Many teens want to make money but don’t know where to start. Traditional part-time jobs are not always available, and relying on allowances or occasional babysitting gigs doesn’t provide financial freedom.
The lack of guidance and resources makes it even harder for teens to find a reliable income stream.
I remember being in the same situation, wanting to earn my own money but unsure what to do. Starting a business seemed intimidating, and I didn’t believe I had the experience or knowledge to succeed.
However, once I took the leap and started exploring different options, I realized that with the right mindset and strategies, making money as a teen is entirely possible.
That’s why I have compiled a list of small business ideas for teens that are not only fun and engaging but also profitable.
Whether you want good business ideas for teens that match your skills, online business ideas for teens that you can run from your laptop, or easy business ideas for teens to start with little investment, this guide will help you find the best business ideas for teens to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey.
Why Should Teens Start a Business?
- Financial Independence: Earn money without relying on allowances or part-time jobs.
- Real-World Skills: Learn budgeting, marketing, and customer service skills that will help in future careers.
- Confidence & Independence: Gain a sense of responsibility and develop an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Flexible Schedule: Unlike traditional jobs, you can set your own hours and work at your convenience.
- Potential for Growth: A small side hustle today could become a full-time career in the future.
Business Ideas for Teens
Social Media Management
Many small businesses struggle with managing their social media accounts.
If you enjoy creating content and engaging with audiences, offer to manage Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook pages for local businesses.
Start by reaching out to local businesses and offering a free trial to showcase your skills. As you gain experience, set up a pricing structure and expand your services to content creation, analytics, and ad management.
Graphic Design
If you have a talent for design, start creating logos, business cards, and social media graphics for clients.
Use free tools like Canva or professional software like Adobe Illustrator.
Begin by designing for friends or local businesses, then expand by offering your services on freelance platforms like Fiverr and Upwork.
Blogging
Starting a blog about a topic you love can generate income through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Choose a niche like fashion, tech, or self-improvement, and consistently post high-quality content.
Promote your blog on social media, build an email list, and monetize with affiliate links and brand partnerships.
YouTube Channel
Create a YouTube channel on topics like gaming, DIY projects, or educational content.
Once you gain enough views and subscribers, monetize through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.
Invest in a good camera and microphone to improve video quality and attract more viewers.
Tutoring Services
If you excel in a subject, offer tutoring services to younger students or peers.
Start by advertising your skills to friends and family, then expand to online platforms like Wyzant or TutorMe.
You can charge per hour or offer package deals for ongoing tutoring sessions.
Babysitting
Parents are always looking for reliable babysitters.
Get CPR certified to build credibility and promote your services through local community boards and social media groups.
Offer add-ons like tutoring or fun activities to make your services stand out.
Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
Busy pet owners need help taking care of their pets.
Offer pet sitting, dog walking, or grooming services. Start by advertising in your neighborhood and expand by joining platforms like Rover or Wag.
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Handmade Crafts & Etsy Shop
If you love arts and crafts, turning your creativity into a business can be both fulfilling and profitable. You can create macrame wall hangings, resin art, personalized wooden signs, or other handmade home decor items. Start by identifying a niche—do you want to focus on minimalist designs, bohemian decor, or seasonal crafts? Once you have a few sample pieces, create an Instagram page and an Etsy shop to showcase and sell your work. Engaging content like DIY videos or behind-the-scenes crafting can help attract customers. Expanding your business could involve custom orders, collaborating with influencers, or even teaching craft workshops online.
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Valentine’s day crafts to sell.
If you’re creative, sell handmade crafts like jewelry, candles, or custom stickers on Etsy.
Start by making small batches, taking high-quality product photos, and marketing your shop on social media.
Print-on-Demand Business
Design custom T-shirts, mugs, or phone cases and sell them using print-on-demand services like Printful or Redbubble.
You don’t need inventory; just create unique designs and market them to niche audiences.
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Car Wash & Detailing
Offer car washing and detailing services in your neighborhood. Invest in quality cleaning supplies, offer package deals, and promote your services through word of mouth and social media.
House Cleaning
Busy families often need extra help with cleaning.
Offer basic cleaning services like dusting, vacuuming, and organizing.
Start with friends and neighbors, then expand by offering weekly or bi-weekly packages.
Lawn Care & Gardening Services
Mow lawns, trim hedges, or plant flowers for homeowners who need help with their yards.
Offer seasonal services like leaf raking in fall or snow shoveling in winter.
Tech Support
Many people struggle with setting up new devices, troubleshooting software, or learning new apps. Offer tech support services for seniors or small businesses.
Online Reselling
Buy secondhand or discounted items from thrift stores, garage sales, or clearance sections, then resell them for a profit on eBay, Depop, or Facebook Marketplace.
Photography Business
If you have a good camera and a passion for photography, offer photography services for events, portraits, or social media content. Market yourself on Instagram and create an online portfolio.
Baking & Treats Business
Sell homemade cookies, cupcakes, or specialty treats. Start by taking custom orders from friends and family, then expand by promoting on social media and offering delivery services.
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Virtual Assistant Services
Help business owners with tasks like email management, scheduling, and customer support.
Start by offering your services on freelance websites like Fiverr or Upwork.
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Personal Shopping & Styling
Offer shopping assistance for people who need help choosing outfits or gifts. You can work with local clients or offer virtual styling services.
Influencer Marketing
If you have a strong social media presence, brands may pay you for sponsored posts and promotions. Build your following by consistently posting engaging content in a niche.
Subscription Box Business
Curate and sell themed subscription boxes with niche products, such as self-care items, stationery, or snacks. Market your box on social media and offer subscription plans.
Podcasting
Podcasting is a great way to share your thoughts on topics you’re passionate about, whether it’s gaming, personal development, or pop culture.
To get started, choose a niche, invest in a good-quality microphone, and use platforms like Anchor, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts to distribute your episodes.
You can monetize through sponsorships, listener donations via Patreon, or by offering premium content. Promote your podcast on social media and collaborate with other podcasters to expand your audience.
Over time, you can grow into hosting live events or selling podcast-related merchandise.
Custom T-Shirt Printing
Selling custom T-shirts is a fun and scalable business for creative teens.
You can use a Cricut machine to make vinyl designs or opt for print-on-demand services like Printful or Teespring, which handle printing and shipping for you.
Start by creating unique and trendy designs—think motivational quotes, pop culture references, or niche humor.
Sell your designs through Etsy, Instagram, or your own Shopify store. Expanding your business could include offering bulk orders for events, partnering with local businesses, or branching out into hoodies, tote bags, and hats.
Voiceover Work
If you have a clear and expressive voice, voiceover work can be a profitable opportunity.
Companies, YouTubers, and audiobook creators often look for voice talent for commercials, animations, or explainer videos. Start by creating a demo reel with samples of different voice styles—calm, energetic, professional, or character-based
Platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and ACX (for audiobooks) can help you find gigs.
As you gain experience, you can build a personal website, network with industry professionals, and invest in better audio equipment to improve quality and attract higher-paying clients.
Online Course Creator
If you have expertise in a particular subject—such as photography, graphic design, or coding—you can create and sell an online course.
Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare allow you to host and sell courses with ease.
Start by choosing a topic, breaking it down into simple lessons, and recording high-quality videos.
You can use free tools like Canva for slides or OBS Studio for screen recording. To grow your business, promote your courses through a blog, YouTube channel, or social media ads. You can also offer coaching or premium one-on-one lessons for additional income.
Handmade Jewelry Business
Jewelry making is a creative and lucrative business that allows for endless customization.
You can start by making simple beaded bracelets, polymer clay earrings, or wire-wrapped rings.
Sell your pieces on Etsy, Instagram, or craft fairs. Invest in good-quality materials and create a unique brand identity to stand out. Offer custom pieces or limited-edition collections to attract repeat customers.
Expanding your business can include collaborating with influencers, selling wholesale to boutiques, or creating DIY jewelry kits for customers who want to try making their own.
Mobile Car Detailing
Car detailing involves deep cleaning both the interior and exterior of vehicles, and mobile detailing adds the convenience of going to the customer’s location.
Start by investing in basic supplies like car shampoo, microfiber towels, wax, and a vacuum. Advertise your services on local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or by handing out flyers in your neighborhood.
Offer tiered pricing for different service levels, from a basic wash to full detailing packages. To expand, you can hire additional detailers, partner with local car dealerships, or offer subscription-based cleaning services.
Event Planning Services
If you enjoy organizing and decorating, event planning is a great business idea.
Start small by helping friends and family plan birthday parties, baby showers, or holiday gatherings.
Develop skills in budgeting, coordination, and vendor management. You can market your services by creating a Pinterest account, and Instagram page showcasing event setups, decor ideas, and testimonials.
Eventually, you can specialize in specific events, such as kids’ parties or weddings, and offer additional services like custom decorations, catering partnerships, or themed party packages.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is an excellent way for teens to earn money if they have strong writing skills.
You can write articles, blog posts, product descriptions, or even social media captions for businesses. Start by creating a portfolio with sample articles, then sign up on freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
To make money, charge per word or project and gradually increase your rates as you gain experience.
Expanding your writing career could involve starting your blog, specializing in a niche like tech or fashion, or even offering ghostwriting services for influencers and business owners.
Final Thoughts
Starting a business as a teen is one of the best decisions you can make.
Whether you try an easy business idea for teens like pet sitting or explore online business ideas for teens like blogging, the key is to start small and stay consistent.
If I could go back in time, I would have started my business even earlier!
The opportunities are endless, and with passion and effort, you can turn any hobby into a successful business.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick an idea and start your entrepreneurial journey today!
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I am a passionate blogger who loves sharing insights on blogging tips, Pinterest strategies, and making money online. With a knack for simplifying complex concepts, I help readers grow their online presence and achieve their Pinterest marketing goals. Follow along for practical advice and proven tactics to elevate your blog, Pinterest and online business.