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Starting a business as a teenager is an amazing way to build real-world skills, earn your own money, and explore what you’re passionate about. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, gain independence, and learn how to manage time and responsibilities – skills that’ll serve you for life.
The best part? You can create a business around what you love – whether it’s art, tech, fashion, or helping others.
This list of 17 business ideas for teens will help you get started with something that fits your skills, schedule, and goals.
Top 17 business ideas for teens
1. Sell print-on-demand products
Print on Demand (POD) is one of the easiest and most creative online business ideas for teens – and one of the most profitable. The global POD market is projected to reach $38.21 billion by 2030.
You don’t need to invest in inventory or expensive equipment. Just create original designs and sell them on items like custom t-shirts, hoodies, phone cases, or notebooks.
Think personalized school supplies and back-to-school bestsellers, or trending gamer merch – there are plenty of niches to explore that can help you stand out and attract loyal customers.
You can also tailor your products to specific target markets like gamers, students, or fans of specific hobbies.
Use POD platforms like Printify to handle printing, shipping, and fulfillment while you focus on design and marketing. It’s a flexible, low-risk way to turn your creativity into a profitable venture and build your own business from home.
2. Manage social media platforms for others
If you love spending time on apps like Instagram, TikTok, or Pinterest, why not turn that into a business? Many local businesses, small brands, and busy professionals need help managing their social media presence.
Offer services like creating posts, responding to comments, growing followers, or scheduling content.
With strong communication skills and a creative eye, it’s possible to build a side hustle that fits around your school schedule and helps others grow their online presence through digital marketing.
This is one of the most flexible business ideas for young entrepreneurs, especially if you’re already active on social media.
3. Sell handmade goods
If you’re crafty or love DIY projects, selling handmade items is a fun way to showcase your talents and make money. From friendship bracelets and candles to custom keychains, art prints, or jewelry, the possibilities are endless.
Sell your handmade crafts at local markets, school events, or through online platforms like Etsy, or even launch your own online store.
Joining local craft fairs is a great way to connect with your target audience and get real-time feedback. Start small with affordable materials to keep costs low while you experiment, learn, and grow your business.
It’s a perfect example of how young entrepreneurs can turn their hobbies into small business ideas with minimal upfront investment.
4. Run a pet-sitting business
If you love animals, pet-sitting can be a fun and rewarding way to make money. Many busy pet owners need a trustworthy person to look after their pets while they’re at work or away.
As a teen, offer services like feeding, walking, playing with pets, or even staying overnight – if allowed. Pet sitting teaches valuable skills like responsibility and time management, and it can even grow into a full pet care business over time.
Start by helping out neighbors, friends, or family, then expand your reach through word of mouth or local community groups. A dog-walking business or pet-sitting service is a great choice for teens, as it fits easily around school hours.
5. Give car washing a try
Car washing is a great business idea that doesn’t require much to get started. All you need are basic supplies like water, soap, sponges, and a little elbow grease.
Offer simple exterior washes or add extras, like vacuuming the interior or polishing the tires. Many people are happy to pay for a convenient and affordable service, especially when it’s done at their own home.
Spread the word in your neighborhood or on community boards, and take on jobs during weekends or after school. This hands-on hustle is perfect for teens looking for business ideas that don’t need tech skills or a large upfront investment.
6. Offer yard work services
Yard work is always in demand, especially during the spring and summer when grass grows quickly and gardens need regular upkeep. As a teen, provide gardening services like lawn mowing, raking leaves, pulling weeds, planting flowers, or even shoveling snow.
This type of lawn care service is a great way to stay active while earning extra money. Many homeowners and local businesses appreciate reliable help with outdoor chores.
Start with neighbors or family friends, and build your reputation through consistent work and word of mouth. If you take on regular clients, this can even grow into a small lawn care business.
7. Monetize your school knowledge
If you’re strong in subjects like math, science, English, or a foreign language, turn your knowledge into a business by offering tutoring services. Help younger kids with homework, exam prep, or study skills in person or online.
Parents often look for affordable and relatable tutors for their children, and as a fellow student, you may be able to explain concepts in a way that clicks.
This makes tutoring a fantastic business plan that builds your own skills while helping others succeed.
Pro tip: Explore Printify’s article on how to make money as a college student.
8. Start a YouTube channel
Creating a YouTube channel is a great way for teens to share their passions, build an audience, and potentially make money through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise. Post videos about anything you enjoy, such as gaming, DIY projects, study tips, fashion, or daily life.
With consistency and creativity, you can grow a following and turn your content into a business. Filming and editing will help you develop skills like storytelling, video production, and branding.
A YouTube channel also gives you a platform to promote your creative work, especially if you’re building an online store or sharing digital marketing content.
9. Learn graphic design and sell your services
Graphic design is a valuable skill that opens up many business opportunities for teens. With free tools like Canva or beginner-friendly platforms like Adobe Express, start designing social media graphics, logos, posters, or digital invitations.
Once you feel confident in your work, offer your services to local businesses, student clubs, or online clients. Promote your graphic design services on platforms like Fiverr or set up your own website to showcase your portfolio. Starting a graphic design business is a perfect fit for teens interested in creativity, and it’s one of the best low-cost, high-potential small business ideas.
Pro tip: AI can be a powerful tool in helping you create digital designs. Learn more about how to use AI to make money.
10. Resell used clothing
Reselling secondhand clothes is a sustainable business idea for teens. Start by going through your closet, visiting thrift stores, or asking friends and family for items they no longer wear. Look for trendy, good-quality pieces that others might be interested in buying.
Sell through apps like Depop, Vinted, or Poshmark, or set up a mini boutique on Instagram or Facebook Marketplace.
This type of business helps reduce fashion waste and gives you a chance to learn about pricing, styling, and customer service while making a profit. It’s also one of the top ideas for teens looking for simple, flexible ways to make money with low startup costs.
11. Do odd jobs
Offering odd jobs in your neighborhood is a flexible way to make money as a teen. Tasks like running errands, cleaning garages, organizing closets, or helping with basic tech setups are always in demand. Advertise your services to neighbors, family friends, or through flyers at local events or schools.
Since you can choose which jobs to take and when to do them, it’s easy to fit this profitable venture around your school schedule. Plus, it’s a great way to build trust, gain experience in different types of work, and develop skills like communication and time management.
12. Teach music lessons
If you play an instrument or have a strong background in music, offering lessons is a great way to share your skills and earn a profit. Hold lessons in person or online, making it easy to schedule them around school and other activities.
Start by offering lessons to younger kids in your community or through referrals from friends and family. Teaching not only helps others but also deepens your own understanding of music.
This can also be combined with tutoring services or added to your offerings if you’re building your own business in education or the arts.
13. Become a social media influencer
If you enjoy creating content and connecting with others online, becoming a social media influencer can be a fun way to build a personal brand and make money. Focus on a topic you’re passionate about, such as fashion, gaming, books, or daily life, and post regularly on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube.
As your audience grows, you’ll get opportunities to partner with small businesses, promote products, or sell your own merch.
The key to building trust and long-term success? Stay authentic, engage with your followers, and post consistently.
Influencing is one of the most modern business ideas for teens and young adults – especially for those with a flair for digital storytelling and marketing.
14. Sell digital products
Selling digital products is a low-cost, scalable business idea that teens can launch right from home. Create and sell digital planners, phone wallpapers, templates, study guides, or printable art.
Digital products can be sold repeatedly without needing to restock, making them a great way to earn passive income. Use online platforms like Etsy or Gumroad to reach your target audience and promote your products through social media marketing.
It’s one of the best business ideas for teens who want creative freedom, flexibility, and the chance to make money on their own terms.
15. Clean houses
House cleaning is a simple, practical way for teens to earn extra cash while helping others. Many people appreciate extra help with tidying, vacuuming, dusting, or doing dishes, especially during busy weeks or before guests arrive.
Offer your services to local businesses, neighbors, or family friends. Start with basic tasks and build trust through reliability and attention to detail. It’s a flexible job that doesn’t require special equipment and can easily fit around your free time.
You can even expand this into a small business by offering regular cleanings or organizing clean-up crews for community events.
16. Become a virtual assistant
Teens with strong organizational and communication skills can start a business as a virtual assistant. Many small businesses, content creators, and freelancers need help with tasks like managing emails, scheduling social media posts, doing research, or updating spreadsheets.
Provide services on freelance platforms or reach out directly to local businesses or professionals in your area.
This flexible, remote-friendly job is one of the best small business ideas for teens looking to gain experience while helping others stay productive. It also helps develop entrepreneurial skills and builds your resume over time.
17. Work seasonal jobs
Seasonal jobs are a great way for teens to earn money during school breaks or holidays. Think summer camps, local events, lifeguarding, or even helping with harvest work.
These jobs often don’t require experience and can help you build skills like teamwork, time and money management, and customer service.
Keep an eye on local job boards or ask around your community to find openings. This can also inspire future business ideas, especially if you notice unmet needs or services in your area.
Why start a youth-run business?
Starting a business as a teen comes with real advantages beyond just making money. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:
- Get a head start on real-world experience
Running a business teaches you how things work outside of school, including budgeting, marketing, and working with customers. Starting early helps you build confidence and gain valuable life skills before most people even begin their first job.
- Strengthen problem-solving and creative thinking skills
Every business comes with challenges. Whether you’re figuring out how to get your first customer or deciding what to charge for your product, you’ll sharpen your ability to think on your feet and find smart solutions.
- Develop decision-making confidence
You’ll be in control, from choosing your logo to setting prices. Making these choices helps you learn to trust your judgment and adjust your approach when needed.
- Start building financial freedom early
Earning your own money as a teen can teach you how to save, manage a budget, and invest in yourself. It also gives you more freedom to reach your personal goals, like buying new gear, saving for college, or growing your own business.
- Improve communication and people skills
Whether you’re talking to customers, working with friends, or promoting your services online, you’ll learn to communicate clearly and professionally. These skills are useful in any future job or career.
- Learn independence and leadership
Running your own project gives you full ownership. You follow through on plans, make decisions, and see your hard work pay off, an essential experience for any young person with ambition.
Business tips for teens
Do's:
- Start small and manageable, so you don’t get overwhelmed
- Ask for help when needed, whether from parents, teachers, or mentors
- Stay organized with your time, money, and responsibilities
- Focus on something you enjoy to stay motivated
- Be professional when dealing with customers or clients
Dont's:
- Don’t take on more than you can handle, especially during school terms
- Don’t ignore feedback from customers or supporters
- Don’t forget about safety and privacy, especially online
- Don’t spend too much upfront before testing your idea
- Don’t give up too quickly if things don’t work out right away
FAQ
A print-on-demand store is one of the easiest business ideas to start because it requires no inventory and can be run entirely online.
The best business ideas for teens in school are flexible ones like tutoring services, pet sitting, or managing social media platforms.
At 15, you can start a simple venture like pet sitting, reselling clothes from thrift stores, or even launching a YouTube channel.
Yes, 14-year-olds can start a small business with parental support and a good idea, especially in areas like babysitting services, crafts, or helping with lawn care.
To summarize
Starting a business as a teenager is a great way to make money, learn important skills, and explore your interests. From creative options like Print on Demand and digital products to hands-on services like car washing or dog walking, there are plenty of good business ideas for teens that are flexible, affordable, and rewarding.
Pick something that suits your interests and schedule, start small, and build as you go. With the right mindset and steady effort, your teen-run venture can grow into a successful small business.
