As a teen, starting a small business can have numerous benefits beyond just financial gain. It can help develop important skills like time management, communication, problem-solving, and creativity. In fact, studies show that young entrepreneurs tend to have higher levels of creativity and self-confidence than their peers who don’t own a business. Additionally, starting a small business can be a great way for teens to gain real-world experience and explore their interests and passions.
In this guide, we’ll explore a variety of small business ideas for teens. From social media management to handmade crafts, there’s something for everyone.
So, if you’re a teen with an entrepreneurial spirit, keep reading to discover some exciting small business ideas!
Online Businesses
The internet has opened up countless opportunities for small business owners, including teenagers. Starting an online business is a great way for teens to gain valuable entrepreneurial experience and earn some extra income. Here are three profitable online business ideas for teens:
Selling handmade products on Etsy
Etsy is a popular online marketplace that allows people to buy and sell handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies. Selling handmade products on Etsy is a great option for teens who are creative and enjoy making things. Here’s how to get started:
- Sign up for an Etsy account and create a shop
- Decide on a niche for your shop, such as jewelry, home decor, or clothing
- Create high-quality product listings with clear descriptions and appealing photos
- Price your products competitively and factor in the cost of materials and shipping
- Promote your shop on social media and through word of mouth
According to a recent survey, 86% of Etsy sellers are women and the majority of sellers are under the age of 35. This means that there is plenty of opportunity for teens to succeed on the platform. Here are some successful Etsy shops run by teens:
The Trendy Turtle Co: A shop run by 16-year-old Isabella, selling handmade jewelry and accessories
Starting a YouTube channel
YouTube is the world’s second-largest search engine, making it a powerful platform for content creators to share their work and earn money. Starting a YouTube channel is a great option for teens who are passionate about a particular topic and enjoy making videos. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose a niche for your channel, such as beauty, gaming, or cooking
- Create high-quality videos with engaging content and clear audio
- Optimize your videos for search by using relevant keywords in your titles and descriptions
- Promote your channel on social media and collaborate with other YouTubers
According to a recent survey, 80% of teens use YouTube, making it a popular platform for young people. Here are some successful teen YouTube channels:
Emma Chamberlain: A 20-year-old YouTuber with over 11 million subscribers who creates lifestyle and vlog content
Brooklyn and Bailey: Twin sisters with over 6 million subscribers who create lifestyle and beauty content
Jojo Siwa: A 18-year-old YouTuber with over 12 million subscribers who creates music and dance content
Starting a Blog
Starting a blog is a great way for teens to share their thoughts and ideas while potentially making money. Here’s how to get started:
- Choose your niche: Decide what topics you want to write about and who your target audience is. This will help you create content that appeals to your readers.
- Create high-quality content: Write informative and engaging blog posts that showcase your writing skills and expertise on your chosen topics.
- Use SEO strategies: Use relevant keywords in your blog post titles and throughout your content to increase your visibility in search engine results.
Monetize your blog: You can make money through advertising, sponsored posts, affiliate marketing, or by selling digital or physical products related to your blog’s niche.
Example of successful teen bloggers include:
- “Ava Jules” – a 20-year-old blogger who writes about lifestyle and fashion with over 1 million Instagram followers
Online businesses like selling handmade products on Etsy, starting a YouTube channel, or starting a blog can be a great way for teens to explore their creativity and make money. With hard work and dedication, anyone can turn their passion into a successful business venture.
Service-Based Businesses
Starting a service-based business can be a great way for teens to earn money and gain valuable experience. Here are some profitable service-based business ideas for teens:
Lawn care and landscaping services
According to the National Association of Landscape Professionals, the landscaping industry has a market size of $93 billion in the US alone. Here’s how teens can get in on the action:
- Research local regulations and licensing requirements for lawn care and landscaping businesses
- Invest in basic equipment such as a lawnmower, edger, and trimmer
- Market services through flyers, social media, and word-of-mouth
- Offer a variety of services such as mowing, edging, trimming, and fertilizing
Examples of successful teen-owned lawn care businesses include LawnLove, founded by 19-year-old Jeremy Yamaguchi, which has raised over $6 million in funding.
Babysitting and pet-sitting services
Babysitting and pet-sitting are classic service-based businesses for teens. In fact, according to the American Red Cross, babysitting is one of the top three employment opportunities for teens.
- Get certified in CPR and first aid to increase credibility
- Offer services to friends, family, and neighbors to gain experience and build a client base
- Advertise services through flyers, social media, and local community groups
Tutoring and academic coaching services
As the demand for academic support continues to rise, tutoring and academic coaching services can be a profitable business for teens with expertise in specific subjects.
- Identify areas of expertise and develop lesson plans and study guides
- Advertise services through flyers, social media, and local community groups
- Offer competitive pricing compared to other tutoring services in the area
Service-based businesses can be a great opportunity for teens to gain experience and earn money. By following these tips and examples, teens can successfully start and grow their own service-based businesses.
Creative Businesses
Creativity is one of the most valuable skills to have in today’s business world. As a teenager, you have the energy and passion to channel your creativity into your own small business. Here are some creative business ideas for teens.
Photography services
If you have an eye for capturing moments and creating visually appealing images, starting a photography business might be the right choice for you. According to IBIS World, the photography industry has grown by 2.1% annually and generated $11 billion in revenue in the US alone. Here are some steps to start a photography business:
- Invest in high-quality photography equipment, such as a DSLR camera, tripod, and lighting equipment.
- Build a portfolio by taking photos for friends and family or shooting local events.
- Create a website and social media accounts to showcase your work and attract potential clients.
- Set your prices and create packages for your services.
- Build relationships with local businesses and organizations to secure regular work.
Successful teen-owned photography businesses include Olivia Gatti Photography and Esther Hanuka Photography.
Graphic design services
Graphic design is a crucial aspect of branding and marketing for any business. If you have an eye for design and are proficient in graphic design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, you can start your own graphic design business. According to IBIS World, the graphic design industry has grown by 2.7% annually and generated $15 billion in revenue in the US alone. Here are some steps to start a graphic design business:
- Invest in high-quality design software and equipment.
- Build a portfolio by creating designs for friends and family or local organizations.
- Create a website and social media accounts to showcase your work and attract potential clients.
- Set your prices and create packages for your services.
- Build relationships with local businesses and organizations to secure regular work.
Music lessons and performance services
If you have a passion for music and are proficient in an instrument or vocal performance, you can start your own music lessons or performance business. According to IBIS World, the music industry has grown by 1.9% annually and generated $9 billion in revenue in the US alone. Here are some steps to start a music lesson or performance business:
- Determine your niche and specialty, such as teaching a particular instrument or offering vocal lessons.
- Set your prices and create packages for your services.
- Create a website and social media accounts to promote your business and attract potential clients.
- Build relationships with local schools and community centers to secure regular work.
- Offer performance services for local events and gigs to showcase your talent and attract new clients.
Successful teen-owned music businesses include Kristina Lachaga Music.
These creative business ideas for teens can be a great starting point to channel your passion and creativity into a profitable venture. Remember to research your market, create a solid business plan, and build relationships with your clients and community. With determination and hard work, you can turn your small business idea into a successful and fulfilling career.
Retail and Reselling Businesses
Starting a retail business can be a great way for teens to earn extra money and gain valuable entrepreneurial skills. Here are some small business ideas in the retail and reselling category.
Selling thrifted or vintage clothing online
Thrifted and vintage clothing is a popular niche in the fashion industry, and reselling them can be a lucrative business idea. In fact, the online thrift and consignment industry is projected to reach $64 billion by 2024.
To start a successful thrift or vintage clothing business, follow these tips:
- Research current fashion trends and popular styles
- Source high-quality and unique pieces from thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces
- Take high-quality photos of your clothing and create compelling product descriptions
- Use social media and other online marketplaces like Etsy or Depop to reach potential customers
- Price your items competitively but also factor in the cost of sourcing, cleaning, and shipping the items.
Examples of successful teen-owned thrift and vintage clothing businesses include The Blue Door Boutique.
Creating and selling custom merchandise
Custom merchandise is a popular business idea that can be done in a variety of ways, such as designing and printing t-shirts, hats, or stickers. This business idea allows for a lot of creativity and can be done from home.
To start a custom merchandise business, follow these steps:
- Choose a niche or theme for your merchandise
- Research current design trends and create unique designs
- Use a print-on-demand service like Printful or Teespring to print and fulfill orders
- Promote your merchandise on social media, online marketplaces, and at local events or fairs.
Starting a reselling business
Reselling can be a profitable business idea for teens who are knowledgeable about specific products, such as sneakers or collectibles. In fact, the global resale market is projected to reach $64 billion by 2024.
To start a successful reselling business, follow these tips:
- Research the market for the products you want to sell and understand their value
- Source products from online marketplaces, garage sales, and other resellers
- Build a strong reputation by providing excellent customer service and selling authentic products
- Use social media and online marketplaces to promote your products and reach potential customers.
There are many small business ideas for teens to explore. From service-based businesses to retail and reselling businesses, there is no shortage of opportunities to start a successful venture. By following these tips and examples, teens can turn their passions and interests into profitable businesses.
Food-Based Businesses
If you enjoy cooking or baking, starting a food-based business could be a great opportunity for you to turn your passion into a profitable venture. Here are some small business ideas for teens in the food industry:
Baking and catering services
Baking and catering services are in high demand, especially for special events like weddings, birthdays, and corporate functions. If you have a talent for baking and cooking, this could be the perfect business idea for you. Here’s how to get started:
- Develop a menu of baked goods or catering services that you can offer.
- Research local regulations and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.
- Invest in quality baking and cooking equipment.
- Market your services to potential clients, such as event planners and local businesses.
According to a report by IBISWorld, the catering industry in the US is worth $12 billion and is expected to continue growing at an annual rate of 3.6%. This means that there is a lot of potential for success in this industry.
Examples of successful teen-owned baking and catering businesses include:
- Whisked Away Bakery, owned by 17-year-old Catherine Scullin, which offers custom cakes and baked goods for special events.
Creating and selling a food product
If you have a signature recipe for a food product that you think could be a hit, starting a business around it could be a great option. Here’s what you need to do:
- Refine your recipe and create a product that is unique and delicious.
- Develop a brand identity and packaging for your product.
- Research local regulations and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.
- Market your product to potential customers, such as local grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
According to a report by IBISWorld, the snack food production industry in the US is worth $39 billion and is expected to continue growing at an annual rate of 2.6%. This means that there is a lot of potential for success in this industry.
Starting a food truck business
Food trucks have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a convenient way for customers to grab a quick bite to eat while on the go. If you’re interested in starting a food truck business, here’s what you need to do:
- Develop a menu of food items that you can offer from your truck.
- Research local regulations and obtain any necessary licenses or permits.
- Purchase or rent a food truck and outfit it with the necessary equipment.
- Market your business to potential customers, such as at local events and festivals.
According to a report by IBISWorld, the food truck industry in the US is worth $1 billion and is expected to continue growing at an annual rate of 3.7%. This means that there is a lot of potential for success in this industry.
There are many small business ideas for teens to consider, from service-based businesses to creative businesses and food-based businesses. By following the steps outlined in this guide and using your unique talents and skills
Small business ideas for teens: Summing Up
Starting a small business as a teen can be a fulfilling and exciting experience that can provide numerous benefits. With the right mindset, resources, and support, there is no reason why teens cannot successfully pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
