Colorado Springs location 📍
Empower Your Teen with Free Business Education
Colorado Springs is our main campus and the heart of the program. Every Tuesday, students receive expert instruction and dive into hands-on, project-based learning—starting real businesses and developing practical, lifelong skills in the process.
Schedule a call to learn more!
DESIGNED FOR HOMESCHOOL FAMILIES
LEARN & DEVELOP BUSINESS SKILLS
STUDENTS LAUNCH REAL BUSINESSes
Independence and Leadership Begin
with Real-World Skills
Here’s What Your Teen Will Learn About Business
Students will discover all the foundational skills they need to succeed in business. Plus, they’ll learn how to take control of their destiny and reap the rewards that business ownership offers.
Intro to Business
Learn how to set up a business, choose the right structure, and explore different types of businesses.
Creating a Product
Discover how to design and develop a market-ready product or service.
Sales & Marketing
Master the art of positioning your product or service and crafting effective marketing strategies.
Money & Financials
Understand how businesses generate revenue, manage expenses, and maintain financial health.
Building a Team
Learn how to hire the right people, define roles, and create a strong, cohesive team.
Scaling a Business
Explore what it takes to grow and expand your business successfully.
Our Program Offers a Dynamic Learning Environment for Future Professionals
Explore our 32-week program that blends expert-led instruction with flexible learning options. It’s the perfect structure for teens ready to thrive, focus, and build lasting skills in business and beyond!
Program Location
Mountain Springs Church
7345 Adventure Way
Colorado Springs, CO 80923
Program |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ProgramIn-Person - Colorado Springs |
Monday |
Tuesday8:30-9:00: Launch |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
School Calendar: We follow a traditional school calendar, starting August 19 and ending April 30; 32 weeks in length, six hours each week for a total of 192 hours.
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 Projects offer practical, hands-on opportunities to develop real-world abilities, including project management, public speaking, and business planning.
In-person students enjoy a 30-Minute Lunch Break to recharge and connect with peers.
The Three-Hour Learning Block is the core, expert led instruction, 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 can chose to be Hybrid and mix and match in-person and Live Digital to suit their unique schedules.
Plus, we encourage your teen to BRING A FRIEND! Starting your business journey can be daunting for some, but a friend/business partner can make all the difference in the world.
Why Homeschool Families Love Teen Business Academy
As a parent, you want your teen to grow into a confident, capable adult prepared for the real world, but traditional education doesn’t offer practical skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.
Free for colorado Families
Through Colorado’s homeschool laws, most residential homeschool students can enroll in this course at no cost.
Flexible Options
In-person, Live Digital, or Hybrid formats make it easy to integrate the program into your teen’s schedule.
REAL-WORLD SKILLS
Foster independence, creativity, and critical thinking while reinforcing integrity and hard work.
Hands-On Learning
Watch your teen immediately apply what they’ve learned to create real results they can take pride in.
Character development
To thrive as a confident and principled leader, your teen will develop strong character rooted in integrity, hard work, and a deep sense of community.
Mentorship
Expert guidance from seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve been there, done that, and are excited to share their wisdom.
Here’s What Parents Are Saying
Fall 2025 Program Guide & Curriculum
Download the Fall 2025 Program Guide & Curriculum for more information about the program.
Detailed Curriculum
Meet The Team
Chris Coughlin
Founder
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.
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 main campus is in Colorado Springs at Mountain Springs Church, with two Hybrid Project Pod locations in South Denver and Northern Colorado. We also plan to incorporate 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?
While the program includes engaging projects and instructor/peer feedback to build business skills, there is no mandatory 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 will 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.
How are the learning blocks structured?
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
