
This article will guide young people, their parents, and their teachers through the benefits of youth entrepreneurship, ways to get started, and a range of ideal business ideas for teens.
Many entrepreneurs run several businesses before they find one that’s successful. Plus, the lessons you learn from managing your own small business can be applied to other businesses and careers–making entrepreneurship a great opportunity for teens.
When it comes to making money as a teen, owning your own business definitely has a lot of advantages over getting a job.
There are plenty of ways to start earning money fast, but it’s also helpful to think a little bit longer term and how owning a business now might help you in the future.
Having your own business can also help you develop important skills, such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication. All of these skills can be extremely beneficial when you are looking for a job after college.
Many teens operate a full-time business while also attending school. With classes and extracurriculars, school can easily occupy eight to ten hours of each weekday. So when choosing a business idea, it’s best for teenagers to select something with flexible hours that will allow them to work in their free time.
No matter what your future plans entail, remember that you’re young and can always adjust them. This experience can also be extremely valuable when you go to apply for colleges, as it shows that you are motivated and have what it takes to succeed in the business world.
Young entrepreneurs can typically make more money with a business than with a full-time job. This is because you are in control of how much you charge for your services or products and how much profit you can build into your business strategy.
One great benefit of owning your own business is that it can help you build a strong professional network. This is because you will be interacting with a lot of different people, all of whom have their own connections and contacts.
This can be extremely valuable when you are looking for a job after college, as it can help you get your foot in the door at some of the best companies. It can also help you find mentors who can help you grow your business.
I’ve put together 27 small business ideas for teens that have the most potential to make money and gain valuable skills.
Easy
Starting a local service business is an excellent business idea for those who want a more hands-on approach.
One of the best things about starting a local service business is that you can just get started in your local neighborhood. Normally you don’t need a lot of start-up capital and your approach can be based on the skills you already have, and it has the potential to be a lucrative business.
You can often start your business with just a few tools and supplies that you already have lying around the house. Here are a few business ideas for teens to get you started:
The list goes on… There are endless ways to make extra cash for young entrepreneurs and these are just a few.
Get creative and just get started with something that you find interesting and see how it goes. You may find your new business is more successful than you thought, or it might give you enough experience to realize that it’s not something you want to do as a career. That’s ok!
Moderate
In recent years, streaming video games has become a popular way to make money online. Simply by playing video games and broadcasting their gameplay to an audience, streamers can generate income from advertisements, donations, and subscriptions.
To be successful, however, streamers need to build up a large and engaged viewer base. This can be done by providing high-quality content, interacting with viewers, and using social media to promote their channel.
You can make money with tips, Patreon, ad revenue, brand deals, and more. It’s definitely a popular way for teens to get started making money, and if you stay consistent it can eventually become a full-time income.
Try: Twitch.tv or Youtube.com
Moderate
Being a social media influencer can be a great business idea for teenagers, as it allows them to share their interests and passions with the world while earning money.
Benefits of being a social media influencer include:
Easy
A great way for youth to make extra cash is through babysitting or childcare services.
You can take care of kids in your neighborhood while their parents are at work or away.
It’s easy to offer services that don’t interfere with your school or other planned activities too.
Moderate
If you have a green thumb and love spending time in the garden, why not sell your home-grown organic vegetables online?
Start by doing some research and finding out which vegetables are in high demand and fetch a good price.
You could create an attractive website to bring in local customers or an online store to showcase your wares or join an existing marketplace like Market Wagon. Many areas have local subscription services for Organic veg, so it may be worth doing a little local networking and selling your products through a third party.
If you go it on your own, you’ll need to develop a system for delivering fresh produce to your customers. If you’re up for the challenge, selling organic vegetables online can be a great way to earn extra income.
Moderate
Etsy is an e-commerce website focused on handmade or vintage items and supplies, as well as unique factory-manufactured items.
These items cover a wide range, including art, photography, clothing, jewelry, food, bath and beauty products, quilts, knick-knacks, and toys. Much like eBay, sellers list their goods on the site, and buyers can browse and purchase items they are interested in.
One of the best business ideas for Etsy is to create and sell digital products, which are the best-performing teen business ideas for Etsy:
If you prefer more of a hands-on approach, you could also sell your creations to people face-to-face at local craft fairs, handmade markets, farmers’ markets, Christmas markets, or functions that showcase local businesses.
Hard
Making money as a voice-over actor is surprisingly easy – you just need to know where to start. The first step is to create a demo reel that showcases your vocal range and style. Once you have a strong reel, you can begin submitting it to casting directors and production companies.
In many cases, you’ll be able to land work without even having to audition.
Of course, the more experience you have, the better your chances of getting high-paying gigs. But even if you’re just starting out, there are plenty of ways to make money as a voice-over actor.
So don’t be discouraged – start recording your demo reel today, and you could be making big bucks in no time.
Try: voices.com or voice123.com
Hard
There are a number of ways to earn money online as a beginner doing video editing. One option is to start creating videos for clients on a website such as Fiverr or Upwork, and you don’t even need your own website.
This can be a great way to earn a few dollars, and you can also build up a portfolio of work that you can show to bigger paying clients and Youtubers.
Another option is to create videos for other people’s websites or social media channels. This can be a great way to get started in the industry.
There are also many opportunities to create how-to videos or product reviews, which can be a great way to generate income. Whatever route you decide to take, there are many ways to earn money online as a beginner doing video editing.
You can get started just by watching videos on Youtube and then putting what you learn into practice. Plus there are loads of sites out there that can help you get started with templates and starter frameworks for some of the most popular video editing programs.
One of the most popular ones is Envato Elements, they have a ton of resources from stock photos and videos, to complete templates for animation or titles in Davinci Resolve, Adobe After Effects, or Adobe Premiere.
A lot of this software also offers free trial periods, so you can save money and even get started for free!
Whatever route you decide to take, there are many ways to earn money online as a beginner doing video editing.
Moderate
YouTube is one of the most popular websites on the internet and generally one of the most popular business ideas for teens. It’s an incredibly powerful platform for businesses to reach their target audience and with its vast potential for income, creating a YouTube channel can be both lucrative and rewarding.
Creating a successful YouTube channel requires more than just uploading videos; it requires dedication, commitment, consistency, and creative content that will engage your viewers and build an audience.
Hard
If you’re a freelance writer or editor, you may be wondering how to make money online by writing blogs. The good news is that there are a number of ways to find work as a freelance writer or editor for blogs.
The best place to start is by searching online job boards such as Indeed or Upwork. You can also search for writing gigs on sites like Craigslist or Fiverr. Once you’ve found a few potential clients, it’s essential to check their references and make sure they’re reputable.
Once you’ve established a good working relationship with a few clients, you can begin to negotiate higher rates.
If you’re just starting out it’s important to build up your portfolio and get some experience under your belt before you start charging top dollar for your services.
Hard
Speaking of print-on-demand (POD), this is a great way to make more money or even create a passive income stream. Essentially, you create designs that are printed on products like t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases, and then sell them through an online store.
The best part is that you don’t have to worry about inventory or fulfillment – all of that is handled by the POD company. To get started, simply create an account with a POD company and upload your designs.
Then, create an e-commerce site or add a store to your existing website. You can promote your products through social media, paid ads, or word-of-mouth marketing.
By leveraging the power of print-on-demand, you can easily start generating extra income with very little upfront investment.
Hard
Blogs are still a fantastic way to share your thoughts and ideas with the world, and if you do it right, a blog can provide you with the financial freedom you’ve always wanted.
You don’t even need to be a writer. Check out these amazing AI blogging tools.
Here are a few things you need to know in order to make money with your blog:
It’s important to find a niche or an area of expertise and stick to writing about topics related to that niche.
What are you passionate about? What do you have expertise in?
Pick something that you can write about extensively, and that will likely be of interest to others. It’s also important to choose a niche that isn’t already saturated – this will give you a better chance of being found by potential readers.
If you want to make money with your blog, there are a few ways you can do so. One popular method is through advertising – you can sell space on your site to advertisers, or work with affiliate programs to earn commission on products that you recommend.
Alternatively, you could also sell digital products such as eBooks or online courses. Whichever approach you choose, just be sure to provide value and build up a loyal following, and the financial rewards will follow.
Hard
If you’re an artist or creative looking to get into the world of NFTs, there’s no better time than now.
With the help of a little blockchain technology, you can turn your creative work into digital assets that can be bought, sold, or traded just like any other commodity. And best of all, you can do it all on your own terms.
You’ll need to find a good platform to host your collection. There are a number of different options out there, so take some time to research the different options and find one that best suits your needs.
Once you’ve found a good platform, you’ll need to start creating your art. This can be anything from digital paintings and illustrations to photos and videos. The sky’s the limit!
Once you have some art ready to go, it’s time to start marketing your collection. Use social media, forums, and any other channels you have at your disposal to get the word out. Twitter and Discord are the main platforms that NFT traders use.
The more people you can reach, the better chance you have of making some sales. And finally, don’t forget to price your art accordingly. NFTs are still a new and unexplored market, so there’s no fixed price point for what your art is worth.
If creating NFTs seems too much for you or you would just like to start with something a bit easier, check out my guide to how to make money online as an artist.
Moderate
Online courses have become an increasingly popular business idea for teens looking to make some extra money. Not only can you create and sell your own course materials, but you can also earn a passive income over time. This makes online courses a great way to get started in the world of entrepreneurs.
Well, first you’ll need a topic to teach about. Are you an expert in a particular subject? Or maybe you have some great tips and advice to share with others?
Once you’ve settled on a topic, the next step is creating your course content. This can be done in a variety of ways, such as through videos, audio recordings, or written tutorials. Be sure to make your content interesting and engaging, so that students will want to keep coming back for more.
The final step is marketing your course. Use social media, online forums, and any other channels you have at your disposal to get the word out. You can also offer discounts or free previews to tempt potential students into signing up.
There are now a number of platforms that make it easy to create and sell courses online, such as Kajabi, Teachable, and Podia.
Moderate
While creating a successful mobile app may seem like a daunting task, there are a number of resources and advanced platforms available that can help beginners get started.
Gone are the days when you are reliant on a big budget and a team of developers to custom build an app for you.
With a clear vision for your app, you can create an engaging and popular app that users will love. The key is to start small and simple, and then build on your success as you gain more experience.
App builders range from super easy non-techy to incredibly advanced solutions. So depending on what you want to achieve there is no reason to hold back.
Try: Appmaster.io, Passion.io, AppyPie.com, or GameSalad.com
Moderate
One great business idea is to sell low-content and no-content books. These can be journals, diaries, schedulers or other books that help people achieve tasks or goals.
This is a great way to make money online because you don’t have to invest a ton of time and effort in writing a book, you just need a good idea. You can simply get the book designed, and then list it for sale.
There is a growing demand for these types of books and people are willing to pay good money for them.
So if you’re looking for a unique business idea, selling low-content and no-content books is a great option.
Hard
As the fitness industry continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for qualified fitness coaches. Online fitness coaching is a great way to share your knowledge and passion for fitness with others while also earning a living.
The first step to becoming an online fitness coach is to complete a certified personal trainer program. This will give you the necessary knowledge and skills to develop effective workout programs and provide guidance on nutrition and injury prevention.
Once you have completed a certified personal trainer program, you can start marketing your services online. There are a number of ways to do this, including creating a website or blog or using social media platforms like Instagram or YouTube.
You can also join an online coaching network, which will provide you with access to potential clients from all over the world. When marketing your services, it is important to focus on your unique strengths and abilities as a coach.
Are you especially knowledgeable about a certain type of exercise or nutrition? Do you have experience helping people overcome injuries? By highlighting your unique selling points, you will be more likely to attract clients who are a good fit for your coaching style.
If you are passionate about fitness and helping others achieve their goals, then becoming an online fitness coach might be the perfect career for you.
Moderate
There’s no denying that the online world is a vast and ever-growing marketplace. Whether you’re selling products or services, you need to be able to reach your target audience through the digital landscape by having a social media presence or by having your own website.
This is especially true when it comes to teaching art and creativity.
In order to be successful, you need to stand out from the crowd and offer something unique. But with so many online courses and instructors already out there, is it really possible to make a name for yourself?
The answer is yes – but it takes more than just offering a few online classes. If you want to start teaching art and creativity online, you need to have a well-developed website and online store.
You also need to build up a social media following and create engaging content that will attract students. It’s not an easy task, but it is possible to succeed in the online teaching world. With dedication and hard work, you can make your mark as an online art instructor.
Hard
Creating a mindfulness program for beginners can be a great way to help them learn how to meditate and live in the present moment. There are a few things to consider when creating such a program, such as what type of guidance and support will be offered, and how often it will be delivered.
It is also important to decide what format the program will take, such as an online course, group classes, or one-on-one coaching.
When it comes to guidance and support, it is important to offer both practical and emotional support.
For example, beginners may need help with learning how to meditate effectively and understanding the benefits of mindfulness.
They may also appreciate having someone to talk to about their experiences, and who can offer encouragement and motivation.
In terms of format, online courses can be a great option for those who want to learn at their own pace, while group classes can provide a more social and supportive environment. One-on-one coaching can be beneficial for those who want more personalized attention.
Ultimately, the best way to create a mindfulness program for beginners is to tailor it to their individual needs and preferences.
Try Kajabi.com or Passion.io
Hard
Starting a paid-membership community has a lot of benefits. For one, you get to be your own boss and run the show however you see fit. This can be a great way to achieve work-life balance and achieve success on your own terms.
Starting a paid-membership community can give you a leg up in the digital marketing world.
By charging for access to your content, you can create a steady stream of revenue that can be used to grow your business. And as your business grows, so too will your ability to reach new audiences and create even more valuable content.
Easy
A UGC (user-generated) content creator is someone who produces online content that is meant to be shared on social media.
This can include everything from creating original videos and memes to curating social media posts from other users.
The goal of a UGC content creator is to produce content that will be popular with social media users, resulting in the content being shared widely.
UGC content creators often don’t have a large social media following of their own but get paid by the influencers who post their content.
It’s one of the best ways to start making money online as beginner because you can make good money without needing to build an audience first.
Easy
If you’re looking for easy small business ideas, writing eBooks and selling them on Amazon Kindle and Audible could be a great option for you.
With Kindle Direct Publishing, you can self-publish your eBooks and reach a wide audience of potential readers.
With Audible you can sell your eBooks as audiobooks, reaching an even wider audience. Both platforms are easy to use and offer great potential for making money.
Hard
Perhaps you have an idea for a product but don’t want to deal with the hassle of manufacturing, inventory, and shipping. If so, then dropshipping might be the perfect business model for you.
Dropshipping is a type of e-commerce business where you sell products without having to carry any inventory.
When a customer places an order on your website, the order is forwarded to the supplier, who then ships the product directly to the customer. As the store owner, you never have to see or handle the product.
Dropshipping is a great way to start an online business with little upfront investment or risk.
The barrier to entry is low and there are a number of easy-to-use platforms, such as Shopify, that can help you get started quickly and easily.
Plus, you can run your dropshipping business in your spare time – you don’t need to quit your day job to start a successful store.
Hard
In recent years, subscription boxes have become increasingly popular.
These services typically involve a monthly fee, and in return, customers receive a box of curated items. For e-commerce businesses, starting a subscription box service can be an excellent way to generate passive income and build customer loyalty.
When done right, a subscription box can be a valuable addition to your business. Subscription boxes can provide a steady stream of passive income.
Once you have established your subscriber base, you can rely on recurring revenue each month. This predictable income can be helpful in supporting your e-commerce business.
Additionally, subscription boxes can help to build customer loyalty. Customers who are happy with their monthly boxes are likely to stick around for the long term.
This loyal customer base can provide stability for your business and help it to grow over time.
When researching ideas for your subscription business, consider Amazon FBA as an option. They have a Subscribe and Save program available for registered brands which many Amazon sellers find very lucrative.
Easy
If you are techy person, starting an online store could be the perfect business idea for you.
With an online store, you can sell products directly to customers from around the world. This eliminates the need to invest in inventory or shipping, which can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Plus, there are a number of platforms – such as Shopify – that make it easy to set up and manage your store. So there’s no need to be an expert in web design or eCommerce, you can learn as you go.
Easy
Fiverr is a website where people can buy and sell services for $5 or more. This makes it a great place for beginners to start selling their services online.
There are a number of services that you can offer on Fiverr, such as graphic design, writing, programming, and video editing. And since Fiverr allows you to set your own price, you can charge whatever you think is fair for your services.
So, if you’re looking for great some business ideas for teens to help you get started, these options are a great place to start.
No matter which option you choose, there’s sure to be a way for you to make money with your own business. So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Looking for more ideas? Check out this post of 55 more ideas to make money online for beginners.
There are plenty of ways for teenagers to make money online these days.
Whether you’re looking to earn some pocket money or save up for a big purchase, there are options out there for you.
Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
– Sell your old clothes, textbooks, and other items you don’t need anymore on sites like eBay.com or Poshmark.com.
– Provide your services as a tutor or pet-sitter through websites like Tutor.com or Rover.com.
– Do odd jobs for people in your neighborhood through TaskRabbit or Fiverr.
Complete short online surveys and receive payments for your time through panel companies like SurveyJunkie.com or InboxDollars.com.
With a little effort, you can easily make an extra $100 dollars a day online – and have some fun while doing it!