FREE Homeschool Enrichment Program
Unlock Your Teen’s Fullest Potential
Teen Business Academy is a Colorado Nonprofit designed to empower your teen with the tools to lead with confidence and purpose in life—for FREE!
DESIGNED FOR HOMESCHOOLERS
LEARN & DEVELOP
BUSINESS SKILLS
STUDENTS LAUNCH
A REAL BUSINESS
Independence and Leadership Begin with Real-World Skills
As a homeschool parent, you want your teen to grow into a confident, capable adult prepared for the real world. But traditional education often skips the practical skills needed to thrive in today’s economy. Teen Business Academy bridges that gap by teaching teens how to think like entrepreneurs and take ownership of their future.
Why Homeschool Families Love the Teen Business Academy:
Teen Business Academy is designed with homeschoolers in mind, offering:
- Flexible Options: In-person, online, or hybrid formats make it easy to integrate the program into your teen’s schedule without disrupting your homeschool routine.
- Real-World Skills: Foster independence, creativity, and critical thinking while reinforcing integrity and hard work—values that matter most to homeschooling families.
- Hands-On Learning: Watch your teen immediately apply what they’ve learned to create real, tangible results they can take pride in.
- Free for Most Families: Through Colorado’s homeschool laws, most homeschool students can enroll in this course at no cost.
“Finally, a curriculum that blends seamlessly with homeschooling schedules and values while equipping teens for success in the real world!” Homeschool Parent, Katherine C. (Colorado Springs, CO)
Success Stories:
Many successful entrepreneurs started young, when there is less risk involved. Whether launching a basketball camp or doing odd jobs, teens learn resilience and financial skills that open doors for life. For example, Mano Watsa’s small backyard basketball camp now trains 15,000 players annually. You never know what may come from a simple idea!
Here’s What Your Teen Will Gain:
- Character Development: Develop strong character rooted in integrity, hard work, and a deep sense of community responsibility to thrive as a confident and principled leader.
- Mentorship: Expert guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve been there, done that, and are excited to share their stories and lessons.
- A Clear Path Forward: By the end of the course, your teen will either have a business up and running or know exactly how to launch one confidently when the time is right.
Program Structure
In-Person Schedule:
- Tuesdays:
- 8:30-9:00: Morning Launch
- 9:00-12:00: Workshops
- 12:30-3:00: Learning Block
Synchronous Online Schedule:
- Tuesdays:
- 8:30-9:00: Morning Launch
- 9:00-12:00: Learning Block
- Thursdays:
- 8:30-9:00: Morning Launch
- 9:00-12:00: Workshops
Program Details
The Morning Launch sets the tone for the day with energizing team-building activities, problem-solving puzzles, and light physical/mental exercises to promote focus and motivation.
The Three-Hour Learning Block includes live instruction led by expert teachers, covering essential business topics such as business formation, finance, and marketing. Lessons are structured using the Pomodoro Method (25-minute focused sessions followed by 5-minute breaks) a scientifically proven method to maximize productivity and retention.
Students enjoy a 30-Minute Lunch Break to recharge and connect with peers.
The Workshops offer practical, hands-on opportunities to develop real-world abilities, including project management, public speaking, and business planning. Workshops incorporate the Pomodoro Method to keep students engaged and productive.
The Synchronous Online Program offering is designed specifically for remote students, providing an interactive, real-time learning experience that mirrors the engagement of in-person classes. By leveraging advanced technology, students can collaborate, connect, and actively participate in a dynamic virtual environment.
The program is 32 weeks in length, 6 hours each week for a total of 192 hours.
Students can mix and match in-person and synchronous online to match their schedules.
There are projects, field trips, and on-demand instruction throughout the program but never any mandatory homework.
Plus, we encourage your teen to BRING A FRIEND! Starting your business journey can be daunting, but a friend/business partner can make all the difference in the world.
Program Location
In-Person Location
Mountain Springs Church
7345 Adventure Way
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Synchronous Online
(Via Interactive Zoom Class)
What students will learn
We believe everyone should at least explore owning their own business. Of course, it is not for everyone, but it should be explored before deciding. The potential lifestyle and financial rewards are tremendous, all while having control of your destiny.
Intro to Business
Creating a Product
Sales & Marketing
Money & Financials
Building a Team
Scaling a Business
Fall 2025 Program Guide
Download the Fall 2025 Program Guide for more information about the enrichment program.
I first met Chris (founder of Teen Business Academy) when he coached one of my sons almost 20 years ago. We became immediate friends and eventually business partners. I love the idea of Chris combining his passion for coaching, impacting the next generation and entrepreneurship.
Vance Brown
Co-Founder of The Classical Academy, Bear Trap Ranch and Exponential Impact
Chris has a brilliant mind for business and is able to see what others can’t see. Every time I speak with him I walk away with a new way of looking at our business challenges. Whenever I need a fresh idea or out of the box thinking, I go to Chris!
Mano Watsa
Owner of PGC Basketball
Transform education into real-world success
Traditional education often falls short in preparing students for the challenges of entrepreneurship, putting them at a disadvantage.
Teen Business Academy bridges this gap, equipping students with the real-world skills they need to thrive.
By the time a student finishes the program they will:
Meet the team
Chris Coughlin
Founder, Teen Business Academy
Michigan State University
Chris Coughlin is passionate about equipping teens with the tools, confidence, and entrepreneurial mindset to chart their own path in life. As the founder of Glazier Clinics, established in 1996, Chris has built one of the largest football coaching platforms in the country, training over 60,000 coaches annually. His leadership extends far beyond sports, having coached or advised more than 100 small businesses and founders over the course of his career.
A lifelong coach and mentor, Chris has dedicated over a decade to coaching varsity football at The Classical Academy, in addition to leading numerous youth sports teams. His unique combination of business expertise and hands-on coaching experience fuels his commitment to inspiring young people to think creatively, lead confidently, and achieve their full potential.
Chris’s work with Teen Business Academy reflects his deep belief in the power of entrepreneurship and mentorship to transform lives and communities.
We are proud to partner with Education reEnvisioned BOCES to provide a unique, state-authorized program tailored specifically for homeschool families in Colorado that want the freedom to explore innovative educational experiences.
Our program is publicly funded, which means students who join the Teen Business Academy must not be enrolled in any other public education programs in Colorado, including traditional K-12 schools, charter schools, or state-run programs. Students participating in public school programs may join by paying tuition.
Zach Crabill
Student Success Director
Liberty University School of Law
Zach Crabill is a Colorado Springs attorney, entrepreneur, and alongside his wife, Kate, a dedicated homeschool parent of two children. He joined Teen Business Academy driven by his deep passion for mentoring young people and equipping them with the tools to thrive personally and professionally.
A former homeschool student himself, Zach believes that homeschooling offers an ideal environment for fostering personal growth and independent thinking. His commitment to empowering students is evident in his leadership roles, including his work on local school board initiatives and his advocacy for innovative, student-centered education reform. These experiences naturally led him to TBA, where the mission to cultivate entrepreneurial and leadership skills in teens was an obvious match for his values.
At TBA, Zach is devoted to the personal and professional success of every student, walking alongside them every step of the way.
As an entrepreneur, Zach founded Av{ai}lable Law—a firm leveraging new tech to increase access to justice—and the Foundation for AI Integrity & Regulation (FAIIR), which develops ethical frameworks to harness AI’s transformative potential. These ventures reflect his commitment to innovation and creating meaningful solutions. This entrepreneurial spirit fuels his dedication to guiding TBA students toward their own meaningful achievements.
Reflecting on the value TBA offers, Zach says, “If I could go back and take a course like this, I would’ve been years ahead… and with hardly any risk!” This conviction drives his passion to make every student’s journey at TBA a transformative one.
Jack Bull
Teacher of Record
University of Arizona
Jack Bull is a dedicated educator with over 30 years of teaching experience in Colorado Springs and Arizona. Throughout his career, both he and his wife, Mimi, have devoted themselves to the power of education, firmly believing that guiding and inspiring young minds helps shape more vibrant, resilient communities.
Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Jack moved to Colorado in 2007 in search of a welcoming environment in which to raise his children. After a long and fulfilling tenure as a traditional classroom teacher, he has recently transitioned to a more flexible and innovative educational role. This shift has further reinforced his belief that learning should be personalized, hands-on, and open to a variety of formats and pathways. Recognizing that a single approach does not fit every student, Jack embraces the evolving landscape of homeschooling and hybrid learning communities.
As Teacher of Record for the Teen Business Academy, Jack is thrilled to help students discover their entrepreneurial spirit. He works closely with learners, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and self-confidence as they explore practical skills and real-world challenges. In this new chapter of his career, Jack remains committed to supporting the talents and passions of the next generation, preparing them to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Our Values
Character Development
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We empower students to develop strong moral character, ethical decision-making skills, and a dedication to integrity, inspiring them to lead with purpose and make a lasting positive impact in their personal and professional lives.
Financial Literacy
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We provide students with the financial knowledge, tools, and entrepreneurial mindset they need to understand and manage resources effectively, equipping them to make informed financial decisions and build sustainable businesses.
Community Impact & Responsibility
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Through engaging, real-world experiences, we teach students to solve problems ethically and contribute positively to their communities, fostering a sense of social responsibility and purpose-driven innovation.
Personal Growth & Self-Discipline
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We instill habits of self-discipline, accountability, and lifelong learning in our students, empowering them to approach every challenge with integrity, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions:
So, what is a “teen” business exactly?
At Teen Business Academy, we focus on businesses that teens can start with low risk and the potential for significant earnings. Examples include service-based ventures like lawn care or landscaping, mastering and selling a specific skill, or launching creative side hustles. Throughout the program, we’ll explore hundreds of business ideas and interview dozens of successful entrepreneurs, providing real-world insights and inspiration. In addition to entrepreneurial knowledge, students will develop character traits such as initiative, responsibility, and perseverance—essential qualities for success in both business and life.
What makes this course unique?
Unlike college programs that often focus on theory, this program emphasizes practical, hands-on experience. Students will learn from incredible, industry expert guest speakers—entrepreneurs who have built businesses from the ground up—and from lead instructor Chris Coughlin, who has started, invested in, and coached over 100 startups. By the end of the course, each student will have developed a business plan, built a website, and either launched a business or created a clear, actionable path to entrepreneurship. Along the way, they will also cultivate essential character traits such as resilience, responsibility, and confidence—skills that will serve them in all aspects of life.
Where will the instruction take place?
This isn’t your typical classroom experience! Our primary location is in Central/Northern Colorado Springs at Mountain Springs Church, but we also incorporate off-site visits/field trips to local businesses for hands-on learning and lessons from other successful owners. All times and locations will be communicated in advance to accommodate your family’s schedule.
Will there be homework?
What if my student doesn’t want to become an entrepreneur?
Even if your student doesn’t plan to start a business, this program offers valuable insights and skills. Understanding entrepreneurship fosters critical thinking, creativity, self-reliance, and character development—building a strong foundation for success in any path they choose, both personally and professionally.
Is this course only for teen-aged students?
Yes, this program is specifically designed for junior high and high school students, typically ranging from 6th to 12th grade. The curriculum is tailored to meet the developmental and educational needs of this age group, focusing on entrepreneurial skills, leadership, character development, and personal growth during these formative years.
Students’ siblings of any age may watch the online classes, though, and families have access to the on-demand online content anytime.
How is the program adapted for different grade levels?
At Teen Business Academy, our instruction is designed to be engaging and understandable for all ages. While all students learn the same foundational material, our expert instructors personalize the experience through age-appropriate group projects. Students are paired with peers of similar grade levels, and projects are tailored to ensure they can apply the lessons in ways that match their developmental stage. This ensures that every student, whether in 6th grade or 12th, can fully grasp the concepts and grow their entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
