15 Fun Small Business Ideas for Teens to Earn Cash & Skills

Many teens want some extra cash but aren’t sure where to begin. Starting a small business while young helps you earn money and gain real-world skills for the future. This blog lists 15 fun small business ideas for teens, from selling handmade crafts online, dog walking around your area, to running your own social media channel.

Keep reading to find the perfect idea for you!

Why Start a Business as a Teen?

Starting a business as a teen opens doors to early financial freedom and real-world skills that schools don’t teach. You’ll gain hands-on experience in money management, customer service, and problem-solving while building your resume for future jobs or college applications.

Low startup costs

Teen businesses often require very little money to get going. My daughter started pet sitting last summer with just her phone and a simple notebook. Teens can also offer services like lawn care or babysitting using equipment they already have.

Digital businesses are even cheaper—making YouTube videos or selling handmade jewelry just needs basic gear and an internet connection. Because of this, entrepreneurship fits perfectly for teenagers with tight budgets.

The great thing is teens can build their business gradually, using the money they earn, without any loans or outside support. These low-cost options help teens concentrate on gaining useful skills, instead of worrying about owing money.

Plus, having flexibility makes teen businesses even more attractive….

Flexibility in time and effort

Running your own business as a teen gives you flexible scheduling—you won’t find that freedom in most regular jobs. School and sports already take up 8-10 hours of your day, leaving little room for anything else.

With your own small business, you decide exactly when to work, fitting tasks around your studies, practice sessions, or family hangouts. You can take on more work during weekends or summer vacations, then ease off when finals roll around.

That flexibility helps you stay relaxed and avoid stress—all while making some extra cash.

The best teen businesses bend to fit your life, not the other way around.

You can also grow your teen business at your own speed. Start small, maybe babysitting for a neighbor, or mowing lawns around your block. Once you build up confidence, branch out into housecleaning, or set up your own shop online.

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Social media sites like Instagram or TikTok make advertising simple—you just post updates whenever you have a free moment. Most teens can launch their business with very little money, then gradually expand it, picking up valuable lessons in managing time and taking charge.

Opportunity to learn valuable skills

Starting a small business helps teens pick up lasting skills. They quickly grasp money management by tracking their earnings, costs, and profits. This practical approach gives teens a stronger understanding of finances than typical classroom lessons alone.

Balancing school, extracurricular activities, and a new business helps them become great at managing time.

Running their own business also allows teens to sharpen their critical thinking skills, solving problems their customers face. They improve communication by interacting with clients, suppliers, and sometimes their own employees—who may even require workers compensation insurance.

Teen entrepreneurs often report growth in leadership ability and greater self-confidence as their ventures progress. Promotion through social media helps them build digital marketing skills employers highly value.

These real-life business experiences lay a solid groundwork for nearly any career teens choose later. Ahead, we’ll check out some great ideas for service businesses teens can easily start.

Service-Based Business Ideas for Teens

Service jobs let teens earn money with skills they already have. These options need little cash to start and can fit around school hours.

Babysitting or child care

Babysitting makes an ideal first business for teens—with almost no startup costs at all. You can care for kids in your neighborhood or even watch children of family friends. Along the way, you’ll build useful skills like interacting well with others and knowing basic first aid.

Plenty of parents need trustworthy help; they often pay between $10 and $15 per hour to someone reliable and responsible. Boost your chances by completing local childcare classes, building a simple website featuring parent reviews, and managing your appointments efficiently through scheduling apps.

The best babysitters don’t just watch children—they create safe spaces where kids can learn and grow.

Want a business option offering flexible hours? Pet sitting could be exactly what you’re after.

Pet sitting or dog walking

Pet care is an ideal small business for teens, with almost zero startup costs. Starting out is easy—just walk dogs around your neighborhood, or watch people’s pets while they travel.

Lots of busy women need someone reliable to take care of their furry companions during work hours or vacations. Getting customers can be as simple as leaving business cards at local dog parks, or posting about your services on social media.

Before long, pet owners will start calling, glad to have you around to help.

As the business grows, you can offer more than simple dog walks. Think about adding overnight pet care, regular feeding visits, or even selling toys and treats online. The flexible hours fit nicely around your school schedule, sports practice, or hanging out with friends.

Plus, caring for pets gives you real-life skills—like managing schedules, handling money, and dealing with different customers. Happy pets usually mean happy clients, and satisfied clients often recommend you to their friends—and leave generous tips too.

Lawn care and seasonal yard work

Switching gears to outdoor jobs gives teens another fantastic way to earn extra cash. Lawn mowing and yard upkeep are ideal ideas for a teen’s side hustle business, especially those with plenty of energy and strength.

To begin, you can use simple tools that might already be lying around your garage—like a mower, rake, or gardening gloves. Startup costs stay super low, while earnings grow steadily as you find more clients.

Many neighborhoods have busy parents or older residents needing someone to mow grass, pull weeds, rake leaves during the fall, or shovel snow in winter.

These tasks fit nicely around school hours, since most yard work happens on weekends. Teens earn spending cash, gain outdoor maintenance skills, learn about plants, and get better at serving customers well.

At 16, I launched a lawn mowing business myself, earning enough money to buy my very first car! With outdoor work, you can take on fewer or more yards depending on your free hours each week.

Plus, working outside beats being stuck indoors—and the physical movement helps you stay healthy while you make money.

Car washing and detailing

Car washing is an ideal small business for teens—it requires little startup cash. All you need are simple cleaning supplies and a careful eye for detail. Most teens operate right from home, setting custom hours around school and other activities.

One great benefit is starting within your own neighborhood. From there, you can grow your business by posting impressive “before and after” pictures on social media.

A clean car isn’t just about looks—it builds confidence and pride in ownership while teaching young entrepreneurs the value of quality service.

Teen business owners can offer different pricing depending on their service packages—from a basic outside wash and dry to deeper interior cleaning jobs. This small operation also helps teens develop real-world customer service experience and build relationships with regular clients.

The flexible schedule perfectly fits around busy school routines, too, and summer breaks offer extra time to expand. Parents often enjoy supporting young local entrepreneurs by hiring a trustworthy teen from the area to clean their cars.

Tutoring or academic coaching

Detailing cars can be a great hands-on way for teens to earn extra cash—but tutoring gives them a chance to earn money using their brains. Teens who do well in subjects like math, science, or writing can easily turn those skills into income by teaching others.

Best part: starting a tutoring business costs next to nothing… just solid knowledge, patience, and a willingness to help. Many parents are happy to pay for tutoring, knowing it can raise their child’s grades and boost self-confidence.

Tutoring provides teens with the freedom to earn money from home, fitting sessions conveniently around their school day. By teaching others, teens strengthen their own grasp of the subjects, while improving key abilities like clear communication and effective organization.

Experience in tutoring also impresses colleges—it looks great on applications. Bright teens can offer help to classmates having trouble in difficult courses, or they might assist younger kids who need extra guidance in basic skills.

Housecleaning or organizing

Switching from tutoring to housecleaning is another great option for teens. It offers flexible hours and good income potential. With just basic cleaning supplies, you can launch your business right away, choosing hours that easily fit around school and hobbies.

Tons of busy families struggle to keep their homes clean, yet hiring big-name cleaning companies costs too much. Your affordable rates make you the perfect solution. The best part? Your customers often become regulars, giving steady business each month.

Building trust with your clients matters a lot. Parents can help teens connect first with neighbors or family friends. That approach helps build a secure client base using personal relationships.

You might even offer home-organizing services—many families gladly hire someone to tidy garages, closets, or pantries. Teens who love order can turn a natural talent into real cash, all while picking up skills useful for small business management.

Startup expenses stay small, and the experience gained adds value to future resumes or college applications.

Product-Based Business Ideas for Teens

Product-based ideas let teens turn hobbies into cash with items they make or source themselves – from jewelry and candles to custom artwork and print-on-demand goods… Keep reading to discover which creative venture might match your skills and interests!

Selling handmade crafts or jewelry

Creative teens can turn their artistic talents into cash by crafting and selling unique jewelry or handmade items. Many young creators begin by making simple products—like beaded bracelets or scented soaps—then expand into more challenging designs as their skills improve.

Selling online is simple through marketplaces like Etsy, while a personal online store allows for better branding control. Social media helps greatly, letting teens showcase new creations and attract loyal followers.

Since teens need adult supervision with finances, parents should step in to handle business details. Craft customers love unique designs, so teens must create eye-catching items that stand apart from typical offerings.

Print-on-demand websites also offer teens ways to profit from art by printing designs onto mugs, t-shirts, or greeting cards—without needing to store stock at home. Running a creative business teaches teens design, marketing, and customer care skills, all while earning money from things they make themselves.

Creating and selling candles or bath products

Teens can turn candles and bath products into a profitable small business. Bath bomb ingredients cost very little—but these products sell at high prices in today’s popular self-care market.

Last summer, I made lavender candles in my own kitchen, then sold them at the local farmer’s market for $15 each! Online marketplaces like Etsy even let teens aged 13-17 sell their products—with a parent’s assistance, of course.

Craft fairs, social media, and community or school events also offer good opportunities for teen entrepreneurs to reach potential customers.

Your teen can easily transform this hobby into real earnings, gaining valuable business experience along the way. Initial startup expenses can be higher than other ideas—but with practice and better skills, the business can steadily expand.

Making bath products introduces teens to simple chemistry concepts, while candle-making helps develop patience and careful attention. Next up—teens can make money online with digital business ideas.

Designing and selling print-on-demand goods

Candle making can be a cool way to create physical items at home—but print-on-demand gives you an easier route. The print-on-demand method fits perfectly for creative teens aged 15 and up, especially if storing products isn’t your thing.

With this option, you just upload artwork to sites like Shopify. They handle printing your designs onto mugs, shirts, posters, and more—but only after someone places an order. Honestly, that’s the best part—no need to stock up on bulk supplies or fill your bedroom with unsold merchandise.

Because products get printed only after purchase, your upfront costs stay pretty low. Many artistic teenagers use their digital design talents to create fresh and original images aimed at certain niche audiences.

Then, your social channels become ideal places to show off your items—for free—without paying extra dollars on ads. Plus, you’ll pick up useful skills like graphic design basics, online selling strategies, and marketing through social media.

It’s a flexible side project, easy to manage during school months, with hours you can set yourself. Building and managing a small print-on-demand business helps you develop a proactive and positive attitude that lasts long after high school.

Making greeting cards or custom artwork

Teens with artistic talent can easily earn money by selling greeting cards or custom artwork. Starting up this small venture needs just a few basic materials—markers, paper, and simple art supplies, most of which you probably already have at home.

In my experience, unique handmade cards for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or anniversaries sell very well at local craft fairs and farmers markets. Many people prefer personalized cards instead of purchasing from stores because they feel warmer and more meaningful.

Setting prices around $3 to $5 each can steadily bring in cash and help you build a creative portfolio.

Another option for artistic teens is offering custom artwork. You could make portraits, landscapes, or digital illustrations according to your customers’ requests. Social media provides an excellent way to showcase your talent, connect directly with buyers, and attract new business.

My niece started selling watercolor paintings last summer; she earned enough money to cover all her school supplies. The great thing about selling art is that as you improve and become a stronger artist, you can raise prices and earn more money.

Online Business Ideas for Teens

The digital world opens countless doors for tech-savvy teens to make money while building their resume. From creating viral videos to selling digital art, online ventures need less cash to start than brick-and-mortar businesses.

Social media influencer or content creator

Becoming a social media influencer can be a great way for teens to earn money doing what they enjoy. Start by picking one clear topic that excites you, then create original posts and videos to catch attention.

Real success depends on building an online community across channels like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. Once teens gain enough followers, many earn money through brand deals and sponsored content.

Savvy influencers pay close attention to their analytics to understand what their audience prefers. Tracking this info helps creators produce even better content down the line. Teens should always prioritize quality, not quantity, and remain genuine to their own unique voice.

Having a positive growth mindset is key—building a solid follower base takes consistent time and consistent effort. For teen girls interested in this path, setting clear goals from the start and knowing exactly who your posts are for makes you shine brighter in a crowded social media space.

Selling items through an online store

Teenagers can launch online stores cheaply and easily, reaching many customers right from home. Platforms such as Etsy, Amazon, and Shopify simplify product listings and payments. Popular products to sell include handmade jewelry, custom-designed shirts, or vintage clothes from your own closet.

Clear photos, catchy product descriptions, and quick customer service boost your chances of success. Many young business owners use social media to attract visitors to their shops—Instagram and TikTok posts work especially well.

Planning your inventory ahead of time keeps sales smooth. Pay close attention to best-selling items, and restock these first to keep customers happy. Savvy teens can also join affiliate programs to earn extra money by recommending related items.

It’s smart to open a separate business bank account, making tax tracking easier down the road. The coolest part? You can easily manage your shop from home, fitting work into evenings, weekends, or whenever your schedule allows.

Web design or graphic design services

Creative teens can easily turn graphic design skills into a money-making business—with little upfront cost. I personally know girls who’ve earned good income by designing logos, social media images, and simple websites for neighborhood shops.

All you really need is basic design software and a bit of practice, and soon you’ll be making money and building valuable career skills. Graphic design helps you visually express ideas and teaches you technical skills through popular software like Canva or Adobe Illustrator.

As your expertise grows, your services can expand too. Begin small—maybe creating business cards or designing Instagram visuals—and later tackle bigger jobs like full website layouts, once you feel confident.

The best perk is flexibility; you set your own schedule, and you can work from anywhere with Wi-Fi. Many teen designers land their first clients on platforms like Instagram and TikTok or even by offering help to friends of the family who run small businesses.

Mastering how to market yourself online opens doors, making it easy for potential customers to notice your talent.

Starting a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel

Teens can easily explore digital media through blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels—with very little money needed to begin. A YouTube channel helps you share your interests, make money through ads, or gain sponsorship deals.

Just last year, I started my own channel, earning $200 within three months by simply talking about my favorite topics. Plenty of teen creators build dedicated audiences by posting regularly and creating honest, relatable content.

Podcasting and blogging follow similar routes to success, and typically need even less equipment. Blogs can earn income through affiliate marketing links, and podcasts need only an affordable, decent-quality microphone to get started.

These projects offer teens valuable skills—ones that colleges love to see on applications. The best part is, you set your own pace and schedule, easily fitting your project between schoolwork and other commitments.

Tips for Teens Starting a Business

Starting a business takes guts, but teens can find success with smart planning and the right mindset. Check out our proven tips to help young entrepreneurs avoid common pitfalls and build strong foundations for their first ventures.

Start small and grow gradually

Taking small steps in your teen business lets you reduce risk and build strong skills. Most successful teen entrepreneurs start by working with just one or two customers at first. A pet-sitting business could begin by caring for neighbors’ pets on weekends—then gradually expand as word of mouth spreads.

This strategy helps you balance school responsibilities, track earnings, and plan your schedule carefully.

Real growth doesn’t have to happen all at once. Successful teens choose to master one simple service before branching out to new offerings. If you make jewelry, for example, try selling basic designs to classmates first.

Later, you could create an online store and offer a variety of pieces as your skills grow. Digital platforms can boost your business with little or no startup costs. Social media posts and marketing tools can attract fresh customers, getting your service noticed.

These activities help build valuable business skills that colleges—and future bosses—love. With time, patience, and steady effort, your small teen startup could soon turn into real money.

Research your target market

Get clear on who wants your stuff before you start selling. Smart teen entrepreneurs talk to their potential customers first. Chat with family, neighbors, or friends about what products they’d like—and what prices they’re willing to pay.

You can even run free polls on social media for quick feedback on your idea. Lots of teens skip this step, wasting energy making things nobody buys. Market research doesn’t have to be complicated; simple conversations can point you in the right direction.

These answers help you spot good opportunities and avoid crowded markets.

Your customers have specific tastes, and you need to know what they are. Girls who sell handmade jewelry should find out what designs their friends love the most. Teens who fix computers should learn what parent frustrations come up again and again.

This kind of feedback is priceless, especially before you buy supplies or spend money on ads. Successful social media influencers know exactly what content their followers prefer. The smartest young entrepreneurs shape their business ideas around what customers actually want—not just what seems fun to create.

Promote your business through social media

Social media offers teen entrepreneurs a free, easy way to reach tons of people. Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter let you showcase products and advertise your services in a fun, visual way.

Last year, I started a jewelry business from home. After posting simple photos every day on Instagram, I gained 50 customers within two months. Teens can promote handmade soap, crafts, skincare items, or music lessons with bright images and short videos.

Many popular YouTubers started young, sharing content about their interests—video games, fashion tips, or baking recipes.

Your plan for social media marketing can stay simple and easy. Post clear, sharp photos of your product line or short clips showing your creative process. Share customer feedback and fun, casual behind-the-scenes moments as you work.

Teens with growing followings can even partner with brands to boost their earnings. This creates an extra stream of ad income, beyond direct sales. My friend started making candles as a hobby—today, she runs a thriving business with 500 regular followers who order monthly.

How Will Teen Entrepreneurship Evolve in 2025?

Teen entrepreneurs are set for major success in 2025, driven by new technology and shifting market trends. Digital content creation will dominate—with young people earning money from YouTube Shorts, TikTok, and streaming platforms like Twitch.

Instead of simply relying on ad money, these teens will create vibrant personal brands to attract sponsors across multiple platforms. Many will expand beyond videos by offering practical services, such as tech support, data entry, or financial tips for fellow teens.

In the near future, expect more teens to establish formal businesses like LLCs, rather than traditional stores (compared to brick and mortar).

They’ll handle responsibilities such as tax preparation, building their credit history, and finding experienced mentors for guidance. Accessible tools will help teens sharpen valuable skills—including marketing strategies, financial management, and quality customer care.

This shift will help shape an ambitious generation of young entrepreneurs, launching their businesses earlier and succeeding faster than previous groups.

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