LemonTree helps young entrepreneurs transform bold ideas into successful businesses through micro-grant funding, mentorship, and access to a supportive community of innovators.
Every great company started with one idea and one person who believed in it.
Every world-changing company began with a simple idea and someone willing to take a chance on it. Today, thousands of talented young entrepreneurs have innovative ideas but lack the funding, mentorship, and opportunities to bring them to life.
LemonTree was created to become that first believer. We invest in young founders, provide mentorship, and help transform bold ideas into businesses that make a lasting impact.
Every successful business starts with one opportunity. Our simple five-step process helps young entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into thriving businesses—and inspires them to empower the next generation of founders.
LemonTree empowers young entrepreneurs ages 12–18 who have the courage to dream, the determination to build, and the passion to make a difference. Whether you’re launching your first business, developing an innovative product, or creating a social venture that benefits your community, we’re here to help turn your idea into reality.
Selected businesses receive LemonTree grants ranging from $50 to $500, along with mentorship, guidance, and encouragement from a student-led review board and experienced professionals. As their ventures grow, they become part of the LemonTree community where today’s founders inspire and support tomorrow’s innovators.
If your idea can make a difference, LemonTree wants to help you take the first step.
LemonTree is more than a grant program, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of entrepreneurs. We combine youth-focused seed funding with mentorship from experienced professionals, practical finance and entrepreneurship education, and a supportive community that grows alongside every founder. Our mission doesn’t end with helping young entrepreneurs launch their first venture. As they succeed, they are encouraged to mentor, inspire, and invest in future founders, creating a continuous cycle of innovation, leadership, and impact.
We don’t just invest in businesses, we invest in young people with the courage to build them.
Every successful business starts with a single idea. LemonTree’s Funding Ladder is designed to support young entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. As founders achieve new milestones, they can become eligible for additional funding, mentorship, and recognition helping them grow their businesses while inspiring the next generation of innovators.
Funding: $50 – $200
Perfect For: First-time founders with a new business or social venture idea. Funds can be used for materials, prototypes, websites, branding, or first inventory.
Funding: $200 – $350
Perfect For: Founders who have launched, generated early sales or measurable impact, and are ready to grow. Funding supports marketing, equipment, inventory, software, or expansion.
Funding: $350 – $500
Perfect For: Proven youth-led ventures with consistent sales or strong community impact that need capital to reach the next level. Funding can support hiring, production, technology, or entering new markets.
Every successful entrepreneur starts with someone who believes in their potential. Whether you’re a young founder with a bold idea, an experienced professional eager to mentor, or a supporter who wants to create opportunities, there’s a place for you at LemonTree.
Together, we can help young entrepreneurs turn ideas into businesses and businesses into lasting impact.
Collaborate with LemonTree to expand opportunities for young innovators
Every successful entrepreneur started with an idea and someone who believed in them. These inspiring founders began their journeys as young innovators and, through mentorship, funding, and determination, built businesses that changed industries and communities. Their stories remind us that age is never a barrier to creating meaningful impact.
Ben created his first successful mobile app while still in high school in Australia. His early success attracted investors and mentors, allowing him to later found Simulate, a food technology company focused on sustainable products.
Impact
Lesson
Early opportunities can launch a lifetime of innovation.
Michael Dell began buying and upgrading computers while still in high school. At age 19, he started his business from his University of Texas dorm room with $1,000 in startup capital. Early customers and supporters enabled him to grow Dell into one of the world’s leading technology companies.
Impact
Lesson
Big companies often begin with small ideas and someone willing to take a chance.
While still in high school, Nick developed Summly, an app that summarized news articles. At age 15, he raised approximately $300,000 from prominent investors. Two years later, Yahoo acquired the company for an estimated $30 million.
Impact
Lesson
Age should never limit great ideas or ambitious founders.
Started selling lemonade at age 4 after being inspired by her great-grandmother’s recipe and a desire to help protect bees. At age 11, she secured a $60,000 investment from Daymond John on Shark Tank, which helped expand her business into major retailers including Whole Foods.
Impact
Lesson
A simple idea, combined with mentorship and early funding, can grow into a nationally recognized brand.
At age 9, Moziah began sewing bow ties with help from his grandmother. He appeared on Shark Tank at age 12 seeking investment. Although he didn’t receive funding, Daymond John became his mentor, helping him grow the company into a nationally recognized fashion brand.
Impact
Lesson
Sometimes the right mentor is even more valuable than the first investment.
At age 14, Fraser started making jam using his grandmother’s recipe. With early mentorship and support, SuperJam grew into a nationally recognized brand sold in major UK supermarkets, making him one of the country’s youngest successful entrepreneurs.
Impact
Lesson
Great businesses often begin at home with a simple idea, encouragement from a mentor, and the courage to start.
