San Diego Business Mentorship
for Neurodiverse & Autistic Adults
A new path to financial independence for those who think differently
A structured, one-on-one business mentorship here in San Diego, built specifically for neurodiverse and autistic adults. We provide the hands-on technical skills and personal, real-world guidance that clients and their families need to achieve true financial independence.
Our mission is to transform their unique, deep passions into thriving, independent businesses, building a career path that finally fits them, not the other way around.
Is a "Job" Not the Right Fit?
You're not alone. Many parents in San Diego come to me after traditional job programs have failed. They say, "My autistic child can't hold a job," or "They are so smart but hate their work."
They are worried about their child's future, and "autistic burnout" has become a part of their daily life.
Maybe you're an autistic adult yourself, and you're just tired. Tired of pretending at work (masking), tired of environments that cause sensory overload, and tired of feeling like your special interest is just a "hobby."
There is Another Path. It's Simpler Than You Think.
What if your child (or you) didn't need to find a "job"? What if they could be their own boss?
We help autistic adults turn their unique passions into a real, profitable business. And yes, this is a service that the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) can often pay for through the Self-Determination Program (SDP).
Our program is structured specifically for the SDP, which gives you the power to choose the exact services you need—from providers you select. You don't need to know the official terms. You just need to know that you're looking for help for your autistic adult's future. We can help you navigate this.
My Story is Proof That Your Story is Just Beginning.
There is a profound loneliness in feeling invisible—of being present, but completely unseen. I know this because I have lived it. For years, I felt like I was born with a map to a world no one else could read.
This video is the story of turning that pain into purpose. It’s about the moment the fear of being invisible was finally overcome by the need to be seen. It’s about realizing that our unique minds don't need to be fixed; they need to be understood, celebrated, and empowered.
I share my journey not to impress you, but to offer tangible proof that hope is real and a fulfilling, joyful life is possible. Your path is your own, but you don't have to walk it alone.
If you're ready to stop worrying about the future and start building it, you've found a guide who already knows the way.
The Unfair Advantage
From Misunderstood to Unstoppable
For too long, the world has viewed a different way of thinking as a challenge to be managed. I see it as an unfair advantage waiting to be unleashed. The intense focus, the unique logic, the unwavering commitment to a passion—these are not obstacles. These are the foundational traits of the world's greatest innovators and entrepreneurs.
CaliMinds Launchpad was created from this profound belief. We don't try to change how you think. We provide the tools, the trust, and the unwavering support to help you channel your unique mind, building a business and a life that is authentically, powerfully, and independently yours.
My Story, Your Hope
My Journey Is My Mission
My mission with CaliMinds Launchpad is not a career; it is a promise. A promise born from a journey that I never would have chosen, but that ultimately became my greatest gift.
I know the profound loneliness of being on the outside looking in because I am an autistic entrepreneur myself.
I was born with a map to the world that no one else could read. I wasn’t just a quiet kid; I was an outsider in my own life. At seven, I was asked to leave my private school, not because I was a bad child, but because my internal logic was a language they didn’t speak. The silence that followed was deafening. For years, my mind was a prison of words I couldn't arrange. Even at fifteen, communication was a fog of heartbreaking mistakes. I would wish someone "congratulations" at a funeral. Each error was another brick in the wall between me and the world, leaving me feeling hopelessly, permanently broken.
And then, one day, the quiet broke.
A decision ignited in the silence; I would stop waiting for the world to build a path for me, and I would burn my own. It was a terrifying choice that went against every self-protective instinct I had. But the pain of staying the same had finally become greater than the fear of change.
That fire became a wildfire.
I didn't just catch up; I soared. I went from the bottom of my class to the top—not because I suddenly became smarter, but because for the first time, I had a powerful reason: to prove them all wrong. That boy who struggled with one language taught himself to speak four. And at seventeen, I poured my passion into my first business—a bustling internet and gaming cafe, back in the late 90s when many had never even touched a computer. It was more than a business; it was my declaration of independence.
That single decision was the first step on a journey that led me to a life they told me was impossible.
Today, I am the owner of multiple successful businesses. I am happily married and a father to two beautiful children. I found love. I built a family. I created a life filled with a joy and understanding I never thought was possible.
I created CaliMinds Launchpad to be the mentor I so desperately needed all those years ago. I am not here to offer sympathy. I am here to offer proof.
Proof that your unique mind is not a life sentence of struggle, but a superpower waiting to be unleashed.
I am here to be your partner as you forge your own path, to help you unleash your incredible strengths, and to build a life defined not by limitations, but by your own purpose.
Because no one can understand the potential of an autistic entrepreneur better than one who has lived it.
Sam Fawaz
The CaliMinds Difference: Our Philosophy
My ability to guide founders to success is built on three pillars: Lived Experience (My Unfair Advantage), Professional Certifications & Commitment, and Skill-Based Technical Expertise. As an autistic entrepreneur who has successfully navigated this exact path, I don't just teach strategies; I understand the internal journey, communication styles, and unique strengths of a neurodiverse mind—an insight no traditional program can offer.
Our Guiding Principles:
Lived Experience, Not Just Theory: Our mentorship is grounded in real-world success. We provide strategies that are proven to work for neurodiverse minds because they were built by one.
A Focus on Strengths, Not Deficits: We don't see deficits; we see superpowers. We identify the client's unique gifts—be it intense focus, pattern recognition, or deep knowledge—and build the entire business strategy around them.
True Independence as the Ultimate Goal: Our mission is to make ourselves obsolete. Every skill, system, and strategy is designed to empower the founder to a point where they can confidently run their business entirely on their own.
Google Career Certificate: Google Digital Marketing & E-commerce
Gemini AI Certified Educator: Professional Certificate by Google for Education
Google Certificate: Build, Launch, and Manage E-commerce Stores
University of Colorado: Managing ADHD, Autism, Learning Disabilities, and Concussion in School
CPD Certified: Assisting Older Adults With Autism
Specialization: AI for Business: Branding, Creative Content, and Marketing
CPD Diploma: Diploma on additional needs
The Founder's Program: A Detailed Look
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The Founder's Program: A Detailed Look *
The Founder's Program: A Detailed Look
A Step-by-Step Journey to Vocational Independence through Supported Self-Employment
The Founder's Program is a comprehensive, six-month, one-on-one mentorship with a structured curriculum. This is not a passive course; it's an active, hands-on partnership. We meet in person each week to build tangible vocational skills, confidence, and a fully operational business.
Phase 1: Foundation & Vision (Months 1-2)
This is where we build the bedrock. We go deep to uncover the "why" behind a passion and transform it into a business concept with a powerful mission. We'll define the ideal customer and craft an authentic brand story.
Key Outcomes: A completed 1-page business plan, a defined brand identity, and a clear mission statement.
Phase 2: Digital & Creative Mastery (Months 2-4)
We build the entire digital world from the ground up. This is pure, hands-on skills training. The founder will learn and master:
Content Creation Coaching: One-on-one training in photography and video, mastering the art of creating captivating Reels, TikToks, and YouTube content that tells your story.
Strategic Social Media: How to use Instagram and TikTok not just to post, but to build a loyal community and generate real business exposure.
Targeted Digital Advertising: How to build and manage smart ad campaigns on Google and social media that find your perfect customers without wasting a dollar.
Website Design & SEO Services: We will build your website together, step-by-step, and implement foundational SEO so the world can find you.
Using AI for Small Business: We harness the power of AI to streamline your work, making you faster, smarter, and more efficient.
Key Outcomes: A fully launched professional website, a portfolio of digital content, and demonstrated proficiency in social media and marketing tools.
Phase 3: Launch & Lifelong Independence (Months 4-6)
We prepare the founder for the real world of business. They will learn and practice:
Confident Client Connection: How to find, talk to, and onboard new clients with a confidence that comes from knowing your true value.
Business Management Systems: We set up simple, sustainable systems to manage your projects, finances, and communications without overwhelm.
The Independence Roadmap: We create a clear plan for you to not just run, but confidently grow your business long after our program concludes.
Key Outcomes: The founder's first client outreach, a fully implemented business management system, and a 12-month growth plan.
Your Local San Diego Business Coach
My personal, one-on-one mentorship is available to clients and families across all of San Diego County. While I am based in Poway, I provide hands-on, in-person autism business coaching and neurodiverse coach services where you are. I proudly work with neurodiverse entrepreneurs and their families, meeting you in your community.
This includes dedicated neurodivergent support for clients in Poway, La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley, and throughout the surrounding North County San Diego communities. This local approach to vocational support allows us to work together in the real world, whether at your home, a local park, or a co-working space. It is the most effective way to provide autism employment services that are tailored, tangible, and perfectly suited for San Diego families, including those navigating the SDRC Self-Determination Program.
Our Process: How We Work Together?
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Our Process: How We Work Together? *
Our Process: How We Work Together
A Clear Path Forward
Step 1: The Discovery Call/Meeting
Our journey begins with a free, no-pressure 30-minute call/Meeting. This is purely for us to connect, for me to hear your story and your goals, and for us to see if we are a good fit. There is no sales pitch.
Step 2: The Strategy Session
If we decide to move forward, we'll have our first in-person "Foundation Session" at a local coffee shop or co-working space. We'll map out your initial goals and create the personalized roadmap for your six-month program.
Step 3: Weekly In-Person Mentorship
The core of the program consists of our weekly 4-hour, in-person sessions. We can meet at your home office, a rented co-working space, or out in the community for real-world projects (like a photoshoot). This is our dedicated time for hands-on learning and building.
Step 4: Continuous Support
My support doesn't stop when our session ends. You'll have access to me via text and email for questions, feedback on your work, and encouragement throughout the week.
Step 5: Launch & Long-Term Partnership
After the six-month program, you will officially launch your business. But our relationship doesn't have to end. I am committed to being your long-term partner, offering continued mentorship or management services as you grow
A Partnership for the Long Haul
Our Commitment Doesn't End at Launch
My ultimate goal is your independence, but my support doesn't have an expiration date. Launching your business is the beginning of a new chapter, and I am committed to being a part of your journey for as long as you need. Our partnership can evolve to provide you with the exact support you need to thrive long-term.
Continued Support Options:
Ongoing Mentorship: We can continue with monthly check-in sessions to navigate new challenges and brainstorm growth strategies.
Project-Based Support: Need help launching a new product or running a big ad campaign? I can step in as your trusted partner.
Full-Service Management: If you discover your true passion is creating, not marketing, I can offer full-service management of your digital presence, acting as your dedicated business partner so you can focus on what you do best.
A Message for Our Partners
For Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Your unique mind is your greatest asset. This program is a safe space to be exactly who you are, while building the skills and confidence to turn your passion into your profession. This is your chance to build a life on your own terms.
For Parents & Guardians: You are searching for a long-term plan for your autistic adult and need career help for your adult child with autism. You want to see them achieve financial independence and avoid the common autistic burnout from work. Our program is the path to that future.
For Service Coordinators: You are looking for a reliable provider to help clients achieve their IPP Goal for Self-Employment. Our Founder's Program is a structured vocational support for Self-Determination service that makes billing easy for your client's FMS. We provide the expert SDRC Self-Employment Support your clients need.
Let this be the sunset on worry
A new day of purpose is on the horizon
Your Future Starts Now
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
The first step is a simple, no-pressure conversation filled with understanding and possibility. I invite you—whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a hopeful parent, or a Regional Center coordinator—to schedule a complimentary discovery call. Let's talk about your goals and see if this is the right path for you.
Contact Us
Your questions, Answered
Making the decision to invest in a future of independence is significant. It’s natural to have questions, and I want to answer them with complete transparency. Here are some of the most common things that parents and aspiring entrepreneurs ask.
Question 1: How does funding work? (SDRC Self-Determination Program & Supported Self-Employment)
That's an excellent and important question. Currently, I am not an official vendor, but becoming one is my top priority, and I am actively in the process with the SDRC.
The great news is that for clients in the Self-Determination Program (SDP), my services are available for funding right now. The SDP empowers you to choose the best providers for your unique goals, even if they aren't vendored. I work directly with your Financial Management Service (FMS) for billing, which is a very straightforward process.
So, I have two clear pathways for families: immediate access for SDP clients, and I am working diligently to open access for all other SDRC clients through vendorization. I am happy to walk you through exactly how this works on our discovery call.
Question 2: What are good Business Ideas for Autistic Adults?
That is perfectly okay, and in fact, it’s the ideal starting point. The entire first phase of my program is dedicated to this beautiful process of discovery. I don't expect a business plan; I only need a spark of passion. Together, we work to explore their deepest interests, unique skills, and natural talents to find the viable, exciting, and fulfilling business concept hidden within.
Question 3: My child has significant social anxiety. How does the in-person mentorship work?
This is a core part of my program's design. My mentorship is strictly one-on-one, creating a safe, low-pressure, and predictable environment. I am not a group class. Every session is tailored to the individual's comfort level and needs. I can meet in a quiet home office, a private co-working space, or a calm park. The entire process is built on patience and trust, ensuring your child feels seen and supported, never overwhelmed.
Question 4: What if I have no business or marketing experience at all?
You don't need any. The only prerequisite for this program is a passion you are willing to explore. My job is to provide all the structure, strategy, and technical skills. I will guide you through every single step, from registering your business name to launching your first ad campaign. Your passion is the engine; I'm here to help you build the car around it.
Question 5: Is this therapy?
While my work together is deeply therapeutic and confidence-building, it is not therapy. I am a mentor and a skills coach, not a licensed therapist. My focus is squarely on the practical, tangible steps of building a business and achieving professional independence. I work in parallel with, and in full support of, any clinical therapy a client may be receiving.
Question 6: What kind of support is available for us, the parents?
I see parents and guardians as essential partners in this journey. You are part of the team. While the one-on-one sessions are confidential to build trust with the founder, I offer optional, complimentary monthly check-in calls for parents. This is our time to discuss progress, celebrate wins, and ensure we are all aligned in supporting your child's path to independence.
Question 7: What are the real, tangible outcomes of the program?
Beyond the invaluable growth in confidence and independence, every founder will complete the program with a full toolkit of tangible business assets. This includes: a professionally designed and launched website, established social media channels with a content strategy, a portfolio of high-quality photos and videos, a clear client outreach script, and a foundational business plan. They will not just have an idea; they will have a real, functioning business.
Question 8: How is this funded? (SDRC Self-Determination Program)
The Founder's Program is a premium, all-inclusive mentorship, and I believe in discussing the investment openly and personally. I cover the full details during our free discovery call, which allows me to first understand your unique goals and for you to understand the profound, lifelong value of the partnership. The program is specifically structured to be eligible for funding through the SDRC's Self-Determination Program.
Question 9: How do you measure and report on client progress?
I believe in clear, measurable outcomes. Progress is tracked against the specific goals outlined in Phase 1. At the end of each month, I provide an optional summary for parents and service coordinators (with client consent) that details the skills acquired, milestones achieved (e.g., "Website Launched," "First Client Inquiry Received"), and the plan for the upcoming month.
Question 10: Can the San Diego Regional Center (SDRC) help pay for this?
Yes, this is very common. My program is structured to be paid for using your Self-Determination Program (SDP) budget. The SDP was created to give you the freedom to choose the best providers, even if they aren't on the traditional "vendor" list. If you are in the SDP, your FMS (Financial Management Service) can pay me directly from your approved budget. I can walk you through this simple process.
Question 11: My autistic son/daughter can't seem to hold a job. How is this different?
This is not a job-finding program. Traditional jobs often fail autistic adults by forcing them into environments that lead to autistic burnout. I do the opposite. Instead of fitting your child into a "job," I help them build a business around their specific passion or special interest. This gives them control over their environment, their schedule, and their future.
Question 13: What if my child (or I) has no business ideas?
You don't need one. You only need a passion. My entire first phase is dedicated to exploring that special interest—whether it's gaming, art, history, or coding—and finding a viable, exciting business idea hidden within it. I'm not looking for business plans; I'm looking for passion. I will handle the "business" part.
Question 14: What do I say to our SDRC coordinator? This all sounds complicated.
It's not. You can make it very simple. You can tell your coordinator, "I am looking for small business support for my child" or "I want to add a goal for 'Supported Self-Employment' to my IPP." If you are in the Self-Determination Program, you can simply state that you have found a provider (Caliminds Launchpad) that you want to use. I am happy to talk to you or your coordinator to explain how I help clients achieve their IPP goals.
Question 15: I'm an autistic adult who wants to be my own boss, but I'm not good with marketing or "people skills."
This program is designed for you. As an autistic entrepreneur myself, I built this program specifically because I understand this. You don't have to be good at everything. You just have to be good at your passion. I teach you the technical skills (like AI, websites, and social media) and provide the structured mentorship so you can run your business your way, without ever having to "pretend" again.
