32 Small Business Ideas for Teens

December 4, 2023

are Are you a teen looking to start your own business venture? Entrepreneurship is a great way for teenagers to learn valuable skills that will help in their future careers. Many young people have decided to take that entrepreneurial spirit and turn their ideas into reality. However, it can be challenging to know where to start.

There are many ways for entrepreneurial teens to dip their toes into the world of business. Whether it’s service-based businesses, like pet-sitting and lawn care, or e-commerce, like Etsy or Amazon, it’s easier than ever for teens to start their own small business. Ready to get started? Check out our extensive list of business ideas for teens.

Benefits of Teen Entrepreneurship

Starting a business as a teen can offer several benefits that can help you in the long run. Here are some of the benefits of teen entrepreneurship:

Develop Entrepreneurial Skills

Starting a business as a teen is a great way to show future employers, or even future colleges, that you’re a real go-getter. It shows that you can learn how to identify opportunities, create a business plan, manage money, and market your product or service. Plus, starting your own business can show off your creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking skills. These skills can help you stand out in the job market and make you a valuable asset to any organization.

Pursue Your Interests and Passions

You know what they say: do something you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Starting a business as a teen can give you the opportunity to turn your hobbies or skills into a profitable small business. This can be a great way to do something you love and explore your interests while making money at the same time.

Make Extra Money

Maybe your allowance just isn’t cutting it anymore. Well, starting a small business as a teen can be a great way to make some extra money. Saving for college, buying your own car, or maybe putting it back into your business, with a little creativity and hard work, you can turn your business idea into a profitable venture.

How to Start a Small Business as a Teenager

Starting a small business as a teenager can be a great way to gain experience, make money, and learn valuable skills. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose a Business Idea

The first step in starting a small business is to choose a business idea. Consider your skills, interests, and the availability of resources. Do you like dogs? Try dog-walking, or pet-sitting. Are you strong and don’t mind fresh air? Maybe lawn care is the road for you. There’s also tutoring younger kids, or selling handmade crafts.

Find Customers

Once you know the services you will provide or the products you will make, it is time to find customers. Whether you are starting a dog walking or lawn care business, you can likely find your first customers in your local community. Consider reaching out to family friends and neighbors to see if they could become a customer of your business.

Home and Garden Businesses for Teens

If you enjoy working outdoors and have a knack for keeping spaces clean and organized, home and outdoor services may be the perfect small business idea for you as a teenager. Here are some small business ideas for young adults to consider:

1. Lawn Care Services

Lawn care is a seasonal chore that many homeowners dread, which makes it one of the best business ideas for teens. You can offer lawn mowing, trimming, weeding, and edging services to help keep their lawn looking neat and tidy in the summer. Come fall, there’s also raking or leaf blowing, a chore that most of your neighbors may happily pass onto you.

2. Dog Walking

Many pet owners have busy schedules and may not have time to walk their dogs or care for their pets during the day. Offering dog walking can be a great way to make extra money while spending time with furry friends.

3. Pet Sitting

When people go on vacation, they’ll oftentimes need someone to visit their home and feed their pets. If you love animals, starting a pet sitting business could be a perfect opportunity for you. Although you might be too young to sign up for a pet sitting service like rover, you can still find clients on your own. You reach out to all of the pet owners you know to tell them that you’re happy to feed their pets while they’re away, for a price.

4. Car Washing

Car washing and detailing services can be a lucrative business idea for teens who enjoy working with cars. You can offer services such as washing, waxing, and detailing to help keep cars looking their best. You can start a mobile car wash business and go to your customer, for more convenience to them.

5. House Cleaning

House cleaning is another task that many homeowners dread. Offering house cleaning services can be a great way to make extra cash while helping friends and family keep their homes clean and organized.

6. Yard Work

When fall comes around, your entire neighborhood will likely be covered in leaves. Grab a rake and go around offering leaf raking services.  All you need to get started is a rake and large paper bags.

7. Snow Shoveling

If you live somewhere that it snows, offer snow shoveling services.  This will require you to get up early in the morning and pay close attention to weather reports. All you need is a snow shovel and some customers!

8. Gardening/Plant Watering Services

If you have a green thumb, gardening services can be a great business idea for teens. You can offer services such as planting, weeding, and pruning to help homeowners maintain a beautiful and healthy garden. You can also offer to regularly water both indoor and outdoor plants.

9. Gutter Cleaning

Gutter cleaning is a task that many homeowners neglect. Offering gutter cleaning services can be a great way to make extra money while helping homeowners prevent costly damage to their homes. You will most likely need a large ladder to get started. If you cannot afford to buy a ladder, start by borrowing one from your parents or a neighbor. 

10. Pool Cleaning

Pools can be such a relief in the summer, but for many families, constantly remembering to clean the pool can be such a hassle. A low-cost pool cleaning service can be a great business idea for teens.

11. Garage Sale Organizer

Many homeowners have items they no longer want or need, but may not have the time or energy to organize a yard sale by themselves. Offering garage sale organizing services can be a great way to make extra money while helping someone declutter their homes.

12. Babysitting

If you enjoy spending time with kids, babysitting can be a great way to earn money. Many parents are looking for reliable and trustworthy babysitters for the occasional date-night, and are willing to pay well for their services. Try passing out fliers to your neighbors, or advertising your services online. There are local online message boards you could try out too.

Academic and Educational Businesses

As a teenager, you have a lot of skills and knowledge that can be put to good use. Whether you’re looking to earn some extra cash or gain experience in a particular field, there are plenty of opportunities out there for you. Here are some ideas to get you started:

13. Tutoring

Are you good at a particular subject in school? Maybe tutoring is the route to go. Tutoring can be a lucrative business, especially if you specialize in a high-demand subject like math or science. Many online services offer tutoring positions for high school students. There’s also the tried and true word of mouth among friends and family with a young one struggling in school.

14. Music Lessons

Are you a talented musician? Are you in the school band or orchestra? Maybe it’s time to offer your services as a music teacher. Many people would love to learn a new instrument or improve their abilities. Many local music stores would be happy to let you advertise, or perhaps you can ask your band teacher for recommendations.

15. Art Classes or Workshops

If you’re skilled in a particular art form, you can offer your services as an art teacher. Many people are interested in learning how to paint, draw, or create other forms of art, and are willing to pay for professional instruction. You can advertise your services online or through local art stores, and charge per class or per workshop.

Creative Businesses Teens Can Start

If you have a creative side, there are plenty of small business ideas for teens that can help you turn your passion into profit. Here are some ventures that you can consider:

16. Selling Homemade Crafts

If you enjoy making crafts, you can sell them online or at local craft fairs. You can make anything from jewelry to home decor items to clothing. You can also customize your products to cater to specific niches or themes.

17. Custom T-Shirt Printing

You can start a business printing custom t-shirts, whether it be for individuals or groups. There a variety of printing techniques, such as screen printing, heat transfer, or direct-to-garment printing. You can also offer design services to help your clients create unique designs. Family, friends, classmates, plenty of people would love their own personalized shirts. You can also look at local sport leagues in case any teams want shirts made!

18. Photography Services

If you have a talent for photography, you can offer your services for events, portraits, or product photography. You can also sell your photos online on stock photography websites or as prints.

19. Content Creation for YouTube or TikTok

If you enjoy creating videos, you can start a YouTube or TikTok channel and monetize it through ads, sponsorships, or merchandise sales. You can create content on various topics, such as gaming, beauty, or lifestyle.

20. E-book Writing/Publishing

If you love writing, you can actually write and publish ebooks for free. Self-publishing is easier than ever online. Once you’re published, you can sell your ebooks on Amazon or other online marketplaces.

21. Virtual Event Planning

Does your local youth pastor need help setting up a zoom call? Does your scout leader understand how to use social media? If you have a talent for organizing events, see if you can help the organizations you’re a part of plan virtual events (for a fee, of course). 

Technology and Online Business Ideas for Teens

As a teen, you have grown up with technology and are likely way more comfortable using it than many of the adults around you. With this knowledge, you can offer technology and online services to others in your community. Here are some small business ideas for teens that have to do with technology:

22. Social Media Management

Do you have a talent for creating engaging social media content? Consider offering social media management services to local businesses or individuals who need help managing their online presence. You can help create and schedule posts, respond to comments and messages, and track analytics to help your clients grow their social media following. Reach out to local businesses such as restaurants and see if they could use some help!

23. Tech Support

Many people struggle with technology and need help troubleshooting their devices. If you have a knack for solving tech problems, you can offer tech support services to those in your community. You can help with everything from setting up new devices to fixing software issues.

24. Virtual Assistance

If you are organized and efficient, you can offer virtual assistance services to busy professionals or entrepreneurs. You can help with tasks such as data entry, scheduling appointments, and managing email inboxes.

25. Mobile App Development

Do you have coding skills? You can offer mobile app development services to businesses or individuals who need help creating an app. You can work on everything from design to implementation, and help your clients bring their ideas to life.

26. Graphic Design

If you have an eye for design, you can offer graphic design services to businesses or individuals who need help creating logos, flyers, or other marketing materials. You can use your creativity to help your clients stand out and create a strong visual brand.

27. Web Design

Do you have experience building websites? Even if you don’t there are a whole slew of free website building pages online. You can offer web design services to businesses or individuals who need help creating a website. You can help with everything from design to coding, and create a website that is both functional and visually appealing.

28. Computer Programming

If you have coding skills, you can offer computer programming services to businesses or individuals who need help with software development. You can work on everything from design to implementation, and help your clients create custom software solutions.

Retail and Resale Business Ideas

If you’re interested in starting a business that involves buying and selling goods, retail and resale may be a good option for you. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

29. Online Reselling

Online reselling involves buying products at a low price and then selling them online for a profit. You can use websites like eBay, Amazon, or Etsy to sell your items. Some popular items to resell online include clothing, electronics, and collectibles.

To be successful in online reselling, you need to be knowledgeable about the products you’re selling and be able to price them competitively. You also need to have good communication skills and be able to provide excellent customer service.

30. Thrift Store or Garage Sale Flipping

Thrift store or garage sale flipping involves buying items at a low price and then reselling them for a profit. You can find items to flip at thrift stores, garage sales, or even on the side of the road.

To be successful in thrift store or garage sale flipping, you need to have a good eye for valuable items and be able to negotiate prices. You can also use your phone to look up the prices of items on ebay before you buy!

31. Grocery Shopping Services

Grocery shopping services involve doing someone else’s grocery shopping for them. Maybe you have an older neighbor, or know someone who is dealing with an illness. This can be a great business idea if you enjoy shopping and have good organizational skills.

To be successful in grocery shopping services, you need to have a good understanding of your clients’ needs and preferences. You also need to be able to manage your time effectively and be able to work efficiently.

32. Delivery Service Business

A delivery service business involves delivering goods or packages to people’s homes or businesses. This can be a great business idea if you have a reliable vehicle and enjoy driving.

To be successful in a delivery service business, you need to have good communication skills and be able to provide excellent customer service. You also need to be able to manage your time effectively and be able to work efficiently.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Start a Business?

Starting a business doesn’t have a strict age requirement, which means you can be any age to kick-start your entrepreneurial journey. However, being young means there are a few things to keep in mind. If you’re under 18, there are some legal and financial steps where you’ll need an adult’s help. For instance, signing contracts or setting up a bank account for your business usually requires someone who is legally an adult. Also, if your business involves certain legal or tax obligations, it’s a good idea to have an adult guide you through these processes. So, while there’s no set age to start a business, having the support and guidance of an adult can be very helpful in making your business dream a reality.