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20 Small Business Ideas for Teens | Starting A Business In High School
The teenage years mark a pivotal transition into adulthood, where young individuals seek greater independence while honing skills essential for their future. The ultimate goal is to evolve into responsible, productive members of society.
Research shows that nearly half of American pre-teens engage in informal work by age 12, and around 66% of high school students hold part-time jobs. However, balancing traditional employment with academic, extracurricular, and social responsibilities can be challenging, making self-employment a viable alternative.
Key Takeaways:
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The top three creative business ideas for teens are selling handmade crafts, blogging, and digital content creation.
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Skill-based opportunities include tutoring, test preparation, and home baking.
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Essential skills for starting your own business as a teenager include:
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Strong organizational skills
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Effective time management
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Good communication skills
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7 Creative Business Ideas for Teens
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Average Yearly Salary: $24,000
If you possess artistic flair, consider selling your crafted items for profit. You can opt to sell at local markets, craft fairs, or through an online platform like Etsy, or a combination of both.
This venture involves some initial investment for materials, and if selling live, you’ll need to reserve space at events and create attractive displays.
Job responsibilities include:
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Utilizing techniques like knitting, painting, or sculpting
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Choosing quality materials based on aesthetics and durability
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Creating templates or models to guide your work
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Average Yearly Salary: N/A
If writing is your strength, blogging could be a rewarding outlet. Topics can range widely, and as long as you attract an audience, monetization is possible.
While many free platforms exist to host your blog, investing in a domain and hosting can enhance your brand.
Job responsibilities include:
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Researching and generating content ideas
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Writing, editing, and promoting your posts
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Engaging with your audience through comments and social media
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Digital Download Designer
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With an increasing demand for digital products like planners and wall art, this venture allows you to create and sell downloadable designs online, often through platforms like Etsy.
This business requires minimal investment; once designs are created, they can generate passive income.
Job responsibilities include:
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Designing and producing digital content
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Ensuring design consistency across platforms
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Analyzing performance metrics to improve offerings
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T-Shirt Designer
Average Yearly Salary: N/A
Utilize print-on-demand services to create unique t-shirt designs without upfront costs. This enables you to focus on creativity while reducing financial risk.
Stay updated with trends for successful designs.
Job responsibilities include:
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Creating and refining designs using graphic software
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Researching market trends and competitor designs
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Checking products for errors before shipment
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Average Yearly Salary: N/A
As a skilled writer, freelance writing affords you flexibility while covering various topics. An online portfolio showcasing your work is essential for attracting clients.
Job responsibilities include:
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Creating engaging content across various formats
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Editing and proofreading your work
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Collaborating with clients to meet their needs
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Writing eBooks
Average Yearly Salary: N/A
Whether fiction or nonfiction, writing eBooks allows you to publish and sell your work easily through platforms like Amazon.
Job responsibilities include:
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Conducting thorough research for accuracy
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Editing and proofreading your manuscript
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Developing new ideas for future projects
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Selling Your Art
Average Yearly Salary: N/A
If you are an artist, consider selling original pieces or prints of your work. Although this requires some initial investment in materials, it can be a fulfilling way to earn money.
Job responsibilities include: N/A
5 Skill-Based Business Ideas for Teens
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Average Yearly Salary: $22,000
If you excel in a particular subject, tutoring peers can be a rewarding way to share your knowledge. This typically requires no startup costs and can take place on school grounds.
Job responsibilities include:
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Providing tutoring in individual and group settings
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Developing lesson plans tailored to student needs
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Utilizing various educational tools for effective learning
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Average Yearly Salary: N/A
Similar to tutoring, test preparation allows you to work on your schedule, with minimal startup costs if clients provide their own materials.
Job responsibilities include:
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Preparing students for standardized tests
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Guiding students through practice exams and strategies
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Average Yearly Salary: $42,000
If you’re tech-savvy and design-oriented, a career in web design might be for you. It involves creating visually appealing and user-friendly websites.
Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS is beneficial, but many designers use website builders that require no programming skills.
Job responsibilities include:
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Designing website layouts and aesthetics
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Creating engaging content and managing social media
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Updating and maintaining website functionality
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Average Yearly Salary: $60,000
Web developers build and maintain the structure of websites. Proficiency in coding languages is necessary for this role.
Job responsibilities include:
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Developing website architecture and features
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Creating documentation and assisting users
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Home-Based Baking
Average Yearly Salary: N/A
If you have baking skills, starting a home-based business can be lucrative. While supplies are necessary, you can often use customer deposits to cover costs.
Job responsibilities include:
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Managing inventory and supplies
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Decorating baked goods for presentation
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8 Miscellaneous Business Ideas for Teens
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Average Yearly Salary: $22,000
Offering a car washing service can provide convenience to busy individuals. This venture requires minimal supplies and offers scheduling flexibility.
Job responsibilities include:
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Washing and detailing vehicles
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Communicating effectively with clients
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Average Yearly Salary: $21,000
Babysitting is a classic option for teens who enjoy caring for children. Certification in CPR is recommended for credibility.
Job responsibilities include:
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Supervising children and ensuring their safety
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Communicating with parents regarding children’s activities
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Average Yearly Salary: $10,000
Pet sitting requires a love for animals and can be done from home or by visiting clients’ pets.
Job responsibilities include:
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Feeding, grooming, and exercising pets
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Average Yearly Salary: N/A
House sitting involves looking after someone’s home while they’re away, which may include basic chores.
Job responsibilities include:
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Checking security systems and maintaining cleanliness
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Average Yearly Salary: $21,000
Dog walking is a great way to earn money while helping pet owners who may not have the time to walk their dogs.
Job responsibilities include:
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Walking dogs and ensuring their safety
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Podcasting
Average Yearly Salary: N/A
If you have a passion for sharing ideas, podcasting can be a lucrative avenue. While some investment in equipment is needed, it can eventually lead to income through sponsorships and subscriptions.
Job responsibilities include: N/A
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Average Yearly Salary: N/A
Transcription involves converting audio files into written documents, requiring good listening skills and minimal investment for equipment.
Job responsibilities include:
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Listening to audio recordings and typing them out
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Average Yearly Salary: $23,000
Lawn care is a common service that many homeowners rely on, providing an opportunity for teens to earn money. You may need some basic equipment, but it’s typically manageable.
Job responsibilities include:
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Mowing lawns and maintaining garden aesthetics
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If you’re a teen looking to earn money without the constraints of traditional employment, consider starting your own micro-business.
What Is a Micro Business?
A micro-business typically employs fewer than ten people, has a low startup cost, and generates modest income. Most teen ventures fall into this category, including solopreneurships and side hustles.
What Teens Need to Start Their Own Business
Launching a business involves more than just a good idea; it requires careful planning and execution. Here are essential components for teen entrepreneurs:
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Organizational skills
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Time management abilities
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Reliable internet and communication tools
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A planner for scheduling
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Effective communication skills
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Dedication to the business
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Customer service expertise
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Dependability and self-discipline
What Makes a Good Business Idea for Teens?
A successful teen business idea should align with individual skills and interests. Here are key factors to consider:
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Flexible hours. The ability to set your own schedule is a major advantage of entrepreneurship.
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Low investment. Opt for ideas that require minimal financial commitment to maximize profit.
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Reduced commute. Home-based businesses offer convenience and save time.
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Author
Samantha is a lifelong writer who has been writing professionally for the last six years. After graduating with honors from Greensboro College with a degree in English & Communications, she went on to find work as an in-house copywriter for several companies including Costume Supercenter, and Blueprint Education.
