How Would You Like to Start Your Own Business This Year?
Imagine if there was an educational activity that would…
- Transform you into a more resilient and confident person
- Equip you with high-demand skills employers are looking for
- Teach you practical things like money management and people skills
- Open your eyes to opportunities all around you (even in challenging times)
- Make you a prime candidate for merit scholarships to college
- Actually earn you money in the process (potentially a lot of money)
These are just some of the proven benefits of starting and running your own business as a young person, which we’ve observed after coaching 200+ students through the process.
It’s been amazing to see our students build businesses that are earning $500, $1,000, or even $2,000+ per month!
And through that experience, these students are transforming into more confident and capable versions of themselves – ready to face the future.
Made $5,000 in sales during her first 4 months.
$65,000 From Her Etsy Shop for Book Lovers
$1,500 In a Single Weekend
$50,000 in Revenue Before Turning Twenty
Step-by-step guidance from coaches who have built their own successful businesses
Accessible training videos that make starting a business feel doable
Regular coaching calls, plus review of all your assignments
Proven templates and business models that have worked for other students
Supportive community where you can ask questions at any time
All from a Christian perspective that values faithfulness over success
The business program includes four eight-week courses and a light summer session.
Spring 2025 | Feb – May
Course 1: Business Basics
8 Week Curriculum + Coaching Calls + Written Feedback
Learn the fundamentals of budgeting and financial tracking, business structures/models, and a non-scary introduction to taxes and regulations. Brainstorm business ideas and choose the most promising idea with expert guidance from successful entrepreneurs.
Course 2: Market Research & Launch
8 Week Curriculum + Coaching Calls + Written Feedback
Conduct market research for your chosen venture, nail down pricing and delivery of your product or service, develop marketing assets, build a launch list of prospective buyers, test-launch your business venture, and land your first paying customer.
Summer 2025 | Jun – Aug
Attend optional coaching calls and receive written feedback from your business coaches throughout the summer as you market your business and deliver your product/service. Some students may choose to take a break over the summer or do only light marketing.
Fall 2025 | Sep – Dec
Course 3: Marketing & Branding
8 Week Curriculum + Coaching Calls + Written Feedback
Take a deep dive into the fundamentals of marketing, branding, and networking. Polish your marketing message, create your ideal customer avatar, build your marketing funnel, and develop your 90-Day Marketing Plan.
Course 4: Managing Your Growing Venture
8 Week Curriculum + Coaching Calls + Written Feedback
With success comes new challenges: how to provide excellent customer service, handle complaints, pay your taxes, and stay out of legal trouble. In addition, it’s time to learn how to step back and conduct strategic review and planning for your growing venture.
Students work directly with seasoned entrepreneurs who have built their own successful businesses and have a heart for investing in the next generation.
CEO & Co-Founder
Brett Harris
Head Business Coach
Dr. Brian O'Rear
Business Coach
Becky kopitzke
Business Coach
Margaret mcgriff
How to Apply:
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Apply for the Business Program
What do I need to do to prepare for the call?
Make sure you are in a distraction-free environment with a pen and paper to take notes. Your parents are welcome to join you. This is a no-pressure call where you can ask questions and share about your entrepreneur journey and goals.
Is this just for students who already have entrepreneurial experience?
No. We work with any student who knows they want to run their own business and needs a viable path to get there — whether you’re unsure what kind of business you’d run or you’ve already run a business before. Motivation, teachability, and a willingness to work hard are more important than your level of business experience.
Is this just for students who also want to be writers?
No. In the past, the only way to access the Author Conservatory’s business program has been by enrolling in the full Author Conservatory, which is designed for authors and costs $39,960 over three years.
But in this new Business-Only Program, students can access just the business curriculum and mentorship for a fraction of the cost. We designed this program for any young person who wants to become an entrepreneur–whether they also want to be a writer or not!
Is there a limit to how many students you can take?
Yes. We can only take fifteen students in a class, so apply early if you’d like to be considered for one of our limited spots.
Can you work with students outside the United States?
Yes. We work with students from Australia, the U.K., New Zealand, Canada, and more. Please ask your Admissions Advisor for details.
I'm scared to make this decision.
We’re not asking you to decide yes or no today. We just want you to make a fully informed decision. That is all. The only way you can make a fully informed decision is on the other side of this call. After the call you can take time to pray about it, talk to your parents and mentors, and send us any follow-up questions. Fair enough?
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