Fueling Innovation on Purpose

What would happen if your teachers had the freedom to dream, the autonomy to try, and the resources to make it happen?

On a recent podcast, Randy Brunk, former Head of School at Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, and I talked about what it really takes for entrepreneurship to flourish in a school. We kept circling back to three essentials: freedom, autonomy, and resources.

Freedom and autonomy are powerful — but without resources, even the best ideas stall out. Randy knew this, so he built a solution right into the school’s DNA: the Teacher Innovation Fund. During certain campaigns, 10% was set aside — a kind of “tithe” dedicated to innovation.

There was a definitive process, too — an actual grant application form that created just enough friction to weed out half-baked ideas. If a teacher wasn’t willing to put in the work, their idea wasn’t ready. But for those who did, the rewards were transformative.

This fund helped launch the Leaning Eagle Coffee Bar, the CHCA Food Symposium, and the CHCA Teaching Kitchen — which went on to spark several student-run businesses of its own. Each of these projects deeply engaged students, created authentic learning experiences, and brought the entrepreneurial mindset to life in tangible ways.

When you intentionally fund innovation, you don’t just create opportunities — you build a culture where creativity thrives, and big ideas become reality.

Curious about the process, the projects, and how your school could do something similar?

FOUR STEPS TO LAUNCHING AN ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM

1. Select the teacher - I have a tool to help with selection

2. Identify between eight and twelve students for the pilot class

3. Train and certify the teacher - I have a program for this with curriculum included

4. Start the year-long class - Follow the plan and an on-campus business will be launched mid-year

After the launch, student interest will drive the future growth of the program. For more on the process, visit our website at https://www.seedtreegroup.com/

The future of education is bright indeed!