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Last updated on August 24th, 2024 at 04:16 pm
Starting a small business can be an incredible opportunity for your teen to learn valuable life skills, gain confidence, and, of course, earn some extra money.
As a parent, you want to encourage their entrepreneurial spirit while ensuring they choose something manageable and appropriate for their age. In this article, we’ll explore several small business ideas for teens, along with tips to help them get started–and succeed.
Business Ideas for Teens
Landscaping, Yard Work, and Snow Removal
If your teen enjoys being outdoors and doesn’t mind physical labor, starting a landscaping or yard work business could be a great fit.
They can begin by offering simple services like mowing lawns, raking leaves, or shoveling snow for neighbors. These tasks are always in demand, especially by those who may not have the time or ability to maintain their yards.
As they gain experience, they might even branch out into more specialized services like planting flowers, trimming hedges, or seasonal yard maintenance.
As their business grows and becomes more successful, they might eventually have the opportunity to invest in a compact tractor or use one that belongs to the family. By adding compact tractor attachments—such as a snowblower or plow—they can take on larger, more demanding jobs, especially during the winter months.
This type of business is a fantastic way for your teen to stay active, learn responsibility, and connect with their community.
Car Washing and Detailing
A mobile car washing and detailing service is another excellent business idea for teens, particularly if they’re detail-oriented.
Your teen can offer basic car washes, but they can also upsell with additional services like waxing, interior cleaning, and tire and wheel cleaning. With a bit of creativity, they can turn a standard car wash into a premium experience. They can even offer a loyalty programs to repeat customers.
This business is especially appealing because it doesn’t require a large upfront investment—just some cleaning supplies and a reliable way to get around.
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
For teens who love animals, pet sitting and dog walking can be both fun and profitable. Most pet owners need help with their furry friends from time to time, whether it’s daily dog walks while they’re at work or pet sitting while they’re out of town.
Your teen can offer to take dogs for walks, feed and play with pets, and even provide grooming services if they’re comfortable with it.
This business allows them to spend time with animals while learning about responsibility, time management, and customer service. It’s also a flexible option that can fit around their school schedule.
Running Errands and Shopping Service
If your teen is reliable and enjoys helping others, running errands and offering a shopping service can be a great teen business.
They can assist busy families, elderly neighbors, or anyone who needs a little extra help with tasks like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or running other errands.
This service is particularly valuable for those who might have difficulty getting out and about. By offering these services, your teen can make a meaningful difference in the community.
Babysitting Services
Babysitting is a classic teen job, but it’s also an opportunity to develop a small business.
If your teen enjoys working with children and has the necessary maturity, they can offer babysitting services to families in your neighborhood.
Encourage them to take a CPR and first aid certification course to boost their credibility and give parents peace of mind.
With a little networking and some word-of-mouth referrals, your teen can build a steady list of regular clients. Babysitting teaches responsibility, patience, and interpersonal skills—traits that will serve them well in any future career.
Tutoring Services
If your teen excels in a particular subject, they can turn their academic strengths into a tutoring business. Whether it’s math, science, or even reading, tutoring is a highly sought-after service.
They can offer in-person sessions or take advantage of online platforms to reach more students. This business not only helps them reinforce their own knowledge but also develops their teaching and communication skills. Plus, it’s a flexible option that can fit around their school, family, and extracurricular activities.
Handmade Arts and Crafts
For teens with a creative streak, selling handmade arts and crafts can be both fulfilling and profitable. Whether it’s jewelry, candles, artwork, or other crafts, they can set up an online shop on platforms like Etsy or sell their products at local craft fairs and markets.
This business allows them to explore their artistic talents while learning about marketing, customer service, and the basics of running an online store. It’s also a great way for them to express themselves creatively while making some extra cash.
How to Get Started
Research and Plan
Before your teen jumps head first into their chosen business, it’s important to help them do some research and planning.
Encourage them to think about their interests and skills—what do they enjoy doing, and what are they good at? They should also consider the market and potential customers. Are there people in your neighborhood or community who might need these services?
Once they have a clear idea, they can start planning the details–like what services they’ll offer and how much they’ll charge.
Set Up the Basics
When your teen has a plan, it’s time to set up the basics of their business. This includes coming up with a business name, creating a simple logo, and deciding on pricing.
They might also need some basic supplies or equipment, depending on the business they choose. Encourage them to keep things simple and affordable—there’s no need to invest a lot of money upfront. The goal is to get started and learn as they go.
Market the Business
Marketing is key to any successful business, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.
Encourage your teen to start by spreading the word among family, friends, and neighbors. They can also use social media to promote their services or create simple flyers to distribute locally.
Offering a small discount or a free trial for the first customers can help attract initial clients. The more they promote their business, the more confident they’ll become in talking about what they do.
Final Tips for Success
Running a small business is a learning experience, and your teen is bound to face some challenges along the way.
Encourage them to stay organized, manage their time effectively, and be consistent in their efforts. Remind them that every business takes time to grow, and setbacks are part of the journey. Encourage them to seek out advice from trusted adults or mentors when they need help. Most importantly, remind them to enjoy the process and take pride in their accomplishments.
Conclusion
Starting a small business as a teen is an incredible opportunity for growth. It teaches responsibility, builds confidence, and provides a sense of independence.
By supporting your teen in their entrepreneurial endeavors, you’re helping them develop skills that will benefit them for years to come.
Also read:
Earn Extra Cash with These Easy Side Jobs: 10 Ideas to Try Now
29 Old-Fashioned Skills Kids Need to Know (Free Printable)
Does Your Teen Know How Credit Scores Work? What to Teach Your Teen About Building Credit
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