether you're figuring out what to build or testing whether customers will pay, the platform gives you guidance on what to do next, the right tools to execute, and real human expertise when you need it. Built by Codefi Foundation, Traction Studio AI is designed for founders who are resourceful and ready to move but need structure — not another generic tool. AI intelligence surfaces competitive insights, synthesizes customer discovery patterns, and tells you when you've validated enough to move forward. Integrated tools like the Business Canvas Builder and Validation Tracking keep your work organized. And when you need hands-on help, services like customer Discovery, vibe-coded prototypes, and managed sales are there to accelerate your progress. Eligible Missouri founders get free access thanks to generous grant funding. Open enrollment — start anytime, work at your own pace Free first project for eligible Missouri founders Learn more: codefiworks.com/traction-studio-ai Sign up: app.tractionstudio.ai Learn fast. Build right. Gain traction.]]> 2026-11-01T14:00:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Marketing Your Business]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/19477

Learn the basics of marketing and what helps small businesses get noticed. This workshop covers effective use of social media,  brand basics and simple advertising ideas. You will work on a basic marketing plan and gain practical tools to better connect with your customers.

]]> 2026-11-18T17:45:00+00:00 <![CDATA[Holiday Hustle: Let AI Help You Survive Your Busiest Season]]> https://launchpad.proximity.app/20153
The holiday season is the most important stretch of the year for small businesses — and one of the most overwhelming. This session is timed specifically to help you go into it prepared. We'll cover how to use AI to write gift guides, build social media countdowns, draft Small Business Saturday promotions, and plan flash sales without starting from scratch every time. You'll see how to batch-create holiday content so your posts, emails, and promotions are ready to go before the rush hits — and you're not glued to your phone in December. We'll also walk through the customer touchpoints that build loyalty during the holidays: writing thank-you messages for your best customers, creating gift certificate descriptions that actually sell, and crafting the kind of seasonal content that makes your business feel personal and intentional. And because the holidays also mean stepping away, we'll cover the preparation side — writing out-of-office replies, drafting store hours announcements, and using AI to help think through staffing needs so nothing falls through the cracks. You'll leave with a holiday content plan, ready-to-use prompts, and a lot less stress about the next three months. We'll close with a live Q&A so you can get answers specific to your business, your customers, and your busiest season.]]> 2026-11-19T18:00:00+00:00