23 Business Ideas For Teens To Make Extra Money

23 Business Ideas For Teens To Make Extra Money

As a teen, finding the right teen business ideas can change your game. They let you earn extra cash and build entrepreneurial skills for life. Today, making money as a teen is easier than ever.

The gig economy and online platforms open doors to many small business ideas. Teens can offer services, create products, or use online chances. The options are endless.

Getting into teen entrepreneurship is more than just making money. It teaches responsibility and independence. It’s a thrilling path to discover new passions and talents.

Key Takeaways

• Discover various teen business ideas that can help make extra money.
• Learn how to leverage online platforms for entrepreneurial success.
• Understand the importance of entrepreneurship for teens.
• Explore different small business ideas suitable for teens.
• Gain insights into making extra money through innovative teen business ideas.

Why Teens Should Consider Starting Their Own Business

Starting a business as a teen can be very rewarding. It brings financial independence and valuable life skills. Teens learn to manage money, make smart investments, and plan for savings.

Financial Independence and Skill Development

One big benefit of teen entrepreneurship is financial independence. Teens earn their own money, learning the value of hard work. They also develop skills like time management, marketing, and customer service.

• Develops financial literacy and responsibility
• Enhances problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Fosters creativity and innovation

Building a Resume for College Applications

Running a business as a teen can make college applications stand out. It shows that the applicant is proactive, motivated, and has entrepreneurial skills. This can be a big plus in a competitive field.

1. Showcases leadership and initiative
2. Highlights ability to multitask and manage responsibilities
3. Demonstrates commitment to achieving goals

Learning Entrepreneurial Skills Early

Getting entrepreneurial skills early is a great foundation for success. Teens who start businesses learn to handle challenges and seize opportunities. They develop a strong sense of business acumen.

By starting their own business, teens get a head start in life. They develop essential skills and financial autonomy that will benefit them in adulthood.

Important Considerations Before Starting a Teen Business

Before starting a business, teens need to think about a few key things. Starting a business can be rewarding, but it needs careful planning.

Legal Requirements and Age Restrictions

Teens should first look into the legal rules for starting a business in their area. Age restrictions can differ a lot. Some places need special permits or licenses for minors to run a business.

In the U.S., some states have laws about child labor and starting businesses.

State	Minimum Age for Business	Special Requirements
California	18	Business license required
New York	16 (with permit)	Work permit for minors
Texas	18	No special requirements for minors

Balancing School and Business Responsibilities

Teens must manage their schoolwork and business tasks well. Good time management is key to keeping up with school and business.

Parental Support and Guidance

Having parental support is very important for a teen’s business. Parents can offer guidance, help with legal and financial stuff, and emotional support.

Start-up Costs and Budget Planning

Most businesses need some money to start. Teens should make a budget plan to handle start-up costs. They need to find ways to get money, like saving, loans, or investors, and keep track of spending.

Online and Digital Business Ideas for Teens

The internet has opened up a world of possibilities for teens to launch their own digital businesses. With a little creativity and the right guidance, teens can turn their passions into profitable online ventures.

Social Media Management

Many local businesses struggle to maintain a strong online presence. This makes social media management a valuable service for teens to offer. By helping businesses manage their social media accounts, teens can earn money while developing their online marketing skills.

Services to Offer Local Businesses

Teens can offer a range of services, including creating and scheduling posts, responding to comments, and analyzing engagement metrics. They can also help businesses develop a social media strategy that aligns with their overall marketing goals.

Key services include:

• Content creation
• Account management
• Engagement analysis

Tools and Skills Needed

To succeed in social media management, teens will need to be familiar with various social media platforms. They should also have access to scheduling tools like Hootsuite or Buffer. They should have strong communication skills and be able to create engaging content.

Potential Earnings

The amount teens can earn from social media management varies. It depends on the number of clients they have and the services they offer. With a strong portfolio and good client relationships, teens can earn a significant income.

Content Creation and YouTube Channel

Creating content on YouTube or other platforms is another lucrative online business idea for teens. By building an audience and creating engaging content, teens can monetize their YouTube channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

Finding Your Niche

To succeed on YouTube, teens need to identify a niche that they’re passionate about. This could be anything from gaming to beauty tutorials.

Equipment Needed

While high-quality equipment can enhance video production, it’s not necessary to start. Teens can begin with a smartphone camera and gradually invest in better equipment as they grow their channel.

Monetization Strategies

Teens can monetize their YouTube channel through various means. This includes YouTube’s Partner Program, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. They can also sell merchandise or offer exclusive content on platforms like Patreon.

Selling Digital Products

Teens can also create and sell digital products, such as ebooks, printables, or courses, on platforms like Etsy or Gumroad. This allows them to monetize their skills and creativity.

Types of Digital Products to Create

The type of digital product teens create depends on their skills and interests. Popular options include educational resources, art, and software solutions.

Platforms for Selling

Teens can sell their digital products on various platforms, including Etsy, Gumroad, and Shopify. Each platform has its own fees and requirements, so teens should research to find the best fit.

Marketing Your Digital Products

To succeed in selling digital products, teens need to market their products effectively. This can involve social media marketing, email marketing, and collaborating with influencers or other creators.

Creative Business Ideas for Artistic Teens

Teens can make money from their art skills. They can create custom artwork or offer photography services. It’s a great way to use their talents.

Custom Artwork and Commissions

Teens with art skills can sell custom artwork. This includes portraits, illustrations, or digital art. It’s a way to make money from their art.

Finding Your Artistic Niche

To succeed, find your art style. Focus on cartooning, abstract art, or realistic portraits. This helps you stand out.

Building a Portfolio

A professional portfolio is key. It can be digital or physical. It should show your best work.

Pricing Your Work

Setting prices for artwork can be tough. Consider time, materials, and demand. This helps you price your work right.

Handmade Jewelry Business

Handmade jewelry is another great idea. With the right materials and designs, you can make unique pieces. These can appeal to many people.

Materials and Supplies

You’ll need beads, wire, and stringing cord. High-quality supplies are important for attractive jewelry.

Design Inspiration

Staying inspired is key. Follow fashion trends and jewelry designers. This helps you create new designs.

Selling Platforms

You can sell online on Etsy or at local fairs. An online presence helps you reach more people.

Photography Services

Teens with a good camera and photography skills can offer services. It can be a profitable business.

Equipment Essentials

A good camera and lenses are key. Quality equipment improves your photos.

Building a Portfolio

A portfolio is vital for photography. It shows your skills.

Types of Photography Gigs

You can do event photography, portraits, or pet photography. Finding your niche attracts more clients.

Artistic teens can turn their passion into a business. It requires innovation and creativity.

23 Business Ideas For Teens To Make Extra Money: Service-Based Options

Service-based business ideas are many and can be a good choice for teens wanting to make extra money. These options let teens use their skills, work on their own, and learn about business.

Lawn Care and Landscaping

Lawn care and landscaping are always needed, making them a great choice for teens. You’ll need the right tools to start.

Equipment Needed

• Lawn mower
• Trimmer
• Rake
• Garden gloves

Seasonal Services to Offer

Offer services like leaf raking in fall or snow shoveling in winter. This keeps your business busy all year.

Setting Competitive Rates

Look at what others charge to set fair but profitable prices. You can charge by visit or offer deals.

Babysitting and Childcare

Babysitting is a classic teen business that’s both fun and rewarding. You need to be reliable and really care about kids.

Certifications to Consider

Getting certifications like CPR or First Aid can make you more credible and attract clients.

Safety Protocols

Make sure to have clear safety rules, like background checks and emergency info, for a safe place for kids.

Setting Your Rates

Your prices should match your experience, the number of kids, and any extra services you offer.

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

If you love animals, pet sitting and dog walking are great options. It means taking care of pets when their owners are out.

Building a Client Base

Start with family and neighbors, then grow through word-of-mouth and online ads.

Safety Precautions

Always be safe, with emergency info ready and knowing about dangers.

Expanding to Additional Services

Think about adding pet grooming or training to make more money.

House Cleaning Services

House cleaning is a good business for teens. It needs detail and hard work.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options

Offering green cleaning can attract clients who care about the environment and set you apart.

Pricing Structures

Price based on home size, cleaning frequency, and special requests.

Client Management

Good client management means clear talk, being reliable, and acting professional.

Tech-Related Business Ideas

Tech-savvy teens can turn their knowledge into successful businesses. The tech world is always changing, giving young entrepreneurs many chances to make money.

Computer Repair and Tech Support

Offering computer repair and tech support is a great business idea. Many people and businesses have computer problems and need help.

Required Skills and Knowledge

To do well in this field, teens need to know a lot about computers. They should be able to find and fix problems like viruses and hardware issues.

Tools and Resources

Starting out, teens might need to buy diagnostic software, tools, and parts.

Marketing Your Services

To market well, teens should make a professional website, use social media, and offer good prices.

App Development

Creating mobile apps is another good idea. With the right skills, teens can make apps that help people or entertain them.

Learning to Code

First, teens need to learn programming languages like Java, Swift, or Kotlin. Websites like Codecademy and Udemy are great resources.

App Ideas for Beginners

Starting with simple apps like to-do lists or games is a good idea. As they get better, they can make more complex apps.

Monetization Options

Teens can make money from their apps through in-app purchases, ads, or subscriptions.

Website Design for Local Businesses

Many local businesses need websites to get customers. Teens with web design skills can help create good-looking and useful websites.

Essential Skills to Learn

Teens need to know HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and design tools like Adobe XD or Figma.

Portfolio Development

Building a portfolio with sample websites or free services for friends and family can attract clients.

Finding Your First Clients

Teens can find clients by networking, using social media, and local business directories.

To summarize, here is a comparison of the tech-related business ideas discussed:

Business Idea	Initial Investment	Skill Level Required
Computer Repair	Moderate	High
App Development	Low	High
Website Design	Low	Moderate

Educational Business Opportunities

Teens can find many educational business opportunities. They can share their skills and make money. This also helps them grow personally.

Tutoring Services

Tutoring is a great way for teens to make money. They can teach subjects they know well. It’s important to pick subjects that are in demand.

Subjects in Demand

Math, science, and English are always needed. Teens can use their strengths in these areas to tutor.

Online vs. In-Person Tutoring

Teens can choose to tutor online or in person. Online tutoring is flexible and reaches more people. In-person tutoring is more personal.

Setting Your Tutoring Rates

When setting rates, teens should think about their skills, competition, and what they offer. This helps them set fair prices.

Tutoring Type	Rate per Hour	Target Audience
Online Tutoring	$20-$30	Students needing homework help
In-Person Tutoring	$25-$40	Students requiring personalized attention

Test Preparation Assistance

Teens can also help students prepare for tests. This is another educational business opportunity.

Resources and Materials Needed

To help with test prep, teens need the right study materials. They should have access to these resources.

Marketing to Students

Good marketing is key to attracting students. Teens can use social media, flyers, and word-of-mouth to promote their services.

Teens can offer group or individual test prep sessions. This caters to different learning styles.

Music Lessons

For teens who love music, teaching music lessons is a rewarding opportunity. It’s a chance to share their passion.

Setting Up Your Teaching Space

Creating a good learning space is important for music lessons. Teens can use their homes or local centers.

Structuring Lessons

Good lesson planning is essential. Teens should plan lessons that meet their students’ needs and goals.

Recitals and Student Showcases

Hosting recitals and showcases helps teens show their students’ progress. It also attracts new students.

Seasonal Business Ideas

Every season brings new chances for teens to make money. Seasonal businesses are a great way to earn during certain times. Teens can learn valuable skills and gain experience by taking advantage of seasonal trends.

Holiday Decoration Services

Teens can make money by decorating homes for the holidays. They need to plan, manage supplies, and market their services well.

Seasonal Planning

First, plan your decoration services early. Decide what decorations to offer, create a portfolio, and set prices.

Supply Management

It’s important to manage supplies well. Teens should find high-quality decorations and have enough for demand.

Marketing Timeline

Having a good marketing plan is key. Start promoting early to get customers before the busy season.

Snow Removal in Winter

Snow removal is essential in winter. Teens can offer this service to neighbors, family, and local businesses.

Equipment Considerations

Choosing the right equipment is important. Snow shovels, snow blowers, and ice melt are necessary for effective service.

Safety Precautions

Safety is a top concern. Teens should know the risks of snow removal, like overexertion and slipping.

Pricing Strategies

Teens should research prices and set competitive rates. Consider discounts for regular customers or bundled services.

Summer Car Wash Service

A summer car wash is a refreshing way to earn money. Offer eco-friendly options and service packages to stand out.

Eco-Friendly Options

Using eco-friendly soap and water-saving methods attracts green customers.

Service Packages

Offering different packages, like deluxe washes or interior cleaning, attracts various customers.

Building Repeat Customers

Great customer service and loyalty discounts build a loyal customer base.

Season	Business Idea	Key Considerations
Winter	Snow Removal	Equipment, Safety, Pricing
Summer	Car Wash Service	Eco-Friendly Options, Service Packages, Customer Loyalty
Holiday Season	Decoration Services	Planning, Supply Management, Marketing

Retail and Reselling Opportunities

Teens today have many chances to make money through retail and reselling. These chances teach them about business, marketing, and how to serve customers well.

Thrift Store Flipping

Thrift store flipping means finding valuable items at thrift stores to sell online or for more money. Teens need to be good at spotting these items.

Finding Valuable Items

To find valuable items, teens should look into popular brands and trends. They should also visit thrift stores often and check items well.

Restoration Techniques

Some items might need fixing. Knowing how to fix things like broken zippers or clean stains can make an item more valuable.

Selling Platforms

Teens can sell their finds on sites like eBay, Poshmark, or Depop. It’s important to know the fees and rules of each site to make more money.

Custom T-shirt Design and Sales

Designing and selling custom t-shirts is a good business idea. Teens can make unique designs using different tools and software.

Print-on-Demand Services

Print-on-demand services like Printful or Redbubble let teens sell t-shirts without keeping inventory. These services handle making and shipping the shirts.

Design Tools and Resources

Teens can use tools like Adobe Illustrator or Canva to make designs. Online tutorials can help them get better at designing.

Niche Market Identification

Finding a specific market, like designs for gamers or pet lovers, can help teens focus their sales better.

Selling Crafts and Handmade Items

Teens with crafting skills can sell their handmade items. They can sell at craft fairs or online.

Craft Fair Participation

Going to local craft fairs lets teens show off their products and meet customers.

Online Marketplaces

Places like Etsy or Amazon Handmade are great for selling crafts. Good photos and clear descriptions are key.

Packaging and Branding

Good packaging and branding can make handmade items seem more valuable. This lets teens charge more for their items.

Subscription Box Service

Starting a subscription box service means picking products for a theme and sending them out monthly.

Theme Development

Choosing a theme that appeals to the target audience is important. Teens should look into what’s popular and trending.

Sourcing Products

Teens need to find reliable suppliers for their boxes. They should know how to negotiate with suppliers.

Subscription Management

Using tools for managing subscriptions can help teens handle customer info, payments, and messages well.

Food-Related Business Ideas

Teens who love cooking or baking can make money by starting a food business. There are many options, like baking treats, meal prep, or running a drink stand.

Baking and Selling Treats

Baking is a favorite hobby for many teens. Turning it into a business can be both fun and profitable. To succeed, teens need to think about a few important things.

Food Safety Regulations

Before selling baked goods, teens must follow local food safety rules. This means getting the right permits and handling food correctly.

Specialty Niches

Choosing a specialty, like gluten-free or vegan, can attract loyal customers. It helps stand out in the market.

Packaging and Presentation

Good packaging and presentation make baked goods more appealing. Using eco-friendly packaging can attract customers who care about the environment.

Meal Prep Services for Busy Families

Many families need easy meal solutions. Meal prep services can be a great business. Here are some key points to consider.

Menu Planning

Creating a menu that’s healthy and tasty is key. Offer meal plans for different diets to appeal to more people.

Dietary Accommodations

Being able to offer options for special diets, like vegetarian or keto, can attract more customers.

Packaging and Delivery

Good packaging and reliable delivery are vital. Consider teaming up with local businesses to make logistics easier.

Specialty Beverage Stand

Starting a specialty drink stand can be fun and profitable. Here are some things to think about.

Location Considerations

Choosing a busy location is key for a drink stand. Set up at events or in shopping areas with lots of foot traffic.

Equipment Needs

Having the right equipment, like blenders and coolers, is important. It ensures products are made and stored right.

Seasonal Offerings

Seasonal drinks can keep the menu interesting and attract repeat customers. For example, hot chocolate in winter or iced tea in summer.

In conclusion, there are many ways for teens to turn their love of cooking or baking into a business. By focusing on baking, meal prep, or specialty drinks, teens can create a business that’s both enjoyable and successful.

Event-Based Business Ideas

Teens can make money by turning their event passion into a business. They can offer party planning, DJ services, or event photography. These ideas are creative and teach important skills like organization and technical know-how.

Party Planning Services

Party planning is a big business idea. It involves planning every detail of an event, from the theme to the day of the event. To do well, teens need to:

• Build a Vendor Network: It’s important to have good relationships with vendors like caterers and decorators.
• Theme Development: Creating unique themes that clients like can make a business stand out.
• Day-of Coordination: Making sure everything goes as planned on the event day is key to happy clients.

DJ and Music Services

DJing is a popular business idea that can make a lot of money. To get started, teens need to:

• Invest in Equipment: Good DJ equipment is necessary for great sound.
• Build a Song Library: Having a wide range of songs is important.
• Read the Crowd: Knowing how to connect with the audience and adjust the music is essential.

Event Photography

For teens who love photography, event photography is a great business idea. Important points include:

• Creating Packages: Having different photography packages for different budgets is helpful.
• Event Day Workflow: A smooth workflow on the event day is important to capture all moments.
• Post-Production Editing: Editing photos well and delivering them quickly is key.

By focusing on these ideas, teens can earn money and learn valuable skills in entrepreneurship, creativity, and customer service.

Tips for Success in Teen Entrepreneurship

Starting a business as a teen is tough. You need skills, knowledge, and determination. It’s key to learn skills that help you face challenges head-on.

Building a Professional Online Presence

In today’s world, having a strong online presence is a must. Create a website and be active on social media. Use platforms like WordPress or Wix for your website. Make sure your social media shows who you are.

Managing Finances and Reinvesting

Good financial management is essential. Use tools like QuickBooks or Google Sheets to track money. Putting profits back into your business can help it grow. Always save for taxes and future investments.

Customer Service Best Practices

Great customer service can make your business stand out. Always answer customer questions quickly and keep your promises. Use feedback to make your products better.

Scaling Your Teen Business

As your business grows, you might need to do more. This could mean hiring more people, adding new products, or reaching new customers. Think about working with other businesses to grow.

Scaling Strategy	Description	Potential Impact
Hiring Additional Help	Employing more staff to handle increased workload	Increased productivity and faster service
Expanding Product Line	Introducing new products or services	Attracting new customers and increasing sales
Exploring New Markets	Entering new geographical or demographic markets	Broader customer base and increased brand visibility

Handling Rejection and Setbacks

Not every business idea works out, and you’ll face setbacks. Learn from your mistakes and use them to grow. Stay strong and keep a positive outlook, even when things get tough.

By following these tips, teen entrepreneurs can overcome the hurdles of starting a business. With hard work, the right skills, and creativity, anything is possible.

FAQ

What are the benefits of starting a business as a teen?

Starting a business as a teen can give you financial freedom. It also helps you develop important skills. Plus, it can make your college applications stronger.

 

What are some online business ideas suitable for teens?

Teens can manage social media for local businesses. They can also create content on YouTube. Selling digital products is another option.

 

How can teens with artistic talents turn their skills into a business?

Artistic teens can create custom artwork. They can start a handmade jewelry business. Or, they can offer photography services.

 

What are some service-based business ideas for teens?

Teens can start a lawn care business. They can also babysit, pet sit, or clean houses.

 

What tech-related business ideas are available for teens?

Teens can explore computer repair. They can also develop apps or design websites.

 

How can teens leverage their knowledge and skills to offer educational services?

Teens can offer tutoring or test preparation. They can also give music lessons.

 

What are some seasonal business ideas for teens?

Teens can offer holiday decoration services. They can also do snow removal or run a summer car wash.

 

What retail and reselling opportunities are available for teens?

Teens can flip items from thrift stores. They can design custom t-shirts. Selling handmade crafts or starting a subscription box service are also options.

 

How can teens turn their cooking or baking skills into a business?

Teens can bake and sell treats. They can offer meal prep services. Or, they can run a specialty beverage stand.

 

What are some event-based business ideas for teens?

Teens can plan parties or offer DJ services. They can also take event photos.

 

What tips can help teens succeed in entrepreneurship?

Teens should build a professional online presence. They should manage their finances well. Delivering excellent customer service is key. Scaling their business and handling rejection are also important.

Conclusion

Starting a business as a teen can be very rewarding. It teaches valuable skills and lets you earn extra money. This article has shown many teen business ideas, from online ventures to creative pursuits.

Entrepreneurship helps teens become financially independent. It also builds their resumes and teaches important skills. Whether it’s managing social media, pet-sitting, or making handmade products, there are many options.

For teens ready to start, remember it takes dedication and hard work. Follow the tips in this article and stay focused on your goals. This way, you can make your business ideas successful.

Teen entrepreneurship can lead to personal growth and financial success. So, why not start looking into your business ideas today? Make them a reality.