So you want to start your own business, but you don’t have a lot of money? Here few Small Business Ideas For Teens that they can implement quickly.
Don’t worry! There are lots of small businesses teens can start with little effort and low investment that pay off big time!
Not only will these 11 small business ideas help you make some pocket change while keeping your afternoons free, but they’ll also teach valuable skills like entrepreneurship that will come in handy when the time comes to look for a job.
Starting your own small business is a great way to learn about the world of work, and it can also be a lot of fun.
So if you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash, check out these 10 easy and affordable small business ideas for teens!
1. Start a blog or online magazine.
Blogging is an excellent way to share your thoughts, and ideas with the world, and it’s also a great way to make some money.
All you need is a work desk, a computer, and an internet connection, and you can start blogging on free blogging sites like WordPress or Blogger. If you want to make more money, you can also start a paid blog subscription or sell advertising space on your blog.
How to start a blog?
One of the simplest and most affordable ways to start a small business is by creating a blog.
There are several ways to monetize a blog, including advertising, affiliate marketing, and selling your products and services. If you’re interested in starting a blog as a business, check out this article for step-by-step instructions on how to get started.
Here are steps on how to start a blog:
Choose a website platform:
There are many different website platforms you can use to start your blog, but the two most popular ones are WordPress and Blogger. WordPress is more popular, but Blogger is free.
Choose a domain name:
Your domain name is the address of your blog, e.g., www.teenmoneyadventures.com. It’s a good idea to choose a domain name that reflects the topic of your blog.
Create an account:
Once you’ve chosen a platform and a domain name, create an account by filling out the required information.
Set up your blog:
This will vary depending on the platform you choose, but typically you’ll have to select a template, add your profile information, and start writing posts.
Start blogging: Now it’s time to start writing posts! Be sure to write about topics that interest you and that people will want to read.
2. Sell handmade crafts or jewelry on Etsy.
If you’re crafty, you can sell your handcrafted items on Etsy, a website for selling homemade goods.
All you need is a few pieces of art or jewelry to get started, and you can start posting them on Etsy for free.
How do you sell handmade crafts on Etsy?
Etsy is an online marketplace for people who make arts and crafts or sell vintage items.
You don’t need a degree in business or marketing to do well on Etsy- all you need is a little creativity, some crafting skills, and a few raw materials from which to build your inventory.
Step on how to sell crafts on Etsy:
Create an Etsy account:
To create an account, go to www.etsy.com and click “Create an account.” Fill out the required information and click “Create my account.”
Choose a shop name:
Your shop name is the name of your Etsy store, e.g., “Teen Money Adventures.” It’s a good idea to choose a shop name that reflects the topic of your store.
Create a listing:
To create a listing, go to “your Etsy shop” and click “add a listing.” Choose the category of the item you’re selling, give a brief description, and add photos.
Set your price:
Next, set your price. You can choose to sell your item for a fixed price or offer it as a “make an offer” item.
Ship your item:
Once someone buys your item, you’ll need to ship it to them. You can either ship it yourself or use Etsy’s shipping services.
3. Start a pet-sitting business
Starting a pet-sitting business can be an excellent way for teens to make money. It’s an easy and affordable small business idea, and there’s always a demand for this type of service.
How to start a pet-sitting business?
If you love animals, you can start a pet-sitting business. All you need is a few supplies, such as a pet carrier, leashes, and food and water bowls, and you can start advertising your services.
How to start a pet-sitting business:
Create a business plan:
The first step is to create a business plan. This will help you outline your business goals, strategies, and budget.
Register your business:
The next step is to register your business with the government. This will allow you to operate your business legally.
Get insurance:
It’s essential to get insurance for your pet-sitting business in case of accidents or injuries.
Start advertising:
Once you have all the necessary supplies and paperwork, start advertising your services. You can use online platforms such as Craigslist or social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.
Meet with clients:
Once you start getting clients, be sure to meet with them in person to get acquainted and discuss their pet’s needs.
4. Start a lawn care business
If you’re good at keeping your yard tidy, you can start a lawn care business. All you need is some equipment, such as a lawnmower, weed eater, and hedge clippers, and you can start advertising your services.
How to start a lawn care business?
Starting your own lawn care business is an excellent way for teens to make extra money. It’s easy to get started, and there are a lot of great resources available online to help you get started.
How to start a lawn care business:
Decide what services you want to offer:
Do you want to mow lawns, or do you offer additional services like trimming hedges and pulling weeds?
Establish a price list:
How much will you charge for each service?
Get the necessary equipment:
You’ll need a lawnmower, weed eater, hedge clippers, and other essential tools.
Start advertising your services:
Place flyers in grocery stores, post signs in yards or use any other marketing method you can think of.
Start booking jobs:
Once you get a few customers, you’ll be able to keep busy all summer long.
5. Design and sell t-shirts, hats, or other clothing items
If you’re good at designing clothes, you can start selling your t-shirts, hats, and other clothing items. All you need is basic sewing skills and equipment, such as a sewing machine and fabric scissors.
How to start a clothing design business?
When designing t-shirts or other clothing items, be sure to think about what kind of designs people would want to wear. You can create funny slogans, excellent graphics, or stylish patterns.
Keep in mind that the more unique your designs are, the more likely people will buy them.
Here are some tips for starting a clothing design business:
Start by creating a portfolio:
A portfolio will help you showcase your best designs to potential clients.
Use online platforms to sell your clothes:
Many online platforms allow you to sell your clothing designs, such as Etsy and Zazzle.
Get feedback from friends and family:
Ask your friends and family for their opinions on your designs. This will help you improve your designs and make them more appealing to customers.
Market your business:
Promote your business on social media sites, in local newspapers, or on clothing blogs.
Attend fashion shows and trade shows:
Attend fashion shows, and trade shows to get exposure to potential buyers.
6. Create and sell art prints or digital downloads.
You can start selling your art prints or digital downloads if you’re artistic and creative. All you need is basic computer skills and software, such as Photoshop or Illustrator.
How to start an art print business?
When creating art prints, be sure to choose a theme that will appeal to a wide range of people.
You can make prints of landscapes, portraits, or abstract designs. You can also experiment with different printing techniques, such as screen printing, DTF transfer printing, or letterpress.
Here are some tips for starting an art print business:
Choose a niche:
When starting, it’s important to choose a niche market you want to target. This will help you focus your marketing efforts and attract the right customers.
Create a website:
A website is a great way to showcase your artwork to potential buyers. You can also use your website to sell prints online.
Use social media:
Social media sites are a great way to promote your artwork and connect with potential customers.
Print your prints:
This will help you keep costs down and give you more control over the quality of your prints.
5Get feedback from friends and family:
Ask your friends and family for their opinions on your artwork. This will help you improve your designs and make them more appealing to customers.
7. Sell digital downloads
You can start selling digital downloads if you’re good with computers and have some basic design skills. This is a great way to make money from your artwork without printing any physical products.
How to start a digital download business?
When creating digital downloads, be sure to create high-quality files that are easy to download. You can create digital downloads in various formats, such as JPEG, PDF, or PNG.
Here are some tips for starting a digital download business:
Start by creating a portfolio:
A portfolio will help you showcase your best designs to potential customers.
Use online platforms to sell your downloads:
Many online platforms allow you to sell digital downloads, such as Etsy and Creative Market.
Use social media:
Social media sites are a great way to promote your downloads and connect with potential customers.
Keep your files organized:
This will make it easier for your customers to download and use your files.
Get feedback from friends and family:
Ask your friends and family for their opinions on your designs. This will help you improve your designs and make them more appealing to customers.
8. Sell printable templates.
If you’re good with computers and have some basic design skills, you can start selling printable templates. This is a great way to make money from your artwork without printing any physical products.
How to start a printable template business?
When creating printable templates, be sure to create high-quality files that are easy to download and use. You can create printable templates in various formats, such as JPEG, PDF, or PNG.
Here are some tips for starting a printable template business:
1. Choose a simple, easy-to-use format.
2. Create high-quality files that are easy to download and use.
3. Price your templates fairly and competitively.
4. Promote your templates on social media and online marketplaces.
5. Offer customer support and satisfaction guarantees.
9. Bake and sell cakes, cookies, or other desserts.
You can start baking and selling cakes, cookies, or other desserts if you’re good with a kitchen. This is a great way to make money from your culinary skills without investing in any expensive equipment.
How to start a bakery business?
When starting a bakery business, be sure to choose a niche market that you want to focus on. This will help you attract the right type of customers and increase your chances of success.
Here are some tips for starting a bakery business:
Start by creating a business plan:
A business plan will help you map out the goals and objectives of your bakery business.
Choose a location:
When choosing a place for your bakery, be sure to consider the demographics of the area and the competition.
Purchase the necessary equipment:
Be sure to purchase the required equipment for your bakeries, such as ovens, mixers, and display cases.
Hire employees:
You will need to hire employees to help run your bakery business.
Market your bakery:
Use various marketing strategies to promote your business.
10. Grow vegetables or fruits in your backyard and sell them at the farmer’s market.
If you’re interested in agriculture, you can start growing vegetables or fruits in your backyard and selling them at the local farmer’s market. This is a great way to make money from your agricultural skills without investing in any expensive equipment.
How to start a backyard farm business?
When starting a backyard farm business, be sure to choose a niche market that you want to focus on. This will help you attract the right type of customers and increase your chances of success.
Here are some tips for starting a backyard farm business:
Choose the suitable crops: Not all crops are created equal when it comes to backyard farming. Choose crops that are easy to grow and have a high demand at the farmer’s market.
Start small:
Don’t try to do too much at once. Start small and gradually expand your operation as you gain more experience.
Get organized:
Keep track of your expenses and revenues to help you make better decisions about your business.
Network with other farmers:
Building relationships with other farmers can benefit your business. They can provide valuable advice and support, and you may be able to collaborate on projects together.
Market your product:
Make sure that people know about your product and how to find you at the farmer’s market. Have a catchy slogan and use social media to get the word out.
Start a blog or website:
A blog or website can be a great way to showcase your products and communicate with customers.
Use organic methods:
If you want to increase the appeal of your product, use organic methods to grow your crops.
11. Tutor students in subjects you’re good at.
If you’re good at a particular subject, why not become a tutor and help students learn? This is a great way to make money while helping others achieve their goals.
How to become a tutor?
There are several ways to become a tutor. You can search for online tutoring jobs or start your own tutoring business.
Here are some tips for becoming a tutor:
Get certified:
If you want to gain parents’ trust, it’s a good idea to get certified in the subjects you’re tutoring. This will show them that you’re qualified to help their children.
Network with other teachers:
Building relationships with other teachers can benefit your business. They can provide valuable advice and support, and you may be able to collaborate on projects together.
Market your services:
Make sure that people know about your services and find you. Have a catchy slogan and use social media to get the word out.
Start a blog or website:
A blog or website can be a great way to showcase your skills and communicate with students.
Create a pricing guide:
When setting your prices, be sure to consider the amount of work involved. You don’t want to charge too much or too little.
Wrapping up
Starting your own small business can be a great way to make money and gain experience in the world of entrepreneurship. These are 11 easy and affordable small business ideas for teens that you can start today.
Be sure to choose a business that you’re interested in and passionate about, so you’ll have the motivation to succeed.
Use the tips we’ve provided to help you get started, and don’t forget to ask for help from family and friends when you need it. Are there any other businesses that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.