10 Inspiring Stories of Entrepreneurs Under the Age of 20

The power of youthful innovation in the entrepreneurial world has never been more evident than in these remarkable stories.

From as young as four, these individuals turned curiosity and passion into world-changing ventures, proving that age is no barrier to impact.

Each of these young entrepreneurs saw a gap, a problem, or a need and took action, transforming their visions into influential business ventures, technologies, and movements.

From lemonade stands to global tech empires, these journeys inspire aspiring entrepreneurs to dream big, start small, and dare to make a difference or challenge traditional norms.

Dive into these stories and discover how these successful young entrepreneurs are:

• Reshaping industries,
• Championing causes,
• And leading us into a brighter future.

1. Mikaila Ulmer's sweet start at age 4 – from a lemonade stand to a business empire

At just four years old, Mikaila Ulmer transformed a frightening experience into a flourishing enterprise.

After being stung by two bees in one week, her parents encouraged her to learn about bees rather than fear them. This research showed her the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem (and their alarming decline).

Around the same time, her great-grandmother sent a 1940s cookbook containing a special flaxseed lemonade recipe.

Inspired, Mikaila combined her newfound passion for bees with the family recipe, sweetening the lemonade with honey, and began selling it at a local business fair in Austin, Texas.

Her lemonade named Me & the Bees, quickly gained popularity.

By age nine, Mikaila secured a deal with Whole Foods Market, expanding her product's reach. In 2015, she appeared on the television show "Shark Tank," where she secured a $60,000 investment from Daymond John to support her growing business.

Today, Me & the Bees Lemonade is a success story. It's available in over 1,500 stores across the United States, including major retailers like Target and The Fresh Market.

2. Ryan Hickman's green mission begins at 7 – turning recycling into a passion and profit

At the age of three, Ryan Hickman accompanied his father to a local recycling center in Orange County, California.

This visit sparked a passion for recycling that led him to establish Ryan's Recycling Company in 2012. By distributing empty plastic bags to neighbors, Ryan encouraged them to save their recyclables for him, initiating a community-wide effort.

Over the years, Ryan's dedication has resulted in the recycling of nearly two million cans and bottles, significantly reducing waste destined for oceans and landfills.

His efforts have garnered international recognition, including features on major media outlets and accolades such as the 2017 CNN Young Wonder Award and being named San Juan Capistrano's “Citizen of the Year.”

In 2020, Ryan expanded his environmental impact by founding Project3R, a nonprofit organization focused on recycling education and environmental awareness.

Through this initiative, he leads beach clean-up events and educational programs, inspiring others to take action against pollution.

3. Alina Morse: a 7-year-old's solution to sugary snacks – inventing healthy candy for kids and adults alike

At just seven years old, Alina Morse envisioned a candy that wouldn't harm teeth. This idea led to the creation of Zollipops, sugar-free lollipops designed to promote oral health.

By age nine, with support from her family, Alina founded Zolli Candy, offering products like Zollipops, Zolli Drops, and Zaffi Taffy.

These treats are made with natural sweeteners such as xylitol and erythritol, which help reduce acidity in the mouth and prevent cavities.

Alina's entrepreneurial journey has been remarkable. By 2018, Zolli Candy achieved $6 million in sales, with products available in over 25,000 stores across the U.S. and internationally.

Alina became the youngest person to appear on the cover of Entrepreneur magazine and was invited twice to the White House by First Lady Michelle Obama.

4. Moziah Bridges at 9: the journey of a young fashion mogul – creating a brand that reflects his unique style

At just nine years old, Moziah Bridges from Memphis, Tennessee, embarked on a journey that would establish him as a young fashion mogul.

Dissatisfied with the limited selection of bow ties that matched his style, Moziah, with guidance from his grandmother—a retired seamstress—began crafting his own bow ties.

This initiative led to the founding of Mo's Bows in 2011, a company dedicated to producing handmade bow ties and men's accessories.

Moziah's entrepreneurial spirit and unique designs quickly garnered attention.

By age 11, he appeared on the television show "Shark Tank," where he secured mentorship from fashion entrepreneur Daymond John.

Under John's guidance, Moziah expanded his brand's reach, securing partnerships with major retailers and even collaborating with the NBA to create custom bow ties for all 30 teams.

Beyond business success, Moziah is committed to philanthropy. In 2012, he launched the Go Mo! Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, using proceeds from a special bow tie design to send children from his community to summer camp.

To date, this initiative has sponsored over fifty children, reflecting Moziah's dedication to giving back.

5. Lily Born: solving problems at age 9 – creating solutions for disabilities

At the age of nine, Lily Born, from Chicago, observed her grandfather, who has Parkinson's disease, frequently spilling his drinks due to hand tremors.

Determined to assist him, Lily conceptualized the Kangaroo Cup—a three-legged, tip-resistant cup designed to prevent spills.

Lily's journey began with prototypes crafted from moldable plastic and clay. Recognizing the potential of her invention, she and her father launched crowdfunding campaigns on Indiegogo and Kickstarter, successfully raising funds to bring the Kangaroo Cup to market.

The initial ceramic version was later improved upon with a durable, BPA-free plastic model, making it more suitable for various users, including children and individuals with mobility challenges.

The Kangaroo Cup's innovative design features three legs that provide stability, reducing the likelihood of spills. Its elevated base eliminates the need for coasters, and the stackable design offers convenience for storage.

Lily's invention has garnered international attention, leading to features on CNN Heroes, NPR's Weekend Edition, and participation in the White House Science Fair.

Beyond her success in the business world, Lily is committed to inspiring others, especially young girls, to pursue their passions in science and innovation.

6. Hart Main's manly candles at 13 – finding a market gap and filling it with a fresh scent

At 13 years old, Hart Main identified a unique market gap: the lack of candle scents appealing to men. This insight led him to create ManCans, a line of candles featuring "manly" aromas such as:

• Fresh Cut Grass,
• New Mitt,
• And Campfire.

Hart's entrepreneurial journey began when he noticed his sister selling candles with traditionally feminine scents for a school fundraiser.

He jokingly suggested the idea of candles with more masculine fragrances, which soon evolved into a serious business venture.

To make these candles, Hart used empty soup cans, donating the soup to local kitchens and shelters—a practice that not only provided meals to those in need but also supplied containers for his products.

The success of ManCans was swift and substantial. 

By the age of 17, Hart's candles were available in approximately 150 stores across the United States, with remarkable success and annual sales reaching $200,000.

His innovative approach and dedication to giving back to the community got him significant media attention and recognition.

7. Heman Bekele, 15-Years Old, Revolutionizes Cancer Treatment with Soap Bars

Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old high school student, is making waves with an invention that could redefine cancer treatment: a soap bar designed to fight the disease. 

His innovative creation combines everyday hygiene with therapeutic potential, offering a practical and accessible approach to addressing one of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

The soap is infused with compounds aimed at targeting cancer cells through regular skin contact. 

While the exact mechanism is still being refined, the concept is groundbreaking.

By integrating treatment into a simple, everyday product, Bekele’s invention could offer a low-cost, non-invasive solution, especially for communities with limited access to traditional cancer therapies.

Bekele’s passion for science and his commitment to social impact drove him to pursue this project.

Inspired by the need for equitable healthcare solutions, he worked tirelessly to develop a prototype with the help of mentors and science programs.

His work has garnered recognition from the scientific community and sparked interest among healthcare professionals for its potential to complement existing cancer treatments.

8. Sharad Vivek Sagar, age 16, and a vision for change – championing education and youth empowerment

At the age of 16, Sharad Vivek Sagar, hailing from the small village of Zeradei in Bihar, India, founded Dexterity Global in 2008. This organization is dedicated to empowering young individuals through educational opportunities and leadership training.

Under his leadership, Dexterity Global has reached over seven million youths across India's remote towns and villages, connecting them with educational resources and fostering local role models.

Sagar's commitment to education and youth empowerment has garnered international recognition. In 2016, he was listed in Forbes' 30 Under 30 as a social entrepreneur.

The same year, he was invited by President Barack Obama to the White House for a special gathering of young leaders.

In 2024, the World Economic Forum named him a Young Global Leader, making him the first individual from Bihar and the youngest from India to receive this honor.

Sagar's educational journey is equally remarkable. He graduated from Tufts University with a degree in International Relations, where he was the first freshman to win the $100,000 Entrepreneurship Challenge.

He later earned a Master's degree from Harvard University, becoming the first Indian to be elected President of the Harvard Graduate School of Education's Student Government.

9. Ryan Trahan: innovating at 17 – from small-town Texas to big-time influence

At 17, Ryan Trahan from Eagle Lake, Texas, began his journey as an entrepreneur and content creator.

Initially, he gained attention through his YouTube channel, where he shared running tips and vlogs. His engaging content led to a significant following.

In 2016, Trahan co-founded Neptune Bottle, an eco-friendly water bottle company, demonstrating his commitment to sustainability and innovation.

His entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there; he also launched a clothing line named Howdy Howdy and became co-owner of Joyride, a candy company offering healthier alternatives.

One of Trahan's most notable projects is the "Penny Challenge" series on YouTube. Starting with just a penny, he embarked on cross-country journeys, raising substantial funds for charities like Feeding America and Water.org.

These challenges not only showcased his creativity but also his dedication to making a positive impact.

By 2024, Trahan's influence had grown significantly, with over 17 million subscribers on his YouTube channel.

10. Issam Darui at 19: building community through commerce – a platform for shared success

At 19, Moroccan entrepreneur Issam Darui founded Lagare.ma, the country's first electronic bus station platform. This innovative service allows users to search, compare, and purchase intercity bus tickets online, streamlining travel for many Moroccans.

Born in 1994 in Oujda, Morocco, Darui grew up in a family deeply involved in the transport industry; his father was a truck driver, and from a young age, he assisted his brother, a bus driver.

These experiences provided him with a profound understanding of the transportation sector.

In 2014, Darui launched Lagare.ma, which has since attracted over six million unique visitors. 

The platform supports 25 currencies and is available in 10 languages, catering to a diverse user base.

Recognizing the challenges in international shipping, Darui founded Colis.ma in 2022. This startup offers a web platform and mobile app that enable individuals, e-commerce merchants, and businesses to manage their international shipments efficiently.

Colis.ma collaborates with various international carriers to optimize logistics and resources, providing detailed tracking services for users.

Darui's entrepreneurial achievements have earned him significant recognition.

In 2017, he was named an outstanding young African entrepreneur at the Africa Awards for Entrepreneurship and was listed among Forbes' 30 most promising young entrepreneurs in Africa.

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