Question 1

The Mentees Program is BreakthruPreneurs' investment in the next generation. It connects young entrepreneurs (ages 16 to 25) with successful Christian businessmen for mentorship, guidance, and real-world wisdom. This isn't classroom learning or online courses. It's relationship-based mentorship with men who are actively building Kingdom businesses while leading their families. We teach business fundamentals, financial stewardship, leadership principles, emotional intelligence, and character development, all rooted in Christ-centered values.

Accepted Answer

The Mentees Program is BreakthruPreneurs' investment in the next generation. It connects young entrepreneurs (ages 16 to 25) with successful Christian businessmen for mentorship, guidance, and real-world wisdom. This isn't classroom learning or online courses. It's relationship-based mentorship with men who are actively building Kingdom businesses while leading their families. We teach business fundamentals, financial stewardship, leadership principles, emotional intelligence, and character development, all rooted in Christ-centered values.

Question 2

Our founder, Lorenzo Zesati, grew up in the East Los Angeles projects with an abusive father who never mentored him. He had to learn entrepreneurship alone, in secret, hiding his dreams. He made every mistake the expensive way. The Mentees Program ensures no young entrepreneur walks that lonely path again. Through BreakthruPreneurs members serving as mentors, young men receive the guidance Lorenzo wish he'd had: wisdom from experienced businessmen who integrate faith into everything, who model integrity, and who invest without expecting anything in return.

Accepted Answer

Our founder, Lorenzo Zesati, grew up in the East Los Angeles projects with an abusive father who never mentored him. He had to learn entrepreneurship alone, in secret, hiding his dreams. He made every mistake the expensive way. The Mentees Program ensures no young entrepreneur walks that lonely path again. Through BreakthruPreneurs members serving as mentors, young men receive the guidance Lorenzo wish he'd had: wisdom from experienced businessmen who integrate faith into everything, who model integrity, and who invest without expecting anything in return.

Question 3

Young men ages 16 to 25 who demonstrate entrepreneurial interest or aspiration. You don't need to have a business already. What we're looking for is curiosity, teachability, and willingness to be mentored. You should be comfortable in a faith-based environment (though we welcome honest questions about faith). Children of BreakthruPreneurs members are especially welcome, as this reinforces the generational blessing we're building. The program continues until you qualify for full membership (married, Christian, businessman, with children), creating a natural pathway.

Accepted Answer

Young men ages 16 to 25 who demonstrate entrepreneurial interest or aspiration. You don't need to have a business already. What we're looking for is curiosity, teachability, and willingness to be mentored. You should be comfortable in a faith-based environment (though we welcome honest questions about faith). Children of BreakthruPreneurs members are especially welcome, as this reinforces the generational blessing we're building. The program continues until you qualify for full membership (married, Christian, businessman, with children), creating a natural pathway.

Question 4

The Mentees Program is rooted in Christian values and biblical principles. Our mentors are committed Christian businessmen who will naturally share their faith through example and conversation. We welcome young men who are curious about faith or exploring Christianity, but please understand that Jesus Christ is central to everything we teach. We won't pressure anyone to convert, but we will model what it means to follow Jesus in business and life. If you're uncomfortable with faith-based mentorship, this may not be the right fit.

Accepted Answer

The Mentees Program is rooted in Christian values and biblical principles. Our mentors are committed Christian businessmen who will naturally share their faith through example and conversation. We welcome young men who are curious about faith or exploring Christianity, but please understand that Jesus Christ is central to everything we teach. We won't pressure anyone to convert, but we will model what it means to follow Jesus in business and life. If you're uncomfortable with faith-based mentorship, this may not be the right fit.

Question 5

Each mentee is matched with 1 to 2 mentors based on your interests, goals, and their expertise. You'll meet at least monthly (many pairs meet more often) for guidance, accountability, and wisdom-sharing. Meetings can be in-person over coffee, virtual calls, or working alongside your mentor in their business. Beyond one-on-one time, mentees attend select BreakthruPreneurs events and workshops where you learn from the broader community. The relationship is organic and relational, not scripted. Your mentor invests because they care about your success and want to give back.

Accepted Answer

Each mentee is matched with 1 to 2 mentors based on your interests, goals, and their expertise. You'll meet at least monthly (many pairs meet more often) for guidance, accountability, and wisdom-sharing. Meetings can be in-person over coffee, virtual calls, or working alongside your mentor in their business. Beyond one-on-one time, mentees attend select BreakthruPreneurs events and workshops where you learn from the broader community. The relationship is organic and relational, not scripted. Your mentor invests because they care about your success and want to give back.

Question 6

The weekly AM meetings are reserved for full members (MCBC). However, we're developing a PM weekly meeting structure specifically for mentees. This would follow a similar format adapted for your age group, including prayer and Scripture, teaching on business fundamentals and emotional intelligence, hot seat coaching, and action commitments. Mentees also attend select quarterly workshops, speaker events, and service projects where they interact with the broader BreakthruPreneurs community.

Accepted Answer

The weekly AM meetings are reserved for full members (MCBC). However, we're developing a PM weekly meeting structure specifically for mentees. This would follow a similar format adapted for your age group, including prayer and Scripture, teaching on business fundamentals and emotional intelligence, hot seat coaching, and action commitments. Mentees also attend select quarterly workshops, speaker events, and service projects where they interact with the broader BreakthruPreneurs community.

Question 7

The curriculum addresses the whole person, not just business tactics. Business fundamentals include idea validation, basic finance, marketing principles, customer service, and operations. Emotional intelligence covers self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management. Character development focuses on integrity, work ethic, perseverance, and accountability. Faith integration teaches how to honor God in business decisions and workplace conduct. Life skills address time management, communication, conflict resolution, and goal-setting. We're preparing you to be a Married Christian Businessman with Children someday, not just a business owner.

Accepted Answer

The curriculum addresses the whole person, not just business tactics. Business fundamentals include idea validation, basic finance, marketing principles, customer service, and operations. Emotional intelligence covers self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, and relationship management. Character development focuses on integrity, work ethic, perseverance, and accountability. Faith integration teaches how to honor God in business decisions and workplace conduct. Life skills address time management, communication, conflict resolution, and goal-setting. We're preparing you to be a Married Christian Businessman with Children someday, not just a business owner.

Question 8

The Mentees Program is designed to mentor you until you qualify for full BreakthruPreneurs membership (married, Christian, businessman, with children). For some, that might be 2 to 3 years. For others, it could be 10+ years. The relationship with your mentor often continues even after you transition to full membership. Today's mentees become tomorrow's members who mentor the next generation. This creates generational continuity and legacy, exactly what we're building.

Accepted Answer

The Mentees Program is designed to mentor you until you qualify for full BreakthruPreneurs membership (married, Christian, businessman, with children). For some, that might be 2 to 3 years. For others, it could be 10+ years. The relationship with your mentor often continues even after you transition to full membership. Today's mentees become tomorrow's members who mentor the next generation. This creates generational continuity and legacy, exactly what we're building.

Question 9

The Mentees Program is offered at no cost to participants. This is part of how BreakthruPreneurs members fulfill P5 (Give), investing in the next generation through service. The mentors volunteer their time because they believe in paying forward what others invested in them. Your only "cost" is showing up, being teachable, implementing what you learn, and eventually paying it forward yourself when you become a mentor someday.

Accepted Answer

The Mentees Program is offered at no cost to participants. This is part of how BreakthruPreneurs members fulfill P5 (Give), investing in the next generation through service. The mentors volunteer their time because they believe in paying forward what others invested in them. Your only "cost" is showing up, being teachable, implementing what you learn, and eventually paying it forward yourself when you become a mentor someday.

Question 10

At minimum, plan for monthly meetings with your mentor (1 to 2 hours each) plus attendance at select quarterly events and workshops. Many mentee-mentor pairs connect more frequently through calls, texts, or informal meetings. As the PM weekly meeting structure develops, that would add approximately 2 hours weekly if you choose to participate. The more you invest, the more you'll gain. But we understand you have school, work, and other commitments. We'll work with your schedule.

Accepted Answer

At minimum, plan for monthly meetings with your mentor (1 to 2 hours each) plus attendance at select quarterly events and workshops. Many mentee-mentor pairs connect more frequently through calls, texts, or informal meetings. As the PM weekly meeting structure develops, that would add approximately 2 hours weekly if you choose to participate. The more you invest, the more you'll gain. But we understand you have school, work, and other commitments. We'll work with your schedule.

Question 11

We expect teachability (willingness to learn from others' experience), integrity (honesty in all interactions), follow-through (doing what you commit to do), respect (for mentors, other mentees, and the community), and growth mindset (viewing challenges as opportunities to improve). You don't need to have everything figured out. You just need to show up with a humble heart and willingness to grow. We're not looking for perfect young men; we're looking for coachable ones.

Accepted Answer

We expect teachability (willingness to learn from others' experience), integrity (honesty in all interactions), follow-through (doing what you commit to do), respect (for mentors, other mentees, and the community), and growth mindset (viewing challenges as opportunities to improve). You don't need to have everything figured out. You just need to show up with a humble heart and willingness to grow. We're not looking for perfect young men; we're looking for coachable ones.

Question 12

The application process involves a separate Mentees Program application (distinct from the MCBC membership application). For minors (under 18), parental consent and involvement is required. We'll schedule a conversation with both you and your son to assess fit, explain expectations, and answer questions. If your son is 18 or older, he can apply independently, though we still encourage parental awareness and support. Visit BreakthruPreneurs.com to nominate a mentee or enroll your child.

Accepted Answer

The application process involves a separate Mentees Program application (distinct from the MCBC membership application). For minors (under 18), parental consent and involvement is required. We'll schedule a conversation with both you and your son to assess fit, explain expectations, and answer questions. If your son is 18 or older, he can apply independently, though we still encourage parental awareness and support. Visit BreakthruPreneurs.com to nominate a mentee or enroll your child.

Question 13

For minors (under 18), parents are informed partners. You'll receive updates on your son's progress, and mentors may include you in relevant conversations. We're not replacing your parenting; we're supplementing it with business mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. For young adults (18 to 25), parental involvement varies based on the individual's preferences. We encourage families to discuss the program together and see it as an extension of your investment in your son's future.

Accepted Answer

For minors (under 18), parents are informed partners. You'll receive updates on your son's progress, and mentors may include you in relevant conversations. We're not replacing your parenting; we're supplementing it with business mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. For young adults (18 to 25), parental involvement varies based on the individual's preferences. We encourage families to discuss the program together and see it as an extension of your investment in your son's future.

Question 14

Every BreakthruPreneurs member (and mentor) completes a background check as part of the application process. We specifically screen for criminal history involving violence, sexual offenses, or crimes against children. Registered sex offenders are not eligible for membership. Meetings with minors typically occur in public settings or with parental awareness. We follow biblical principles of accountability and transparency. Parents are always welcome to attend initial meetings and stay involved as their comfort level dictates.

Accepted Answer

Every BreakthruPreneurs member (and mentor) completes a background check as part of the application process. We specifically screen for criminal history involving violence, sexual offenses, or crimes against children. Registered sex offenders are not eligible for membership. Meetings with minors typically occur in public settings or with parental awareness. We follow biblical principles of accountability and transparency. Parents are always welcome to attend initial meetings and stay involved as their comfort level dictates.

Question 15

Even better! Many parents of potential mentees discover that BreakthruPreneurs is exactly what they've been looking for personally. If you're a Married Christian Businessman with Children, you can explore membership while your son joins the Mentees Program. This creates a powerful dynamic where you're both growing in community, and you might even participate in mentoring other young men while your son receives mentorship. Some of our most engaged families have both generations involved.

Accepted Answer

Even better! Many parents of potential mentees discover that BreakthruPreneurs is exactly what they've been looking for personally. If you're a Married Christian Businessman with Children, you can explore membership while your son joins the Mentees Program. This creates a powerful dynamic where you're both growing in community, and you might even participate in mentoring other young men while your son receives mentorship. Some of our most engaged families have both generations involved.

Question 16

No. Many mentees enter the program with no specific business idea, just curiosity about entrepreneurship. The program helps you explore interests, develop skills, and discover opportunities. Some mentees work on specific business projects during the program. Others focus on character development and preparation for future ventures. Some realize entrepreneurship isn't for them and that's valuable discovery too. We're developing you as a person first, business owner second.

Accepted Answer

No. Many mentees enter the program with no specific business idea, just curiosity about entrepreneurship. The program helps you explore interests, develop skills, and discover opportunities. Some mentees work on specific business projects during the program. Others focus on character development and preparation for future ventures. Some realize entrepreneurship isn't for them and that's valuable discovery too. We're developing you as a person first, business owner second.

Question 17

Absolutely. Many mentees are high school or college students balancing education with entrepreneurial interests. We'll work around your academic schedule. In fact, learning business principles while you're still in school can accelerate your success after graduation. Several mentors started their entrepreneurial journeys while in school and can share relevant wisdom. Education and mentorship complement each other; you don't have to choose.

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Many mentees are high school or college students balancing education with entrepreneurial interests. We'll work around your academic schedule. In fact, learning business principles while you're still in school can accelerate your success after graduation. Several mentors started their entrepreneurial journeys while in school and can share relevant wisdom. Education and mentorship complement each other; you don't have to choose.

Question 18

Yes! The 16 to 25 age range includes young entrepreneurs at various stages. If you're already running a business, your mentor can provide advanced guidance on scaling, hiring, financial management, and sustainability. The program adapts to your level. You'll also benefit from the community aspect, connecting with other young entrepreneurs and learning from BreakthruPreneurs members who've built successful businesses. Many young business owners benefit most from mentorship because they're facing real challenges right now.

Accepted Answer

Yes! The 16 to 25 age range includes young entrepreneurs at various stages. If you're already running a business, your mentor can provide advanced guidance on scaling, hiring, financial management, and sustainability. The program adapts to your level. You'll also benefit from the community aspect, connecting with other young entrepreneurs and learning from BreakthruPreneurs members who've built successful businesses. Many young business owners benefit most from mentorship because they're facing real challenges right now.

Question 19

The Mentees Program is designed to mentor you until you qualify for full membership (married, Christian, businessman, with children), not until you turn 26. If you're 25 and still single, you continue in the program. If you're 22, get married, start a business, and have a child, you could potentially transition to full membership. The pathway is based on life stage, not age alone. We're flexible because real life doesn't follow neat timelines.

Accepted Answer

The Mentees Program is designed to mentor you until you qualify for full membership (married, Christian, businessman, with children), not until you turn 26. If you're 25 and still single, you continue in the program. If you're 22, get married, start a business, and have a child, you could potentially transition to full membership. The pathway is based on life stage, not age alone. We're flexible because real life doesn't follow neat timelines.

Question 20

Tangible business knowledge (what works and what doesn't from men who've built real businesses). Practical wisdom (learning from others' mistakes without paying for them yourself). Character development (integrity, perseverance, emotional intelligence). Faith integration (seeing how successful Christian businessmen honor God in their work). Relationships (connections with mentors and peers that can last a lifetime). Accountability (someone invested in your success who follows up). A pathway (today's mentee can become tomorrow's member). And perhaps most importantly, hope that a distributed lifestyle is possible, that you can succeed in business without sacrificing what matters most.

Accepted Answer

Tangible business knowledge (what works and what doesn't from men who've built real businesses). Practical wisdom (learning from others' mistakes without paying for them yourself). Character development (integrity, perseverance, emotional intelligence). Faith integration (seeing how successful Christian businessmen honor God in their work). Relationships (connections with mentors and peers that can last a lifetime). Accountability (someone invested in your success who follows up). A pathway (today's mentee can become tomorrow's member). And perhaps most importantly, hope that a distributed lifestyle is possible, that you can succeed in business without sacrificing what matters most.

Question 21

We don't measure success by revenue or business metrics alone. We look at growth in character, follow-through on commitments, quality of relationships, development of emotional intelligence, integration of faith into decisions, and progress toward personal goals. Some mentees start businesses during the program. Others develop skills they'll use later. Some discover that entrepreneurship isn't their calling, and they pursue meaningful careers instead. All of these are successful outcomes if the mentee grew through the process.

Accepted Answer

We don't measure success by revenue or business metrics alone. We look at growth in character, follow-through on commitments, quality of relationships, development of emotional intelligence, integration of faith into decisions, and progress toward personal goals. Some mentees start businesses during the program. Others develop skills they'll use later. Some discover that entrepreneurship isn't their calling, and they pursue meaningful careers instead. All of these are successful outcomes if the mentee grew through the process.

Question 22

Mentors provide guidance, wisdom, connections, and accountability, but the work is yours. If you have a business idea, your mentor can help you evaluate it, plan next steps, connect with resources, and avoid common pitfalls. They won't do the work for you or fund your venture (though some mentors have invested in mentees' businesses when the opportunity made sense). The goal is teaching you to fish, not fishing for you. Real entrepreneurship requires ownership, and mentorship accelerates your learning curve.

Accepted Answer

Mentors provide guidance, wisdom, connections, and accountability, but the work is yours. If you have a business idea, your mentor can help you evaluate it, plan next steps, connect with resources, and avoid common pitfalls. They won't do the work for you or fund your venture (though some mentors have invested in mentees' businesses when the opportunity made sense). The goal is teaching you to fish, not fishing for you. Real entrepreneurship requires ownership, and mentorship accelerates your learning curve.

Question 23

Visit BreakthruPreneurs.com and look for the Mentees Program page. Complete the application, which covers your background, interests, goals, and availability. For minors, include parental contact information. We'll review your application and schedule a conversation to assess fit and answer questions. The process is designed to be accessible but thoughtful, ensuring we match you with the right mentor and that you understand expectations.

Accepted Answer

Visit BreakthruPreneurs.com and look for the Mentees Program page. Complete the application, which covers your background, interests, goals, and availability. For minors, include parental contact information. We'll review your application and schedule a conversation to assess fit and answer questions. The process is designed to be accessible but thoughtful, ensuring we match you with the right mentor and that you understand expectations.

Question 24

Matching depends on mentor availability and finding the right fit. Our goal is to match you within 2 to 4 weeks of application acceptance. We take matching seriously because the mentor-mentee relationship works best when there's natural connection around interests, communication style, and personality. We'd rather wait for the right match than rush into a poor fit. In the meantime, you can access some community events and resources.

Accepted Answer

Matching depends on mentor availability and finding the right fit. Our goal is to match you within 2 to 4 weeks of application acceptance. We take matching seriously because the mentor-mentee relationship works best when there's natural connection around interests, communication style, and personality. We'd rather wait for the right match than rush into a poor fit. In the meantime, you can access some community events and resources.

Question 25

No hard feelings. Not every program is right for every person, and not every timing is right. If after exploring you decide the Mentees Program isn't the right fit, we'll bless your journey and encourage you to find mentorship that aligns with your needs. You can always return later if circumstances change. We're here for the long game, building something generational. If now isn't the right time, maybe later will be. Either way, we're glad you explored what BreakthruPreneurs offers.

Accepted Answer

No hard feelings. Not every program is right for every person, and not every timing is right. If after exploring you decide the Mentees Program isn't the right fit, we'll bless your journey and encourage you to find mentorship that aligns with your needs. You can always return later if circumstances change. We're here for the long game, building something generational. If now isn't the right time, maybe later will be. Either way, we're glad you explored what BreakthruPreneurs offers.

Mentees

Frequently Asked Questions

PART TWO: Mentees Program FAQs

For Parents and Young Men (Ages 16 to 25) Considering the Mentees Program

About the Mentees Program

Q1

What is the Mentees Program?

Q2

Why does this program exist?

Q3

Who qualifies for the Mentees Program?

Q4

Is this program only for Christians?

How It Works

Q5

How does mentorship actually work?

Q6

Do mentees attend the weekly BreakthruPreneurs meetings?

Q7

What topics does the program cover?

Q8

How long does the mentorship last?

Costs and Commitment

Q9

How much does the Mentees Program cost?

Q10

What's the time commitment required?

Q11

What's expected of mentees?

For Parents

Q12

How do I enroll my son in the program?

Q13

What role do parents play in the program?

Q14

How do you ensure safety for minors?

Q15

What if I'm a parent who qualifies for MCBC membership?

Practical Questions

Q16

Do I need to have a business idea already?

Q17

Can I be mentored if I'm in school full-time?

Q18

I'm closer to 25 and already have a business. Is this still for me?

Q19

What happens when I turn 26 or "age out"?

Benefits and Outcomes

Q20

What will I actually gain from this program?

Q21

How is success measured in the program?

Q22

Will mentors help me start an actual business?

Getting Started

Q23

How do I apply?

Q24

How long before I'm matched with a mentor?

Q25

What if the program isn't right for me?

Still Have Questions?

We'd love to hear from you. Reach out to Lorenzo directly at [email protected], book a discovery call through BreakthruPreneurs.com, or connect on social media. No question is too small, no concern is too personal. We're building a brotherhood, and that starts with honest conversation.

God first. Always.

NAVIGATE

RESOURCES

Get In Touch

602 456 7632

[email protected]