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Did you know that Fred DeLuca was just 17 years old when he first started the Subway sandwich shop with his family friend Dr. Peter Buck? The college freshman Fred DeLuca opened the shop to help pay his tuition. Subway, today, is the world’s largest submarine sandwich chain (1) (2). Like Fred DeLuca, many more successful business persons embraced entrepreneurship when they were teens – Mark Zuckerberg, the CEO of Facebook, is a good case in point. If you wish to become independent and pay your tuition fees, earn extra pocket money, or have brilliant money making ideas, read on as we list some cool business ideas for teens that you could consider.
Key Pointers
- Look for business ideas that relate to your hobbies and interests.
- During the initial stages of your business, write down and collect your experiences to improve your business.
- Create a website or a social media profile to sell your handicraft items, such as decorations, paintings, and jewelry.
- Being a YouTube vlogger or a social media influencer can also work.
- If you’re a musician, you may perform at parties and gatherings or teach others to play.
What Is The Appropriate Age For Starting A Business?
There is no age bar for when to start a business. You can begin any time you think you can handle the pressure of management and are ready to sacrifice a bit of your leisure time. If you think you are not prepared yet, then get into internships where you can learn from the experts.
As a teenager, you are young, innovative, skillful, and full of energy. You are also efficient and have a good understanding of the latest technology. Unlike adults, you also have lesser responsibilities, which allows you to take higher risks. Thus, all these reasons make it all the more necessary for you to start your own business when you are a teen.
A Junior Achievement and the Brian Hamilton Foundation study found that 66% of teens aged 13 to 17 are likely to consider starting a business or becoming entrepreneurs. A similar survey in 2017 showed almost the same result, with 69% of teens expressing interest in entrepreneurship (3).
Do rememberWhat Are The Benefits Of Entrepreneurship For Teens?
Learning entrepreneurship from their teenage years offers multiple opportunities for them in the future (4).
- Earn early experience: Starting early in life gives teens ample time to figure out what works and what doesn’t in a business, which helps them make decisions later in their lives.
- Gain financial independence: They can have extra money in hand without taking up jobs that may not be suited to their school or college timings, allowing them to experience teenage independence while managing their finances and responsibilities.
- Learn to reinvest and grow: Teens often have fewer monthly expenses, allowing them to easily reinvest the money earned from their businesses to generate more profit. Managing money helps them gain valuable financial knowledge and develop effective money management skills.
- Develop life skills: Teen entrepreneurs build key skills like time management, problem-solving, and communication. These abilities strengthen their business, boost personal growth, and help in academics, careers, and relationships.
- Build valuable connections: Starting a business in high school helps teens connect with mentors, industry experts, and fellow entrepreneurs. These relationships offer guidance, resources, and future opportunities, setting them up for long-term success.
- Develop resilience: Success often depends on resilience more than intelligence. Running a business teaches teens to overcome challenges, solve problems, and stay determined. These skills shape their mindset and remain valuable throughout life.
Ro Fernandez, founder of a scientific data and perform analysis stool, Nova, emphasizes the importance of resilience in overcoming business challenges. She says, “Reflecting on the road I’ve traveled, the highs and the lows, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial path is not just a career choice but a profound life journey. Each challenge I’ve faced has been a stepping stone to deeper understanding and resilience. Whether it was the grinding hours, the tough negotiations with investors, or the strategic pivots, every moment was a lesson in disguise. The journey of an entrepreneur is akin to sailing against the current: not only must you be skilled in navigation but also ready to adjust your sails when the wind changes. This adaptability has been crucial (i).”
Youth entrepreneurship benefits both individuals and their communities. Young entrepreneurs boost the local economy by creating jobs and offering valuable services. Schools also gain by fostering entrepreneurship through hands-on learning programs, helping students apply their knowledge.
How To Start A Business For Teens?
Starting a business can help teens build confidence and independence while encouraging growth and learning through hands-on experience. Here are some valuable tips that will guide you to set up your business successfully.
1. Brainstorm ideas
Get as many ideas as you can. Read up, do some research, and take part in different seminars and training workshops. Collect as many ideas as you could, and narrow down these ideas to what you think would work for you.
Find business ideas that align with your teenage hobbies and interests, as these would offer you more satisfaction.
2. Conduct research
Conduct a market research and find out about your competitors and the need for your products and services in the market.
Then, figure out your target customers. The more you understand your customers, the more your business will grow.
Next, start budgeting your business. Create a detailed budget, list down how much money you have and what additional amount you need. Take loans from your dear ones for product development.
3. Implement your plan
To run a successful business, you need to have all the necessary tools, team members, and staff. You could seek help from your family and friends and use pre-owned equipment in the initial stages.
The next thing you need to do is to promote your business. And what can be better than the Internet? Create a website and app for your business with stellar app design and advertise your products and services through social media promotion and digital marketing tools.
After promotion, it’s time to launch your business. Invite your friends and neighbors and get started on your start-up.
4. Take your business to the next level
If you want to grow your business, you must have a business strategy. Note down whatever experience you have gathered in the initial phase. You should also conduct a business analysis to assess how you can improve your business and gather more audiences. This will help you stay focused.
Point to considerAs the business grows, you need to get the registration to run it legally. Also, you may have to choose a suitable location to run your business smoothly.
50 Good Business Ideas For Teens
Do you want to be your own boss and stand on your own feet? Check out this long list of top business ideas for teens that you can start with little to no capital, and that can help you with career exploration as well.
1. Child care
Child care, also known as babysitting, is pretty popular among teens who wish to earn extra money without investing any amount. You can choose the time at your convenience. Child care services are in high demand as most parents are busy working.
2. Handmade craft seller
If you are creative and good at making DIY handmade items such as jewelry, invitations, decorations, stickers, or other accessories, get started and promote your crafts via online marketplaces. Create your website or social media page and sell your items online. You may also open a small store with the help of your parents or guardians.
3. Academic tutor
Teens who excel in specific subjects can tutor younger students in need by charging a reasonable fee. You could also offer your service online. All you need is a good internet connection and a few students to start with.
4. Craft fair vendor
Sell your craft items to people involved at local craft fairs or some other events that promote handmade vendors. This is also an excellent way to advertise your products to your targeted customers.
5. Social media influencer
If you have the skills to influence people on social media, you can work as a social media influencer and do your branding. Understand your niche, get as many followers as you can, and then work as a brand influencer to promote your products and services. Moreover, there are many brands who pay for their products to influencers.
6. YouTube vlogger
One of the best and most popular platforms to start a business is YouTube
. Start your channel, create videos on your niche, get more views and subscribers, and earn income through advertisements. Youtubers these days earn a lot by promoting brands and get famous too.
7. Blogger
If you feel, writing about a product/ service is your interest zone, write blogs on your favorite topics and try to gain as many loyal readers as you can. Gradually, you can start earning through ads, affiliate marketing links, or product sales.
8. Podcaster
If you don’t like facing the camera, then this is a good option for you. Create your content in digital audio files and promote them on social media. You will find many listeners who would want your creative take on things that matter to them. And as your listeners grow and more people download your files, you can earn through advertising, crowdfunding, and sponsorship.
9. Cake decorator
This is an exciting and unconventional business idea for teens. Utilize your creativity, and put your flavors and designs into cakes. Bake your cakes and cookies, decorate them, and post them on digital platforms to attract prospective customers.
10. Housekeeper
Housekeeping services are in demand and are perfect for teens. Find some friends who would like to join you, and spend your weekend afternoons cleaning up people’s houses or backyards. Get as many clients as possible in your neighborhood and beyond and get to the work.
11. Errand runner
Some people are so engrossed in office work and household work that they don’t have time to go out and get their essentials. Grab this opportunity and become an errand runner who can deliver as many items at their doorstep. Before you start this business, ensure you have a bike.
12. Online fashion reseller
If you are a fashion lover and enjoy shopping, this is the right business for you
. Go online and sell your items and those of your friends and your friend’s friends. Post the pictures of those items with good descriptions to grab your customers’ attention.
13. Photographer
Turn your photography skills into a business and offer services on different occasions, such as weddings and baby showers. You may also use your creativity to promote restaurants, retailers, etc.
14. Make-up artist
If you know the art of applying make-up, you must take this up as a business. Create videos on how to do different types of make-up and share them on social media. Get connected with the local fashion shows, party organizers, and small and big screen artists who can hire you as a make-up artist.
15. Car washer
Start a car washing service and reach out to clients in need. You could make this a full-time activity during the holidays.
16. Laundry person
Research your locality to find out if there are any laundry services available. If no, you could consider this as your business.
17. Lawn caretaker
If you are a nature lover, you might want to start this business. Find your clients and keep their area green and clean.
18. Dog walker
A dog lover enjoys and knows the value of this service. So, start the business, and enjoy the rest. Dog owners often search for a pet sitter to take their dogs for a walk, look after the puppies, and groom them.
19. Housesitter
Frequent travelers are always on the lookout for people who offer house-sitting services. Take care of their house while they are away, and what’s more, you get the entire house to yourself.
20. Computer tutor
If you know the basics of troubleshooting a computer and organizing files, start your business as a computer tutor and teach others.
21. Moving assistant
People in urban areas often keep relocating to new apartments and localities. As a moving assistant, manage packing and moving their possessions to the new place.
22. Gift wrapper
Choose this service as your business if you enjoy wrapping gifts. Set up a small stall in a mall and wrap the gifts of people who seek such services.
23. Technology tutor
Teach clients how to install devices and help them solve other technological issues by becoming a technology tutor.
24. Online graphics seller
If you have digital designing skills, create your printable designs and graphics and sell them to your clients online.
25. Clothing designer
Do you have dreams of becoming a fashion designer? Design the clothes in your style and sell them to local boutiques or online.
26. T-shirt designer
Become a t-shirt designer and print your designs into the tees. Next, sell them online or to the local stores.
27. Greeting card maker
Put your creativity into the greeting cards. Give them your designs and make them reach the targeted customers through online stores or local shops.
28. Party entertainer
Another way to start a new business is to organize or manage activities at parties. You could hire magicians, jugglers, mime artists, or balloon artists to entertain the crowd.
29. Recyclables collector
This is an eco-friendly business where you pick up and collect recyclable materials and transport them to proper facilities.
30. Musician
If you are a music lover and know how to play any musical instruments, you should consider teaching music to others. You could also form a band with your peers to play at parties, restaurants, or events.
31. Farmers’ market vendor
Grow seasonal food crops in your area and sell them to the local market.
32. Mushroom cultivator
Do you know how to cultivate mushrooms? Set up a separate room for its cultivation and sell the products to the local stores.
33. Pet photographer
Start a photography business that solely deals with pet owners. Click the best moments of their furry buddies and get paid.
34. Website developer
If you know the basics of developing a website, then turn this hobby into a business. Start developing websites for your clients.
35. Graphic designer
This job requires you to have some basic graphic design skills. Start the business, and help your clients by making logos and creating engaging visual content for their products and companies.
36. E-commerce reseller
Teens can easily open an E-commerce store where they can buy items from their local stores and sell them at a profit through an online platform.
37. Proofreader
Offer proofreading or editing services to authors or individuals and ensure their writings are free of errors.
38. Videographer
If you have quality equipment to capture videos, try out this business. Offer your service at various events.
39. Content writer
This is a great idea for teens to start earning. Get hired by a company and write about their products, or enroll yourself on freelancing sites such as Fiverr and Upwork.
40. Scrapbooker
Offer scrapbooking services to clients by putting all their memories in a scrapbook. Let your creative juices flow as you help them preserve their cherished memories for a lifetime.
41. Snow remover
If you are in need of extra cash, offer this service to the local homeowners during the winters.
42. Leaf remover
This offers you extra income during the autumn. Offer your service by removing leaves from the yards of your clients (neighbors).
43. Garage sale organizer
Here is yet another great way to earn extra pocket money. Sell the unwanted goods of your clients and make a profit.
44. Pet groomer
Pet lovers can start this business. It includes offering several services for the furry buddies, such as bathing them, brushing their teeth, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears.
45. Personal shopper
Offer this service to people who love shopping but get confused about how to choose the items. A personal shopper helps the clients get the right things for them.
46. Holiday decorator
If people in your community love to celebrate each holiday by decorating their places with lights and other adornments, consider this business idea.
47. Zine publisher
This is a business where you can share and sell your creative work, from audio-visuals to fiction and poetry.
48. Camp counselor
If you love being around children, you can teach them new skills by engaging them in creative activities and games.
49. Paid computer player
Make money by playing video games. Utilize your free time in playing video games, offer feedback to the game developer, and get paid for it. You could also check out Roblox, the online gaming and game creation platform. However, it’s important to be aware of the effects of video games on teenagers, so ensure you strike a balance between gaming and other activities.
50. Scriptwriter
If you are good at writing scripts, offer your services to clients who deal with theaters, business videos, TV ads, or films.
Working for yourself is incredibly satisfying. You may not get immediate success, but slowly and steadily, you will learn new skills and gain experiences that will prove highly valuable in the long run. Face the challenges of any business you take up head-on. With consistency and persistence, you will achieve your goals.
51. Online Course Seller
Post Covid, everyone understood that coaching and teaching can be done via Zoom.
Common Business Challenges And Ways To Overcome Them
Starting a business as a teenager can have diverse challenges. However, with the right strategies and support, teen entrepreneurs can navigate obstacles and build successful ventures (5) (6).
- Balancing education and business: Young entrepreneurs must juggle school and business, but both can thrive with proper time management and support. Parents play a key role by offering guidance and helping prioritize tasks, ensuring success in academics and entrepreneurship.
- Access to capital: Funding is a major hurdle for young entrepreneurs, but options like savings, family support, loans, grants, and crowdfunding can help. With determination and smart planning, securing capital to launch a business is achievable.
- Building supportive network: A strong network of mentors, peers, and industry experts helps young entrepreneurs navigate challenges and grow. Engaging in events, clubs, and online platforms fosters valuable connections that bring new opportunities and success.
- Staying innovative: In a fast-changing business world, staying relevant requires constant innovation. Teen entrepreneurs should keep up with industry trends, experiment with fresh ideas, and leverage digital tools for marketing and operations. An open mindset and adaptability can give them a competitive edge.
- Overcoming lack of mentorship: Without proper guidance, teens may find it challenging to make sound business decisions, leading to avoidable mistakes. Connecting with experienced professionals, joining mentorship programs, and seeking advice from teachers or family members can provide valuable insights and support.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can teens differentiate their business ideas from existing competition?
Teens can differentiate their business ideas from the existing competition by identifying a unique value proposition, which means offering something different or better than what is already available in the market. This could involve targeting a niche audience, creating a new product or service, or providing exceptional customer service.
2. What are the legal requirements and regulations for teen-owned businesses?
The legal requirements and regulations for teen-owned businesses can vary depending on the location and type of business. Some common legal requirements include obtaining necessary permits and licenses, registering the business, obtaining tax identification numbers, and complying with employment laws if hiring employees. Additionally, teens may need parental or guardian consent and supervision to legally operate a business if they are not yet of legal age.
3. What are some tips for teens balancing school and running a business?
To balance school and run a business, encourage teens to create a schedule, prioritize tasks according to their importance, and ask for help and support from mentors, parents, or peers.
4. What are some eco-friendly business ideas for environmentally-conscious teens?
Some eco-friendly business ideas for environmentally-conscious teens may include gardening and selling sustainable or eco-friendly products, such as reusable water bottles, clothing, or accessories.
5. What are some resources for teen entrepreneurs?
Several governments, NGOs, and companies provide entrepreneurship programs for young entrepreneurs. You can also explore government-run and company websites or reach out to young entrepreneurs who conduct workshops and teach the fundamentals of entrepreneurship.
Starting a business early helps one know about the usual mistakes to avoid repeating them. It also helps the teen learn resilience, teamwork, innovation, problem-solving abilities, responsibility, and networking. These are valuable life lessons for teens that can shape their future. Some of these business ideas for teenagers need lesser investment and may be safe, to begin with. As parents, you can help your children brainstorm these ideas and pick one that suits their skills, hobbies, and expectations.
Infographic: Help Your Teen Earn Money Online
If your teen is interested in a hobby or great at a skill, you may encourage them to convert it to an online business. Furthermore, you may promote their business idea among your social circles to make it an establishment and earn handsome money. Take cues from this infographic for some easy and popular business ideas to support your young entrepreneur. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: Unique Business Ideas For Teenagers To Start
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Looking to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey? Dive into this video for a list of small business ideas catered especially for girls. Let’s empower each other and start thriving ventures together!
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i.Starting a Business: Lessons from My Journey and Failures;https://medium.com/@rociofernn/starting-a-business-lessons-from-my-journey-and-failures-69fa0b0aed9c
References
- History – The Subway Story;Subway
- History; Subway
- Survey: The “New Normal” Hasn’t Dampened Teens’ Interest in Becoming Entrepreneurs; Junior Achievement USA
- The Power of Youth Entrepreneurship: Building Confidence and Shaping Futures; Arizona State University
- Young Entrepreneurs & the Challenges and Barriers while Scaling Up; International Journal of Novel Research and Development
- Challenges faced by young entrepreneurs and how to overcome them; Web of Scientist.
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