Ten Small Business Ideas For Teens

Estimated read time 5 min read

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Online Tutoring:

Online tutoring is an easy way to use skills you already have to make additional money. There is someone who needs your help in a subject that is very easy for you to understand. Maybe their teacher doesn’t explain it well or moves too fast before making sure they grasp a concept before moving forward. You swoop in and save the day and make some money along the way!

Gear Up: Just a laptop, Wi-Fi, and maybe Zoom or Skype.

Pet Sitting/Dog Walking:

Why?: Pets are awesome, and hey, their busy human pals will pay you to hang with them! Getting started is super easy. Talk to friends and family you know with pets and ask them to spread the word. Join pet sitting or dog walking websites to find fur baby owners in short supply of a reliable sitter.

Gear Up: Love for furry friends, maybe some treats, and a way to get the word out – like Insta or even TikTok.

Custom T-Shirt Printing:

Why?: Everyone loves cool tees, especially when they’re unique. And with sites like Printful, you don’t even have to fork over a ton of cash to get started.

Gear Up: Some design apps, maybe a tee printer or a sign-up with a fulfillment service, and a TikTok or Insta shop and website.

Digital Art & Sticker Vibes:

Why?: Digital art is booming, and platforms like Redbubble or Etsy are waiting for you! Or build your own brand on social media just like this person did.

Gear Up: Your art skills, digital tools, and an account on one of those platforms or a TikTok shop to sell from.

@stickyriceco

Replying to @jude I found the best response audio today 😌 I understand there’s a whole group of kids whose price point revolves around shein/aliexpress/temu but that is NOT my market and to be honest you would not be my target audience either 😂 These are my originally designed stationery items. No, you can’t find them on aliexpress or any similar website. And it’s okay if the price falls outside of your range and you’re unhappy about that, but please be respectful 💗 #stickers #stickershop #smallbusiness

♬ original sound – Wild Rina

Blogging or Vlogging:

Why?: Blogging is still a thing! What do you think you are reading right now? The best part is you can focus on something you enjoy talking about. Got a passion? Games, makeup, skating, anything! Share it and get those followers.

Gear Up: A phone or camera, some editing apps, and a YouTube or blog account.

Lawn Fix-Up:

Why?: We know it’s not the coolest thing to do and that’s why this is still such a viable option whether you are young or old. There are always people who don’t want to mow their lawn and they are willing to pay you to get the job done. The great part is you can start in your own neighborhood and build up from there.

Gear Up: Basic gardening stuff, some plant know-how, and maybe flyers or an online ad.

DIY Jewelry:

Why?: Handmade bling? Yes, please! Everyone’s looking for that unique piece.

Gear Up: Jewelry-making bits, your creativity, and a spot at local craft fairs or leverage social media to spread the word.

@bijouxkomorebi

Replying to @elizabethh making a necklace version of our Lotus Bracelet! 🪷 available at the site in our b1o 🫶🏼 #beadednecklace #handmadejewelry #daintyjewelry #beadedjewelry #pinkaesthetic #flowernecklace #asmr #minimalstyle #aestheticstyle

♬ Hotline etude – FINNEAS

Tech Whiz Services:

Why?: You’re the tech guru of the fam, right? Turn that into a gig. Using freelancer websites like Fivver to help others.

Gear Up: Know-how, patience (trust us), and a way for folks to reach out.

Snap & Share Photography:

Why?: Weddings, birthdays, baby showers, grad photos, that’s why! Capture the moments, build a dope portfolio, and get paid.

Gear Up: A camera (even a good phone cam works), editing apps, and maybe an Insta page for your snaps.

Bake & Sell:

Why?: People always have a few bucks for a tasty something on the fly. Homemade brownies, cookies, or even funky health bars – always a hit!

Gear Up: Your mad kitchen skills, some basic supplies, and a way to get those orders. Just check the rules around selling food in your area.

Things to consider when deciding what to start.

1. What do I want to achieve with my business, and how will I know if I’m doing a good job?

2. How can I make sure I have time for school, friends, and other stuff I like while also running my business?

3. What can I do to prepare for things that might go wrong, like someone else doing something similar or not having enough money?

Final Deets: Your teen years are the best time to flex those entrepreneurial muscles. Apart from the cash (which is awesome), you’ll learn super useful stuff – managing time, handling customers, and maybe even adulting a bit with finances. But remember, school and life balance are key. And if you’re ever stuck, just hit up someone who’s been there, done that. Check out our other articles to discover the best business for you!