For students
You don't need a degree
to launch something before graduation.
Aeroventure gives Long Island high school students the funding, mentorship, and tools to launch an actual business — while still in school. No prior experience required.
Free
No fees, no equity — ever
$500
Startup grant per accepted student
30+
Mentors available for matching
June 2026
Cohort Genesis launch date
Who should apply
We look at commitment, not credentials.
You have an idea
Even a rough one. We help you test and refine it before you invest anything.
You're in grades 9–12
Any Long Island high school student is eligible to apply.
You want to build
Not just learn about business — actually start and run something.
You can commit consistently
The program runs best with steady effort each week — not cramming before deadlines.
You're open to feedback
Mentors will challenge your assumptions. That's the whole point.
No experience needed
First-time founders are exactly who we're built for.
What students get
What accepted students receive.
Up to $500 in venture funding
Accepted students are eligible for direct capital to spend on inventory, tools, marketing, or anything else their venture needs to grow.
A dedicated mentor
Every student is matched one-on-one with a Long Island founder, operator, or domain expert. You meet at least every two weeks.
Playbooks and curriculum
Access a growing library of step-by-step guides — idea validation, pricing, marketing, fundraising — written for high schoolers.
Community and events
Pitch nights, office hours, and workshops with other student founders. Build your network before you graduate.
Program timeline
How the program works.
Apply
Fill out a short application — no GPA minimums, no prior experience required.
Get matched
If accepted, we pair you with a mentor whose background fits your idea and goals.
Build
Work on your venture with bi-weekly mentor guidance, structured playbooks, and a peer cohort alongside you.
Pitch
Present your progress at a cohort pitch night and connect with the broader network.
What ideas qualify
Almost any business idea.
We don't prescribe verticals. If there's a paying customer and an exchange of value, it qualifies. Examples of past and current ventures:
- E-commerce and product businesses
- Service businesses (tutoring, lawn care, design, etc.)
- Apps and software tools
- Local community-focused ventures
- Nonprofit and social impact projects
- Content, media, or creative ventures
- Food, health, or wellness businesses
- Anything else that solves a real problem
What funding can be used for
Startup funding for actual business expenses.
Accepted students can receive up to $500 to spend on legitimate business expenses. Funds must be used toward your venture and documented appropriately.
- Product inventory and materials
- Website hosting and domain
- Design and branding tools
- Marketing and paid ads
- Equipment and hardware
- Professional services
No equity. No fees. Ever.
Aeroventure never takes equity from student ventures. Your business stays yours, always.
Time commitment
3–5
hours per week
Mentor session (every 2 weeks)
~1 hr per session, in person or video
Working on your venture
~2–4 hrs per week, on your own schedule
Events and workshops
Optional but encouraged, ~1 per month
Startup grants
What the grant covers
Accepted students receive up to $500 in startup capital. Students decide how to spend it — with mentor guidance. Here's what qualifies.
What we fund
- Inventory and product materials
- Software subscriptions and tools
- Website hosting and domain name
- Marketing materials and paid ads
- Prototypes and samples
- Event and demo materials
- Customer testing and research costs
- Packaging design and production
- Design assets and branding
- Professional services (photography, printing, etc.)
What we do not fund
- Personal purchases unrelated to the venture
- Unapproved expenses not reviewed in advance
- Activities that violate our safety or conduct policy
- Anything not tied to the student's active venture
- Expenses submitted without receipts or documentation
Unsure whether an expense qualifies? Ask your mentor or the Aeroventure team before spending. Unapproved expenses cannot be retroactively reimbursed.
FAQ
Common questions from applicants.
Do I need a business idea already?
An idea helps but isn't required. If you have a direction, we'll help you test it. If you're still figuring it out, the early curriculum walks you through how to find and validate a problem worth solving.
Is this program free?
Yes. Aeroventure is completely free for accepted students. No fees, no deposits, no equity taken from your venture.
Do I need to be in a specific grade?
The program is open to Long Island high school students in grades 9 through 12.
How much time does it take each week?
Most students invest 3–5 hours per week — including a mentor session every two weeks (~1 hour each), program activities, and time working on your venture between sessions.
What if my idea doesn't work out?
Expected. Every venture adapts. Mentors are there specifically to help when the first approach isn't working — not to evaluate you for it. Aeroventure tracks effort and adaptability alongside results.
Can I apply with a co-founder?
Yes. We welcome solo founders and teams. Teams apply together and are evaluated as a unit.
When is the next cohort?
Cohort Genesis applications are closed. The cohort launches June 2026. Join the interest list to be notified when the next round of applications opens.
What happens after the program?
You keep your venture, your mentor relationship, and your place in the alumni network. We never take equity and the business is always yours.
Ready?
Cohort Genesis is underway.
Applications for this cohort are closed. Join the interest list to be notified when the next application window opens — no commitment required.