If you’re like me, your grandpa has been telling you to get a job since you were about eight years old.
“Back then,” “When I was your age,” and “It’s time to contribute” are the opening phrases of conversations I’ve heard all too often.
But what if, instead of getting your first job as a newspaper manager in the suburbs for a few measly dollars, you could start your own business?
As technology continues to evolve, there are more and more opportunities for young teens to start their own businesses, often from the comfort of their own home.
So if you’re an aspiring young entrepreneur (or a parent who wants to stop paying your child pocket money), check out our list of the best small business ideas for teenagers.
Why start a business as a teenager?
Aside from the fact that a successful business means more money to spend (no more nagging your mom!), there are many other benefits to starting a business as a teenager.
Whether or not you plan to go to college, take a gap year, or get a job, you still have plenty of time to give starting your own business a try first!
You can only learn so much about life by reading books and listening in class. To truly learn and develop practical skills, you need to contribute, not just consume.
At the very least, starting your own business is incredibly attractive to universities because it shows your drive, desire and future orientation.
It’s also a fantastic way to gain experience and network with professionals, making it much easier for you to find a job in the future.
Plus, telling your parents that you need to spend more time on your laptop will take some of the pressure off your parents…
Disclaimer: Some platforms, tools or regions require you to be at least 18 years old to register. We recommend that you always obtain consent from a parent or guardian before attempting to start a business.
Don’t skip: 19 reasons to start a business
8 small business ideas for teenagers
1. Streaming
The world of streaming was booming during Covid-19, and many of us spent our time watching our favorite gamers rage through Minecraft games or living vicariously through IRL streamers who were actually allowed outside.
So much so that The Verge estimated that the live streaming sector grew by 45% and the industry grew by more than 99% in the first two months alone!
Since then, the industry has continued to grow, and with advances in technology making streaming devices more affordable than ever, this could be a great option for anyone who enjoys spending time online or playing multiplayer games.
However, it can take time to build your audience. So don’t expect to make money right away.
Dive deeper: Do you hate creating new content? Cut your content creation time in half with this strategy
2. Ecommerce
If you’re a fan of business, economics, and digital design, starting an eCommerce brand could be the way to go. Sites like Shopify or Squarespace have made it easier than ever to create a website, purchase a domain name, and start selling your chosen goods or services online.
Dive deeper: How to Start an Ecommerce Business
3. When mom gives you lemons, make lemonade
There’s a reason popular movies show kids flocking to bake sales or lemonade stands during times of financial crisis.
And the little girl down the street who flips over granola bars and homemade lemonade every month while her dad mows the lawn isn’t just doing it for fun.
They do it because it works!
Don’t expect to make a full-time career selling refreshing citrus drinks from your garden, but do expect your neighbors to be generous with their purchases and help you earn that much-needed extra spending money.
Card readers are also now much more accessible, making it easier to accept payments and giving even your stingiest neighbors no more excuses when it comes to paying.
Dive deeper: How to make money on the side
4. Get smart
Do you spend time making handmade goods in your free time? Would you be willing to part with them for a lot of money?
Okay, maybe not tons, but you can definitely make money selling your handmade goods on sites like Etsy or eBay.
People love buying unique items and helping small businesses. So with a little design and business acumen, you can quickly build a profitable business.
Dive deeper: How to start an Etsy shop
5. Design websites and online stores
If you spend a lot of time online, there’s a good chance you can make money designing websites or online stores. Many small business owners don’t know how to do this, but it’s a crucial part of almost every business.
Squarespace and other websites allow you to design websites in a drag-and-drop format. So you don’t have to be a coding expert to start this type of business and you can learn new skills and increase your rates as needed Learn on the job.
Dive deeper: 16 Ways to Find (and Attract) Your Dream Customers.
6. Use your “social” skills
Do you often feel like you’re spending hours scrolling through TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels?
What if you could use these skills?
Because of the huge exposure it provides, short videos are quickly becoming an integral part of any marketing campaign, regardless of the brand.
The only problem? Many Generation Xers and Boomers don’t know what TikTok or Reels really is. They didn’t grow up with it like you did and that’s why a lot of brands on social media either do the wrong thing or do nothing at all.
This is where you come in, and all those hours of endless scrolling suddenly come to your benefit. Running social media accounts for brands can take a little work at first, but once you’re able to show your results, you can quickly scale your business and grow from there.
Short videos and social media aren’t going away any time soon, so this is a great option to start in your teens.
Dive deeper: How to Make Money on TikTok – 15 Surefire Ways
7. Dive into AI
Finally, let’s explore the world of AI and the possibilities it offers.
What role AI will ultimately play in society is still unknown, but for now it offers some interesting business opportunities, especially for the younger generation.
While your parents are still deciding whether it’s called “ChatGTP” or “ChatGPT,” you can turn this new technology into business opportunities.
Whether you’re using your technical skills to build your own AI chatbot, learning the tools to teach others, or consulting on AI for businesses, AI offers many unique opportunities for you to take advantage of .
8. The devil is in the details
Would you consider yourself a big fan of all things car-related?
The good news is that you don’t even need a driver’s license to work with them every day.
The automotive detailing industry has seen a significant increase in demand in recent years as people become more interested in the cleanliness and finishing details of their cars.
This allows you to offer a high-quality car detailing service that is easy to promote via social media to an audience where demand continues to exceed supply.
Frequently asked questions about business ideas for teenagers
How can I start a successful business as a teenager?
1- Identify a profitable niche. 2 – plan and research. 3- Get advice. 4- Start small. 5- Adaptation and innovation.
Can I own a business as a teenager?
Yes, teens can own and operate their own business, but there may be legal restrictions and requirements depending on the jurisdiction.
What online business can I start as a 15 year old?
Streaming, e-commerce, starting a neighborhood service business, selling handmade goods on Etsy, or designing websites and online stores.
Keep learning: Business ideas for female entrepreneurs
Pocket money ends now!
Teens, now you have all the information you need to get started with your own business. Parents, now you have the encouragement you need to give your teen the perfect start!
We have a number of stories from successful business people who started as teenagers:
Additionally, no matter what your business idea may be, be sure to download our free product idea guide to make sure it gets off on the right track.
