Navigating Legal Challenges as an Education Entrepreneur, with ERC's Lynn Swanson

Starting a microschool or other innovative learning environment is about far more than curriculum and community. Founders also have to navigate a maze of zoning rules, fire codes, occupancy limits, licensing questions, and other regulatory hurdles that can make or break their schools. In this guest-hosted episode of the LiberatED Podcast, Education Entrepreneurship Lab senior contributor and Baker Creek Academy founder, Denise Lever, talks with Lynn Swanson, Chief Counsel, Education at Stand Together, about the organization's Edupreneur Resource Center (ERC) and how it helps education entrepreneurs tackle legal and compliance challenges before they become major problems. Lynn explains the ERC's free resources—including microcourses, state-specific compliance guides, checklists, and personalized coaching—and shares practical advice for founders facing inspections, regulatory questions, or enforcement actions. She also discusses the most common compliance pitfalls, why facilities issues are often the biggest obstacle for new schools, and how entrepreneurs can stay informed as rules evolve. Whether you're launching a microschool, hybrid homeschool program, learning pod, or other education venture, this conversation offers actionable guidance to help you navigate the legal landscape with greater confidence. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org. Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling, is available now wherever books are sold!