Small Business Ideas for Teens: 50 Creative Ways to Earn Money

Small Business Ideas for Teens: 50 Creative Ways to Earn Money

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Being an entrepreneur, especially as a teenager, has its pros and cons but if done right it is no less than a jackpot.

Because you become financially independent at such a young age, it allows you to not only help yourself financially but your family as well.

In addition, you have all the time and energy to scale your business to great heights.

So, are you also a teenager and want to be an entrepreneur?

Then this article will provide you with a complete roadmap on how to pick up a business idea and then turn it into a profitable business. 

Plus, I’ll give you 50 small business ideas for teens that you can pursue.

This article has a great deal to offer, as you can see. Consequently, stick around until the end of it to gain a thorough understanding of everything.

Let’s get started.

How To Start A Business For Teens? 

Starting a business for teens has become a piece of cake due to having access to amazing technology, just like social media. Social media has made starting a business way easier than one can imagine. Before, people had to buy physical locations for thousands of dollars just to start a business, but now a single Facebook page can make you thousands of dollars.

Well, coming to the point, if you want to start a business, then your age and the type of business that you want to start need to be considered. If you’re under 18, then you might have to tie up with someone older than you who can sign contracts or documents if needed. Adults, however, are capable of managing these things on their own.

Before you get started with your business, answer the following questions:

  • How much time can I devote to this business each week?
  • How much money can I invest in my company before I start making a profit?
  • Who will handle my finances and billing?
  • In my area, what are the rules for someone of my age starting and operating a business?
  • What is my exit strategy?

Once you’ve answered these questions, then you’re good to.

Tips For Teens To Start A Business

brainstorming ideas

Let me give you some tips about starting a business:

Brainstorm Ideas 

“Creativity consists of coming up with many ideas, not just that one great idea,”  said Charles Thomson. Hence, brainstorming business ideas is the best way to come up with a life-changing business idea.

Therefore, brainstorm as many business ideas as possible. Read about the field you want to start your business in and do some research about it. Whichever ideas you’re coming up with, keep noting them down so that you may not forget them. Also, don’t just go with the idea that you just brainstormed. Jot that down and keep brainstorming. Because you may come up with a better business idea than that.

The following are some techniques for easily brainstorming ideas.

  • Get a notebook and a pen,  then start thinking deeply about the field you’re interested in and the business opportunities that you think are there. Then, write all of these ideas in the notebook.
  • You can organize your ideas and focus on them with online mind-mapping tools like MindMeister.
  • There are many business idea generator web applications that you can use to get some business ideas. Then you can explore these ideas more. 

Conduct Research 

Conducting research on a business idea is important to get a clue about the competition and the target customers. Because when you’re aware of your competitors, you’ll be able to create some unique business strategies that will help you stand out. 

Once the research is done, you then have to find out how much money your business is going to take. Then, you need to find out how much money you already have and how much you need to raise.

Also, read 9 Important Steps to Build a Business”

Implement Your Plan 

After doing all of the things mentioned above, you should now be ready to start your own business. 

Create a team that can collaborate with you by hiring the right people. Get a place if you need one to set up your business. Launch a website with your business name to establish a good online presence.

Once that’s done, Your company is now ready. To learn about your business pitfalls, you can invite your friends and relatives to visit. As your business expands, you will have to register it in order to do legal business.

Also, read “How to Develop a Strong Digital Marketing Strategy for Your Business”

Take Your Business To The Next Level 

Now, work hard to take your business to the next level. Spend as much money on marketing your business as possible to stand out from the crowd. 

In addition, try to differentiate yourself from your competitors with something unique. Stay motivated and ambitious about your dream business, mate.

50 Good Business Ideas For Teens 

If brainstorming and the other tips mentioned above helped you find good business ideas, then that’s great. 

But if you couldn’t find any, then the following are 50 good business ideas for teens that you can get started with.

1. Child Care 

Babysitting, often known as “child care,” is a common way for teenagers to make additional money without having to make any financial commitments. You are free to select the time whenever it suits you. Given that the majority of parents are employed, childcare services are in high demand. 

You’ll be amazed to know that, on average, a babysitter makes up to $15 per hour in the USA. 

Now you can imagine how much you can make for the whole day. This business doesn’t require any capital either.

2. Handmade Craft Seller

It’s needless to say that most teens are interested in making creative crafts with their hands at home. They may include handmade jewelry, gift cards, stickers, decoration items, and many other handmade crafts. 

So, if you also like making them, you can make a great business out of them by selling your work. Just choose a name for your business, launch a website for it, and then start running ads for the business to reach out to the people who are looking for your work.

3. Academic Tutor 

What subject are you good at? maths and physics etc. Then start an academic tutoring business. Reach out to those students who want to master these subjects and look for a tutor who can help them.

This business can also be done online and offline. If you want to start this as an online business, then launch a website or create a Facebook page with the relevant business name. When someone contacts you, you can teach them on free platforms such as Zoom. In an offline business, you can start a small center where students can come to you for learning. Or you can go to the student’s houses to teach them.

4. Craft Fair Vendor 

If you don’t want to sell your handmade crafts online, then selling them at craft fairs would be the best option. Because these are the places where your target audience comes to buy products.

5. Social Media Influencer 

Becoming an influencer is not an easy business to start. Because you’ll need to accomplish some things in order for people to follow you. Once you have a good following on social media, you can then work with brands and make money by promoting their products.

6. Youtube Vlogger 

According to statistics, 86% of vlogging content comes from YouTube. So, why not become a YouTube vlogger? Just start a Youtube channel, and then start vlogging. You can showcase your village life, city life, or anything else that you want. You can earn from Google Adsense from this business.

7. Blogger 

Do you like writing? If you do, then start a website and start blogging. Teenagers should consider blogging as their first business. You only need to post content on your website that solves people’s problems; there’s nothing else you need to do. You’ll make more money if your content gets more views.

8. Podcaster 

You can make money by placing advertisements on your podcast or website if you like producing audio content. This is one of the best small business ideas from home.

9. Cake Decorator

You can work as a cake decorator for events, bakeries, or other clients if you love food and wish to work in this industry. This is one of the best small business ideas for teenage girls.

10. Housekeeper 

Teenagers would greatly benefit from housekeeping services that are in demand. With a few buddies, spend your weekend afternoons cleaning up people’s homes or backyards. Your first step should be to acquire as many clients as possible in your neighborhood and beyond.

11. Errand Runner

If you have a bike, then why don’t you become an errand runner? As an errand runner, you’ll be giving away daily essentials to families who don’t have anyone to get them. You can charge them a very good amount for your errand-running services.

12. Online Fashion Reseller 

If you like designing fashion clothing and all, then you can sell your products online. Simply create a Facebook page with your company name and begin selling your clothes there. 

Also, give a good description of your products to help people understand them.

13. Photographer Or Videographer 

Your photographic skills can be used to start a business and provide services for events such as weddings and baby showers. By using your imagination, you can market restaurants, shops, etc. Photographers can make an average of $18.2 per hour.

14. Make-Up Artist

If you like doing makeup, then you can start a makeup artist business as well. To showcase your skills to others, start making videos and then posting them on TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. You will gain popularity as a result, as will your business. 

15. Car Washer 

Provide assistance to those in need by starting a vehicle wash business. This may take up all your time throughout the holidays.

16. Laundry Person 

Look for laundry services in your area by doing some research. Depending on your answer, you may consider this your business. This business can earn you up to $12 per hour.

17. Lawn Caretaker 

Starting a lawn care business is a great choice for people who love grass, plants, and lawns. Contact people who need a lawn caretaker. In the USA, you can easily earn $15.3 per hour.

18. Dog Walker

A dog walker is basically a dog babysitter who takes care of the dog and walks with it in parks in the absence of the pet’s owner. This is the best business for teens and is also fun to do. People can pay for your services up to $15.11, which is great.

19. Housesitter 

Those who travel frequently need someone to take care of their houses while they are away. So, why don’t you start a house-sitting business and take care of their house? It’s the best business idea for teenagers who want to make up to $50 a day.

20. Computer Tutor

Usually, teenagers are quite knowledgeable about computers. So, become a computer tutor, either online or offline, and charge for your service. You can easily make up to $14.84 per hour from this business.

21. Moving Assistant 

People who relocate their homes usually need a moving assistant who can help them pack and move their possessions. So, start this business. You can easily make up to $18 per hour from this business.

22. Gift Wrapper

Take advantage of your love of gift wrapping by starting your own business. In a shopping center, set up a tiny booth to wrap presents for customers.

23. Technology Tutor 

If you’re a student of technology and know how to install certain devices, then find relevant clients either online or offline and offer your services to them. For all the teenagers out there, this is a great business idea.

24. Online Graphics Seller 

If you are skilled in digital design, you can create printable designs and graphics and offer them to your customers online.

25. Clothing Designer 

If you’re a teenager who wants to become a clothing designer one day, Starting a clothing designer business will allow you to earn money while honing your skills. You can design your own creative clothing designs and then sell them online.

26. T-Shirt Designer 

Make t-shirts with your own designs and have them printed. You can sell them online or in nearby shops.

27. Art Lessons

If you’re an artist and know how to make art, then you can give art lessons to kids. This is the best and most enjoyable business idea for a teenager. 

28. Party Entertainer 

Start a business as an event entertainer such as a juggler, balloon artist, mime, or even a magician if you want to work mostly at special events.

29. Recyclables Collector 

An eco-friendly company collects recyclables, transports them to the right facility, and then recycles them. It is possible to start this business as a teenager.

30. Musician 

If you’re a guitarist or any type of musician, then you can teach interested people these things. You can also start your own band and then perform at events, parties, and restaurants.

31. Farmers’ Market Vendor 

If you’re a farmer, then grow seasonal crops in your area and, after they’ve grown well, sell them in the local market. The best small business idea for teenagers is this one.

32. Mushroom Cultivator 

Are you familiar with mushroom cultivation? You can cultivate the products yourself and sell them to local retailers in a separate room.

33. Pet Photographer 

You can become a pet photographer as well. You can deal with pet owners and then click their pet photos. This can be the best small business idea for 12-year-olds.

34. Website Developer 

If you know how to code or are familiar with WordPress, then starting a web development business is the best option for you. You can make hundreds of dollars out of these businesses through platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Guru. This is one of the best small business ideas for 17-year-olds or more.

35. Graphic Designer 

A basic understanding of design is required for this position. Begin your business by creating logos and engaging visual content for your client’s products and businesses.

36. E-Commerce Reseller

Online platforms make it easy for teens to start an e-commerce store to resell items they purchased from local stores at a profit.

37. Proofreader 

Starting the business of proofreading is the best. In this business, you offer proofreading services to authors or writers. These platforms include Fiverr, Upwork, and Guru.

38. Videographer 

Invest in video capture equipment if you’re interested in this business. Make your services available at various events.

39. Content Writer

If you’re looking for an online business for 16-year-olds then you can become a content writer. If you’re good at writing, then start a content writing business. You can write for websites, YouTube videos, scrips, and many other things. This business can provide you with a good monthly income. 

40. Scrapbooker 

Provide scrapbooking services to customers by putting all of their memories in a scrapbook. As you help them preserve their treasured memories, let your imagination run wild.

41. Snow Remover 

Do you know how to start a business as a teenager with no money? Then let me tell you. If you’re a teenager and live in an area where it snows too much, then you can offer snow removal services to people. 

This way, you can earn a very good income just by working for some time.

42. Leaf Remover 

This provides you with extra income during the autumn. Provide your service by removing leaves from your clients’ yards (neighbors’ yards).

43. Garage Sale Organiser

Selling your clients’ unwanted goods is another excellent way to supplement your income. So, go for this business idea as well.

44. Pet Groomer

You can start a business like this if you own a pet. A variety of services are provided for furry friends, including bathing them, brushing their teeth, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears.

45. Personal Shopper 

You can help people shop properly by helping them choose the best things. This is the best and most straightforward business for teenagers to start. 

46. Holiday Decorator 

If people in your community enjoy decorating their homes for each holiday with lights and other decorations, think about this business idea.

47. Zine Publisher 

This is a company where you can share and sell your creative work, which can range from audiovisuals to fiction and poetry.

48. Camp Counselor

You can start the business as a camp counselor who teaches students by indulging them in fun activities so that they can learn by playing.

49. Paid Computer Player 

Game developers need players’ feedback to know whether their games are working properly or not. So, you can play their games and then give them your valuable feedback. This is the best business for gamers.

50. Scriptwriter 

If you’re good at writing scripts, offer them to clients who work with theatres, business videos, TV commercials, or films.

What Factors Make A Good Business For Teenagers? 

Home-Based Or Easily Accessible 

A teenager can’t travel just for a job. So, the job should either be online or easily accessible, which are usually home businesses.

Flexible Hours

Teen business ideas should allow them to work evenings and weekends, as well as offer flexible hours.

Low Financial Investment 

Teenagers are usually dependent on their parents, so they can’t spend so much. So, the best business would be one that requires less capital.

Also, read ”45 Profitable Small Businesses With Low Startup Costs”

Do’s And Don’ts: Business Tips For Teens 

Teenagers starting their own businesses should pay attention to the following dos and don’ts.

Do’s:

  • Believe in yourself. 
  • Keep your commitments to your clients.
  • Don’t take so many risks at the start.
  • Enjoy your work.

Don’ts:

  • Don’t commit more than you can handle.
  • Don’t underestimate yourself.

So, these are the best business ideas for young adults and teens.

FAQs

What Business Should I Start As A Teen?

You can become a

  • Content writer
  • Scriptwriter
  • Housekeeper
  • Babysitter
  • Graphic designer
  • Moving assistant
  • Blogger

What Can I Sell As A Teenager?

You can sell your handmade crafts and designs to people and make a good amount out of them.

Can A 13-Year-Old Run An Online Business? 

Yes, It is possible for a 13-year-old to run a business online. And the best small business ideas for 13-year-olds are:

  • E-commerce store
  • FB page
  • Instagram page 
  • Youtube channel
  • Gigs on Fiverr

Conclusion

How do you start a business as a teenager? Pick up a business idea either from the list of 50 above or by brainstorming.

Then, conduct research in the field of your interests, and finally, start your business. I’ve also shared small business ideas for teens online that you can work on without having to spend on getting a separate place.