There are so many business ideas for teens out there and it’s a great way to get a head start in business! There’s no doubt you can make money as a teen with the right idea and some hard work!
Some may say a teen is too young to run a business or understand what it takes to be an entrepreneur, but there is a whole world of possibilities out there for teens.
It’s important to understand that business ownership is an option for teens that teach them life skills that will make them more well-rounded as they grow up.
Opening a business can be a great way to make money, develop business skills, and experience the world in new ways.
This article will discuss 33 business ideas for teens like dog walking, graphic design, and social media marketing- all feasible small business ideas that teens can use to generate some income and save money for their future.
What Jobs Are Best For Teens?
Plenty of businesses hire teens to work shifts around school schedules, but do teens have other options?
There are easier job opportunities out there, and here are what you should be looking for to work around school and your active social life:
Working From Home
It’s kind of the goal for many adults now, but teens can easily work from home and make money right in the comfort of their room (and pajamas).
And frankly, depending on the teen, you don’t have a car to get to jobs or can drive!
Flexible Jobs
Having a job that you can work on during off-hours is the perfect fit for a busy teen.
You can’t be expected to work normal business hours when you’ve got school from 8 am-3 pm every day, not including any extracurricular or having a social life!
Low-Cost Businesses
Starting a business can be expensive, and you must be prepared!
Businesses that have low start-up investments are the best options for teens – because what teen has a stocked up savings account at their disposal?
When researching business ideas for kids and teens, the first thought should be how much a business will cost them to start running.
Business Ideas For Teens
There are so many business ideas you can explore as a teen business owner. The world needs more young entrepreneurs like you!
Whether you want to start an online business or build something with your hands, here are business ideas for teens to help get you started.
1. Blogger
Becoming a teen blogger is an excellent first business that will help teach business skills and responsibility.
You can create a blog about any number of passions, from cooking and baking to video games and anime culture.
It’s easy to write about what you like and know, but don’t forget that you should create a blog that branches out to interesting topics too- you need to be invested in whatever you write, not bored!
In order to be successful as a blogger, you’ll need to make sure your blog has the following:
- A website with creative design and clear, quality content
- A creative way to monetize your blog- including affiliate marketing links, sponsored posts, and more
- A great social media presence
- An email list of subscribers (loyal readers!)
2. Online Seller
You can make and sell so many different things online with an e-commerce store or simply flipping items on eBay.
The only limitation is your skills, funds, and time- if you’ve got the interest and dedication, an online store can make a lot of money for a teen!
The first thing you want to do when you’re setting up your business is to know what it is that you’re good at.
What are the skills that you have? What are products you can make and sell?
It’s important to know that most e-commerce sites are either free to join but take commissions on your sales or are paid to sign up with no commission fees.
If you start your own website to sell goods online, you’ll likely pay less in fees or other charges, but you may get less traction if people can’t find your business among other options online.
Etsy
Etsy is a marketplace for independent designers, artists, crafters, and vintage sellers to sell their handmade or produced items.
The best part about starting an Etsy business? You’re in control of your own success!
It’s up to you how much time and effort you want to put into it.
Shopify
So you want to start a business on Shopify? It’s easier than you think!
A Shopify store is one of the best business ideas for teens because it minimizes the risks which are associated with starting a business.
Shopify owners have fewer overheads in comparison to businesses that operate offline because they don’t need an office, warehouse, or storefront in order to sell their products.
Facebook Marketplace is an easy option for teens to sell their used stuff as well as their own products and services.
You can create a Facebook account or page to promote your business and have your products/services on them so people can find you and inquire about hiring you or buying from you.
3. Start a Tutoring Business
Earning money through tutoring can be a great source of income for teens that are good in school and want to help others. You can set your own hours for this business idea and you can work as much or as little as you like.
The two top tutoring subjects are academics and technology. Have a subject you’re good at, or are you a computer wiz?
You can start a tutoring business in a multitude of subjects and earn $20 an hour, easy!
If you’re a band geek or just a lover of the arts, you can easily find students to teach about music! Music lessons are a great way to earn money.
I can’t even read music, so there’s one place to start, but if you know how to play even one instrument, there is a market out there for your tutoring skills.
Everyone should learn to cook for themselves sooner or later- I knew students who went to college and messed up heating microwave meals.
If you can cook or bake, that is a life skill that will help you in the long run but you can also make money by teaching others how to do it too.
4. Test Prep Tutor
It goes without saying that tests are awful, but a necessary evil that we’ve all had to deal with.
But you can make bank on helping students with test prep in a tutoring business- especially SAT/ACT or state testing, like Regents exams.
It’s a lot more thought intensive, and you have to know your stuff, but if you’ve already taken some of these exams and done well, you could make upwards of $30 per hour.
5. Babysitter/Nanny
A babysitting business is a great way for teens to earn income and even have fun!
Babysitting rates tend to hover around $10 – $20 per hour depending on your location and experience level. Babysitting even 3 hours a week can lead to a nice amount of profit!
If you have younger siblings, they could even work for you as well! You can start a babysitting co-op with your friends or family to get more clients and have a full-fledged business.
It may even help you start a daycare business down the road!
6. Proofreader
Being a proofreader is not an easy business idea for teens. It requires precision and careful eye, but there are many benefits to being a proofreader.
But the need for proofreading services is always in demand because business owners need editors. They may expect good work, but so does your English teacher right?
Proofreading can also be an opportunity for business owners who cannot afford copy editors to save money and still receive quality work from freelancers like you.
7. Pet Sitter
Making money by pet sitting through Rover or on your own is a business idea that you might like if you’re into animals and don’t mind taking care of pets. You will need to take care of them, feed them, and walk them.
Pet owners will pay you to take care of their dog/cat while they are at work or away on trips, and with pet sitting, you get to hang out with animals- a win-win situation if I’ve ever seen one!
8. Dog Walker
Similarly, you can get paid to walk people’s dogs- basically getting paid to be with cute puppers and get some exercise.
Dog walking is a good way to make money as well as stay active, it isn’t a bad use of your free time.
9. Gardener/Landscaper
If you like being outside and want to make extra money, landscaping and lawn care is an easy business for teens to start.
You can promote yourself around the neighborhood, online, or even at high school, which makes for cheap costs and good word-of-mouth marketing.
You can offer services like lawn mowing, weeding, planting, and general lawn care – whatever you feel like doing.
10. Snow Remover
We old folks hate getting out in the snow and clearing our driveways! As a teen, this is sometimes your extra chore, but it can be so much more.
Now you may not exactly like getting out in the snow either, but you can offer snow removal to your neighbors and make extra money all winter long!
Big businesses may be hefty competition, but most people are happy to hire a local teen and support small businesses.
11. Personal Chef/Baker
I can’t stress how often I get home and don’t want to cook! Having someone to help out with the meals besides Kelan would be awesome.
Teens have a fantastic opportunity to cook or bake for local families, which some of us moms are desperate for.
12. Caterer
Catering is a great business idea for teens that enjoy cooking and baking. People are always in need of help feeding a group of people, and some catering businesses are too expensive for small events.
You might work for someone else as a caterer, like a business owner, or you could make your own business and get jobs catering for parties, funerals, or other small gatherings.
Either idea can be lucrative if done right! Make sure to promote yourself well with business cards and ads, and start making some profit before tackling any big orders.
13. House Care (Cleaning)
Cleaning houses can be hard work, but this is another easy business to start- plenty of people want clean homes!
People always need help with their house when they have kids or pets, and when people have guests over.
Cleaning takes time and you will need supplies, but it is worth it because people who want this service will pay you for your time and effort!
The best thing about being a cleaner is that the business can grow from small jobs in your neighborhood to bigger jobs in other parts of town where people hire cleaners all the time!
14. House Sitter
Another easy small business idea for teens is house sitting. It means that you go to people’s houses when they’re not there and look after their stuff, like a pet sitter.
They get paid for this business. It’s a business that is good for people that have jobs and need someone to watch the house when they’re not there.
15. House Decorator
If you like to decorate, a good small-town business idea for you is interior decorating, where you hang curtains and other things in people’s houses.
You’re essentially getting paid to make a house feel more like a home, to help someone decorate to their tastes or aesthetic.
You can research items clients may like, purchase what they do, and get to work decorating!
The business is good business because you get money for your time, and the business can grow to bigger jobs if you do a good job!
16. Sewist/Seamstress
Selling homemade clothing is an amazing idea, especially since not everyone knows how to sew buttons on their ants, let alone full outfits!
You may decide to make everything yourself, work with other sewists, or even find a manufacturer to get your clothing line up and running.
The main task is to design and create clothes that will be popular with customers, while also staying true to your personal style, and get your customers to buy them!
Market your business using social media channels like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc., as well as using marketing strategies such as blogging about fashion trends or hosting events where you can showcase your designs in person.
17. Personal Shopper
Shop til you drop! Some people really need help buying outfits for themselves or their families, and look for personal shoppers to get them into the latest fashion trends.
If you have a keen eye for fashion and can find clothes that flatter people, becoming a personal shopper could be a great fit for you!
In addition, personal shoppers sometimes just help people shop in general for things to make their lives easier. You can help people pick out tech for their house or the best appliance for their kitchen, whatever they need.
18. Party Entertainment
This one can be a real hit if you’re in a big family neighborhood- everyone needs party entertainment!
If you’re funny, write up some jokes and market yourself as a comedian.
Can you play guitar or piano, or have the lungs of a singer? You can start a group or sing as a solo musician at birthday parties.
The last suggestion we have is becoming a magician, which is sometimes the most popular entertainment for parties, besides clowns.
I mean, be a clown too if you want, but not everybody is about that life.
19. Farmer
Local and organic produce is all the rage, and you can get in on the action!
Research what produce survives/grows best where you live and pick what you’ll sell- things like apples and pineapples may be farfetched, but most places can grow strawberries, tomatoes, even pumpkins.
Get seeds or starter plants from a home store, and you’re on your way to being a farmer. You can sell at local farmers’ markets, Facebook Marketplace, or through your own website.
Pro-tip, you may not want to do a shipping business though- shipping produce can be expensive and complicated!
20. Flea Market Flipper
If you’re thrifty like we are, you can make money from finding goods at flea markets and reselling them for a profit!
Our friends at Flea Market Flipper have it down to a science– you can find unique or rare items at thrift stores, buy them cheap, and sell them online for a killing.
21. Social Media Manager
Social media marketing is a big marketing tactic, but not all businesses have time to create and monitor their online presence.
That’s where you come in!
As an avid social media user (just a guess on our part), you can create posts, take pictures, and market local businesses so they can attract new customers and connect with loyal clients.
You can become a Pinterest VA or do Facebook Ads for a local business.
22. Social Media Influencer
Becoming a social media influencer is becoming a business in itself.
If you have gain a large following on the big social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube), then you can charge businesses to promote their products and services through your channels.
If you’re an avid user of these platforms like we are (again, guessing), this may be your business calling. You can earn an income through affiliate marketing or selling your own merch!
You may not be able to make moolah on every single post or get affiliate links for everything you do, but you can offer pricing packages for certain types of content.
23. Graphic Designer
A graphic design business is perfect for anyone who likes art- it involves creating logos, advertisements, social media graphics, website banners, headers, and more.
A teen with great artistic ability and the right design programs like Canva or Adobe- you can create fantastic graphics and gain clients with a diverse art portfolio.
If you don’t have much experience with digital design, but still have a passion for creating art, you can learn how to use programs and work your way up to a graphic design business.
24. Photographer/Videographer
Photography and videography are two of the best small business ideas because people are always in need of photos and videos!
YouTubers hire videographers to record their content, they can’t always do it themselves. Instagram models or influencers hire photographers to create the perfect viral shots.
Why not start your photography business now and get in on the action?
You can start by doing family portraits, recording recitals, or even taking videos and photos are weddings and fancy events.
25. Data Entry
Data entry work is one of the most popular business ideas for teens because it doesn’t require any special skills or qualifications.
All you need to do is type into your computer all day and answer phone calls when necessary. The job requires no specific education past basic literacy skills which makes it an ideal option if you’re just getting started in the workforce.
And depending on what company you work with, there may be opportunities to advance as well as other benefits like paid training programs and bonuses based on performance.
26. Professional Gamer
Some teenagers decide to pursue gaming as a business and making money by streaming games or winning gaming tournaments.
To do this, they need to spend many hours training and practicing their gaming skills. This includes perfecting their reflexes, hand-eye coordination, and timing.
Others will work on business strategy since gaming tournaments are often based on games that require players to develop their own personal strategies for winning against opponents.
Now, this can be expensive if you don’t already have the game system and a stack of video games to play- if you work with what you have, and use profit to buy new games, then you can stay in the green financially.
27. Podcaster
Setting up a business as a podcaster is relatively inexpensive when compared to other business ideas.
You’ll need to purchase some equipment, but it’s not too expensive. It’s important to have a good mic and headphones, and if you plan on making your podcast into a video series as well, then you’ll need a good camera too.
To be fair though, a lot of TikTokers use their earbuds to record audio, and we like it just fine!
The main thing you’ll want to do is come up with an idea for your podcast which people will be interested in listening to for hours!
28. YouTube Streamer
YouTube streaming is a fantastic way to make an income as a teen, because you can record a variety of content, just like blogging or as a social media influencer.
You can create videos about cooking or doing your makeup or playing video games- whatever you like to do and what people will take an interest in.
You can use YouTube’s monetization tool to sell ads on your videos, which you’ll get a cut of the affiliate links on them too.
29. Freelancer Writer
Freelance writing is becoming more popular- it seems like every business needs someone to create content for them!
There are different kinds of freelance writing for teens, from blogging to business writing. Freelance writers often work as either as business or creative writers.
Writing for businesses can be interesting if you like learning about new topics and sharing information with readers.
Being a creative writer is usually more popular, because there is a diversity in the workload, plus you can make more money for your creative work!
Tips To Run Your Business
Create A Small Business Plan
Whether it’s just for a few summers or something to carry on after high school, having a document of your goals, pricing, and information will help you every step of the way.
We recommend starting with a SWOT analysis- once you know what your business will be, figure out your Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats.
Know Your Worth
As a teen, you may not have much experience, but that doesn’t mean you should lowball your business.
You should compare your product and service offerings with other similar businesses and use your competitors to create your own pricing.
If you’re selling homemade candles and other beauty supplies, you’ll want to cap your price so that you’re not too expensive compared to competitors.
Also, some of the business ideas we’ve discussed are freelance styled- getting paid per job- you have control over your hourly wage and can even negotiate what you’ll earn.
Don’t Take On Too Much
One thing you may face when you start a new business is getting overwhelmed by the number of tasks and things that need to be done on a regular basis.
Even we adults will take on more than we can chew when it comes to work and life balance. You can write out a schedule and keep a business planner to help you stay on top of things and be organized.
And never forget to ask for help when you need it. Rome wasn’t built in a day- and certainly not by only one person!
Capitalize Your Summer and School Breaks
Breaks typically mean relaxation and no homework for teens- but teen entrepreneurs should be seeing dollar signs!
Your breaks are your chance to get products made, fill up your business schedule, and make money.
You should enjoy your break as much as you like, but if you want to be a dedicated entrepreneur, you’ll want to maximize and monetize as much of your time as possible.
Be Safe
As teens with access to social media, the internet, and other teens, you probably get told to be safe plenty.
A business is a big deal, and not only should you be proud of starting your own business, but you should also be ready to protect it.
The key areas that teens need to be careful of are: finances, social media account passwords, banking information, and other sensitive business information.
Here are some suggestions for protecting your business as a teen:
- Have a new business email account to keep business separate from personal business.
- Keep business passwords safe by storing them somewhere secure
- Check business accounts regularly for suspicious activity, like bills or purchases you didn’t authorize
- Protect your social media by having business profiles and pages set to private so only friends of the business can see them
Final Thoughts
Do you want to start a business? Well, we support you 100%!
Teens shouldn’t be afraid to put themselves out there and start a business if they have the drive and focus!
Being a business owner can be one of the most fulfilling, challenging, and rewarding experiences in life.
It offers opportunities for success that are not always available to hired employees or business partners.
We’ve listed some unique business ideas that you can choose from, and develop and design them into anything you want.
