New in-person location: Northern colorado 📍
Real Connection. Real Skills. Real Close.
You spoke, we listened.
Northern Colorado families wanted more in-person connection—so we’re expanding our Hybrid program to include weekly, in-person Project Pods every week in the Northern Colorado area!
What is a Project Pod?
A small group of Hybrid students who meet every Monday to bring their business ideas to life—working on real projects with real peers. It’s hands-on, collaborative, and confidence-building through mentorship and teamwork.
Schedule a call to learn more!
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.
Project Pod Details
Weekly Schedule:
All Digital students start the week with our Live Zoom core instruction every Tuesday from 8:30 to 12:00. This is where students learn key concepts that build the foundation for their weekly project work together.
Then, Northern Colorado students choose their Project Pod format and either:
• Stay Digital – Join our Thursday morning Live Digital Project Pod from 8:30 to 12:00 for guided collaboration and peer connection online.
• Go In-Person – Join a local, instructor-led Pod on Mondays from 9:30 to 12:30 to bring your projects to life through hands-on learning and real-world teamwork.
Why Project Pods Matter:
Project Pods help students turn ideas into action:
• Apply weekly lessons through guided, project-based work
• Collaborate with real peers on real-world ideas
• Build friendships, leadership, and social confidence through teamwork!
Want to Help Shape This?
Let’s chat! We’re coordinating directly with families to shape what comes next. Whether you’re:
• Ready to enroll your student in a local Pod,
• Connected to a possible venue, or
• interested in starting a Pod near you.
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:
When & where do Hybrid Pods meet?
Pods meet once a week from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Mondays (Northern Colorado) or Wednesdays (South Denver). While these days/times are standard, they may flex slightly based on venue availability and community needs.
is there any additional cost to attend?
No—attendance at one Project Pod per week (in-person or digital) is included at no cost as part of our publicly funded program for qualified Colorado Families.
How do we get started?
Complete the quick Enrollment Form on the site and let us know which Pod you want to join. Once you’re confirmed for a location, we’ll send full details and next steps for participation. No commitment required to fill out the form.
who leads the pods and how big are they?
Each Pod is led by a trained TBA instructor and designed for a small group of students to ensure collaboration and connection. In some cases, a trusted parent or volunteer may assist under staff supervision.
Can we stay fully digital—or mix & match?
Yes! Families may continue attending the Thursday Live Digital Pod via Zoom (8:30–12:00), or mix and match as needed. We encourage consistency, but we understand flexibility is key.
