A professional network for app leaders
Don't Just Launch,
Learn to LEAD
Lead your app development the Up Coast way, with support, purpose, and lasting impact.
Up Coast Leaders is a professional network for both technical and non-technical aspiring app founders and leaders who want to build thoughtfully, connect genuinely, and grow together. Business can be human and still professional.
A professional network for app leaders
At Up Coast, our founder knows talent doesn’t recognize borders or bank accounts.
It’s in those who push boundaries, take bold risks, and work relentlessly to build something meaningful.
Building an app is an act of courage, leading it is a craft you can learn.
Don't Just Launch,
Learn to LEAD
Lead your app development the Up Coast way, with support, purpose, and lasting impact.
Up Coast Leaders is a professional network for both technical and non-technical aspiring app founders and leaders who want to build thoughtfully, connect genuinely, and grow together. Business can be human and still professional.
Shared way of thinking
Up Coast Leaders isn't another noisy Slack or generic founder group. It's a group of people who share a common mental model for product work.
Community over competition
No ego, no flexing. This is a place for honest questions, thoughtful feedback, and mutual support from people who’ve been where you are.
Long-term growth
Up Coast Leaders is designed for people building careers, businesses, and ideas over time, not chasing quick wins or hype.
Clarity over chaos
So what is Up Coast Leaders anyway?
Up Coast Leaders is a learning-centered professional network for app leadership, whether you're the leader or you're working closely with someone else.
Leadership here isn't about people, it's about the product you're working on. It means:
Knowing why you're doing something
Being able to explain it
Making decisions others can trust
Up Coast Leaders is a space for understanding how decisions get made across product, design, engineering, and business, without hype or noise, and with the full support of a collaborative group of like-minded people.
What Members Get
The Up Coast Leaders network offers ongoing discussion, study pods, resources, live sessions, and optional deeper learning as your work evolves.
Support that compounds over time
Access grows through participation, contribution, and trust. There are no pressure-based upsells or artificial tiers. The network evolves with the people in it and we are all here to help each other.
Core FREE Access
Slack → Where it all happens, the Up Coast Leaders Slack community for ongoing discussion and connection.
Beta courses → Early access to new courses while they’re still being shaped, with a chance to give feedback that directly improves them.
Accountability pods → Gentle peer groups to share progress, stay on track, and celebrate wins.
Async Q&As → Monthly group sessions where Abbey answers questions gathered from Slack ahead of time in order to provide thoughtful responses to the topics coming up most.
Learning archive → Growing collection of past Q&A's and materials you can refer back to anytime.
Resource library → Practical tools, checklists, and templates members actually use and share.
Beta app access → Early try-outs of new tools and apps being built in the community.
App leadership chatbot → Quick, reliable help drawing from the shared foundational knowledge and patterns the community relies on.
* The items above are available to Up Coast Leaders members for free.
Advanced Access
Small self-paced courses → Short, focused courses on single topics designed to give you the wins you need when you need them.
Advanced live and self-paced courses → Deeper dives into specific areas of app leadership for members ready to go further.
Live webinars and workshops → Live sessions on topics that keep coming up in Slack or async Q&As, giving space to explore them fully with real conversation.
Work project templates → Ready-to-use setups for organizing and tracking app work in a way that makes sense for non-technical leaders.
App strategy workbook → A step-by-step guide you can work through at your own pace to turn an idea into a clear plan.
Live Q&A sessions → Open time to ask anything about your idea or process, answered directly and without judgment.
1-1 consults → Personal time with Abbey to talk through your specific situation and next steps.
App starter repos → Clean starting codebases you can hand to developers (or AI) without starting from scratch.
User behaviour by demographic → Research summaries on how different groups actually use apps.
* The items above are available to Up Coast Leaders members either on a pay per item basis or as part of a coaching package. Prices are yet to be determined and will change periodically.
As I build this community my strategic plan for the network includes everything above
...although most things are not yet build.
As an early member of Up Coast Leaders, you will get to help prioritize what gets added first!
15+
Years of Experience
2K+
Happy Children
25+
Learning Programs
30+
Experienced Educator
Start with the foundation
How to get access to the Up Coast Leaders Network
Up Coast Leaders is intentionally built around learning first. Access to the network only happens through participation and learning. There are currently two options to choose from:
You can gain access via participating in the FREE live 6-week course, From Passion to Product: The Complete App Strategy Course, which is taught via online meetings.
or via attending an in person workshop, such as the 1 day Passion to Product App Strategy Workshop for Indie Devs being held at this year's Swift Rockies iOS conference in the Rocky Mountains, Canada.
The course and workshop establish the shared framework, language, and way of thinking that makes the network work. By learning together first, members enter the network aligned and prepared to contribute meaningfully.
After completing the course, participants become part of the Up Coast Leaders network and continue their journey alongside other alumni.
This approach ensures the community stays thoughtful, supportive, and grounded in the same principles, without gatekeeping based on money or status.
Meet Abbey and Up Coast Digital Products, Inc.
Hi 👋, I am Abbey Jackson and I started my company, Up Coast, to make a real impact.
Hi 👋, I am Abbey Jackson and I started my company, Up Coast, to make a real impact.
The company behind Up Coast Leaders
A Different Way to Build in Tech,
The Up Coast Way
I built Up Coast Digital Products, Inc. as a for-profit company and a social venture because I wanted to create work that could support me sustainably while genuinely helping others, without all the red tape that surrounds a non-profit.
Up Coast exists to empower inclusive app and software leadership through generous, actionable education. The company is built on the belief that high-quality learning should be accessible regardless of financial barriers, and that shared growth and kindness are not at odds with running a real business. Profit matters here because sustainability matters but profit is not the point.
What drives this company is a community-first model rooted in trust, long-term relationships, and a “help first, monetization later” philosophy. I am not building Up Coast to scale quickly or sell. I am building a small, enduring company that I intend to run and work in for a long time, where value is created by investing in people without pressure, obligation, or gated access to core knowledge.
That generosity-first ethic extends beyond education into how the company operates. Up Coast has an aspirational commitment to hiring and training local talent in the Comox Valley, with a focus on creating pathways into high-paying remote tech roles for people who might not otherwise have access. In rural communities, opportunity in tech often flows inward rather than growing locally. Up Coast is designed to counter that pattern by prioritizing community-first hiring, on-the-job training, and long-term skill development.
My own career, spanning disability, health disruptions, and senior roles across engineering and product leadership, shapes how this company works. Up Coast avoids hype, rigid formality, and extractive tactics in favor of clear thinking, practical guidance, and human-centered systems that respect people’s lives as much as their ambition.
Up Coast Digital Products, Inc. is built on a simple founding ethic: providing value should never feel manipulative or transactional. This company exists to prove that it is possible to build a sustainable business that supports its founder, serves its community, and helps others grow, without compromising on integrity.
Meet Your Instructor
Up Coast Leaders is more than a training program; it’s a two-part mission: You're here to build a great app. I’m here to help you become a great app leader.
I know that many early founders and aspiring software leaders don't have access to the guidance they need, especially people from underrepresented backgrounds and those below a certain income threshold. I know, because I've lived it
Years ago, when I was a mid-30s part-time nanny on disability, I had an app idea, but I had no idea where to start. That curiosity led me deep into engineering, product management, and software leadership. Working across product agencies, startups, and companies like Intel, Mastercard, and Rivian, I've had the unique experience of not specializing.
Instead, I have worked on mobile apps, websites, SDKs, and even SaaS products, across finance, security, automotive, R&D, tooling, and general consumer products. Along the way, I learned that building a great product isn’t just about having a great idea, it’s about knowing how to lead the process from start to finish.
I know that many early founders and aspiring software leaders lack access to the guidance they need to succeed, especially those from backgrounds that aren’t well-represented in tech and those under a certain income threshold. I know that because I’ve lived it.
Years ago, when I was a mid-30's part-time nanny on disability, I had an app idea, but I had no idea where to start. That curiosity led me deep into engineering, product management, and software leadership. Working across product agencies, startups, and companies like Intel, Mastercard, and Rivian, I've had the unique experience of not specializing.
Instead, I have worked on mobile apps, websites, SDKs, and even SAAS products, across finance, security, automotive, R&D, tooling, and general consumer products. Along the way, I learned that building a great product isn’t just about having a great idea, it’s about knowing how to lead the process from start to finish.
I was incredibly lucky back then that a bank manager took a chance on me and absolutely changed my life forever by giving me a $5000 loan for coding bootcamp tuition, even though I had no demonstrable way of paying it back. He saw my potential and decided to believe in me. I know most people in that kind of position do not get that chance and I don't think it's fair that tech education is so highly gated by income. This is why both the entry course and the Up Coast Leaders network are free. The more diversity of culture, gender, and income we have in tech, the better our industry will be.
I built the From Passion to Product course and workshop to help more people step into app leadership, especially those who might not see themselves there yet. That means teaching the skills that actually matter so you know how to create products the right way without burning out yourself or your team. Because the industry doesn’t just need more apps, it needs better leadership, stronger teams, and a more sustainable way to work.
I built Up Coast Leaders so that passionate people like you don’t have to figure the rest out all out alone.
I was incredibly lucky back then that a bank manager took a chance on me and absolutely changed my life forever by giving me a $5000 loan for coding bootcamp tuition, even though I had no demonstrable way of paying it back. He saw my potential and decided to believe in me. I know most people in that kind of position do not get that chance and I don't think it's fair that tech education is so highly gated by income. This is why both the entry course and the Up Coast Leaders network are free. The more diversity of culture, gender, and income we have in tech, the better our industry will be.
I built the From Passion to Product course and workshop to help more people step into app leadership, especially those who might not see themselves there yet. That means teaching the skills that actually matter so you know how to create products the right way without burning out yourself or your team. Because the industry doesn’t just need more apps, it needs better leadership, stronger teams, and a more sustainable way to work.
I built Up Coast Leaders so that passionate people like you don’t have to figure it all out alone.
All-in-One Educational Method
We combine academics, play, creativity, and social-emotional learning in one well-rounded program designed to prepare children for future success.
Safe and Supportive Learning Environment
Our facilities are designed with safety in mind, giving parents peace of mind while children enjoy a secure space to explore, learn, and grow.
Targeted Individualized Learning
Every child learns differently. Our teachers focus on personalized attention, ensuring each child progresses at their own pace with encouragement and support.
Testimonials
What Parents Are Saying
Parents trust us because they see real progress in their children. From stronger social skills to improved confidence and a genuine love for learning, here’s what families have to share.
“The engaging activities not only keep my son entertained but also help him grasp new concepts quickly. His confidence has grown, and he now looks forward to school every day!”
Jane Doe
Mom of a Preschooler
“I’ve tried other programs, but this play school truly stands out. It balances fun and education perfectly, and my daughter has developed stronger reading and social skills.”
Jane Doe
Stay-at-Home Mom
“This program gave my child the perfect start. The teachers are patient, kind, and truly invested in the kids’ growth. I’ve seen incredible progress in her problem-solving skills.”
Jane Doe
Expecting Mom
“The learning environment is outstanding. My son feels happy, safe, and engaged every day. The blend of play, creativity, and learning is exactly what children need at this age.”
Jane Doe
Parent
Why Choose Us
Frequently Asked Questions
We provide more than just childcare—we create a nurturing environment where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Our play-based programs balance fun, creativity, and education, giving every child the tools to grow with confidence and curiosity.
1. What age groups do you accept?
We welcome children from 6 months to 6 years, with programs tailored to each developmental stage for balanced growth and learning.
2. What is your learning philosophy?
We believe children learn best through play, curiosity, and imagination, combining creativity with structured guidance to build lifelong skills.
3. Are your teachers qualified?
Yes — all our educators are certified early childhood professionals with years of experience nurturing confident, curious learners.
4. How do you ensure my child’s safety?
Safety is our top priority. We maintain secure facilities, supervised classrooms, and trained staff to provide a safe, caring environment.
5. Do you provide meals and snacks?
Yes, we serve fresh, balanced, and nutritious meals daily to support healthy growth and lifelong good eating habits.
6. What makes your program different?
Our approach blends academic readiness with hands-on play, helping children learn through real-world experiences, not rote memorization.
7. How do you communicate with parents?
We share weekly updates, photos, and progress reports, and our teachers are always available for discussions or feedback.
8. How can I enroll my child?
Simply visit our Contact page or call us. We’ll guide you through registration and help schedule a visit to our school.