Are you a teenager looking for ways to make your own money, gain experience, and explore your passions?
Starting a small business can be an exciting way to learn valuable skills – like budgeting, marketing, and time management, while earning extra cash.
The best part? You don’t need a degree or a ton of experience to get started.
Below are 11 small business ideas that are perfect for teens, along with some simple tips to help you get rolling.
11 Small Business Ideas For Teens | How To Start A Business As A Teen
1. Tutoring Younger Students
If you excel in a particular subject, such as Math, Science, or English, tutoring is a fantastic way to turn your knowledge into income.
Parents often look for reliable, patient tutors to help their children improve grades or prepare for tests.
How to Get Started
- Identify Your Strengths: Choose the subjects you’re best at.
- Set Your Rate: Consider starting with an affordable rate to attract your first clients.
- Promote Yourself: Create simple flyers or social media posts. Ask teachers or community groups if you can advertise.
- Pick a Location: You can tutor online (using Zoom or Google Meet) or in person at a local library or your student’s home.
Pro Tip : Offer a free introductory session. This helps build trust and lets the student see if you’re a good fit.
2. Lawn Care and Yard Work
Many busy adults or elderly neighbors need help maintaining their yards.
It’s a service you can offer seasonally—mowing lawns in the summer, raking leaves in the fall, and even shoveling snow in winter (if you live in a colder region).
How to Get Started
- Check Your Tools: Do you have a lawnmower, rake, or snow shovel? If not, see if you can borrow or rent them cheaply.
- Offer Basic Packages: A simple lawn-mowing or leaf-raking service is a good start.
- Pricing: Charge per job or per hour. Ask around or check local ads to see average prices in your area.
- Spread the Word: Knock on doors, leave flyers, or post in local Facebook groups.
Pro Tip : Offer special rates for weekly or monthly services to keep customers coming back.
3. Video Editing
Whether it’s YouTube, social media, or marketing clips, quality video content is in high demand.
As a teenager with a knack for visuals and creativity, you can begin by learning editing basics, then move on to freelancing, and eventually build a full-blown editing business.
Learn the Basics
Start with free or affordable programs like iMovie, HitFilm Express, or DaVinci Resolve.
YouTube and online courses are excellent resources for learning editing techniques (transitions, color correction, audio mixing, etc.).
Make short videos on your phone or camera and experiment with different editing styles.
Start as a Freelancer
Compile some sample work or do a few free/low-cost projects for friends or local groups to showcase your editing skills and build your portfolio.
Create a Profile on Freelancing Platforms: Sites like Fiverr and Upwork can help you find your first paid gigs.
Price your services competitively when you’re starting out, then gradually increase your fees as you gain experience and positive reviews.
Convert It into a Business
Establish a Brand: Come up with a business name or keep it personal with your name, but use consistent branding across social media and your portfolio site.
Contact local businesses, YouTube creators, or influencers who might need editing services on a regular basis to expand your network.
Include services like video editing + simple motion graphics, or editing + social media optimization. This can help you stand out and increase your earnings.
Work with a Team: As you get more clients, consider collaborating with other aspiring editors, motion designers, or scriptwriters. This can help you handle bigger projects and build a real production team.
4. Social Media Management
Teens often know social media trends better than most adults.
Local businesses, family friends, or community organizations might need help managing their Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok accounts.
We personally hire college students to schedule our posts of platforms like Pinterest and Facebook.
How to Get Started
- Build Your Own Profile: Show off your social media skills on your personal accounts.
- Find Local Clients: Approach small businesses (like a local bakery or boutique) and offer to create content, schedule posts, or reply to comments.
- Set Clear Goals: Agree on what you’ll do: number of posts per week, type of content, etc.
- Create a Portfolio: Keep screenshots or links to posts you’ve managed, so you can show future clients.
Pro Tip : Learn basic graphic design skills on free platforms like Canva. Good-looking posts will impress clients and help you charge more.
Must check out: 15 Canva Templates that Skyrocketed our Pinterest Growth in 30 Days
5. Handmade Crafts and Art
If you’re artistic—whether it’s painting, making jewelry, or creating digital art—selling your work can be both fun and profitable.
There’s a big market for unique, handmade items on platforms like Etsy and local craft fairs.
How to Get Started
- Decide on Your Product: Focus on one or two items you enjoy making—like bracelets, keychains, or art prints.
- Online Platforms: Create an Etsy shop or use social media (Instagram, TikTok) to show off your creations.
- Pricing: Consider the cost of materials and the time you spend making each item.
- Promote Locally: Participate in school events, local fairs, or art shows.
Pro Tip : Take good pictures of your products. Clear, well-lit photos can make a big difference in online sales.
6. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
Pet owners need trustworthy people to look after their furry friends when they’re busy or away.
If you love animals, this is an awesome way to earn money while spending time with pets.
How to Get Started
- Start With Neighbors: Offer to walk dogs or feed pets for friends and neighbors.
- Advertising: Post flyers in local vets, pet stores, or community boards.
- Be Reliable: Pets depend on you, so consistency is key (especially with feeding times and walk schedules).
- Expand Services: You could also offer basic grooming or pet bathing if you have the know-how.
Here are a few popular apps and services to help you find pet-sitting or dog-walking gigs:
- Rover and Wag!: Leading dog-walking and pet-sitting platforms. Generally require users to be 18+, so teens may need a parent to co-sign.
- Care.com: Covers various services (childcare, housekeeping, pet care). Age restrictions may apply.
- PetSitter.com, PetBacker, Pawshake: Similar directories where you can create a profile and advertise pet care services. Some may require adult oversight if you’re under 18.
If you can’t sign up due to age requirements, try advertising locally through flyers, Facebook groups, or by word of mouth in your neighborhood.
Pro Tip : Provide updates to pet owners (pics and short videos). It reassures them that their pets are happy and well cared for.
7. Customized Clothing or T-Shirt Printing
Personalized apparel is huge, from printed T-shirts to embroidered hats.
If you’re tech-savvy and creative, you can design and sell online without big upfront costs.
How to Get Started
Choose Your Style: Decide if you want to do vinyl printing, screen printing, embroidery, or digital designs.
Online Print-On-Demand: You can partner with sites like Redbubble or Printful. They handle printing and shipping—perfect if you can create designs.
Promote on Social Media: Showcase your unique style to friends, family, and followers.
Consider Bulk Orders: Local sports teams, clubs, or events might need group T-shirts.
If you are interested, check out our detailed guide on: Start and Grow a Print-on-Demand (POD) Business : A Step-by-Step Guide
Pro Tip : Team up with a friend who’s good at art or graphic design if you’re better at marketing or business.
8. Scented Candle Making & Selling
Crafting and selling scented candles can be a fun, hands-on business.
It allows you to experiment with different fragrances, colors, and designs—all while building a brand that reflects your creative style.
Why It’s Great:
Basic candle-making supplies (wax, wicks, fragrance oils, containers) are relatively affordable.
You can experiment with various scent combos, container types, or color themes.
Candles are popular gifts and home décor items, so you’ll find a steady demand if your products stand out.
How to Get Started
Learn the Process: Watch YouTube tutorials or enroll in a short candle-making course (in-person or online).
Gather Supplies: Buy wax (soy or beeswax are popular), wicks, fragrance oils, and jars. Start with small batches to keep costs low.
Safety & Quality: Always follow temperature guidelines when melting wax, and test your scents/wicks to ensure a consistent burn.
Packaging & Branding: Cute labels, stylish jars, or eco-friendly packaging can help your candles stand out.
Where to Sell
- Local Markets: Farmer’s markets, school events, or community fairs are great ways to test your product.
- Online Platforms: Etsy, Instagram, or your own small website can help you reach a wider audience.
- Word of Mouth: Friends, family, and neighbors can be your first customers and brand ambassadors.
Tips for Growth
Offer Seasonal Collections: Think “pumpkin spice” in fall or “floral” in spring. This keeps your offerings fresh and fun.
Build Customer Loyalty: Include a small thank-you card with each purchase, or offer discounts on future orders.
Expand Your Range: Consider adding wax melts or custom gift sets, which appeal to different budgets.
9. Baking and Treats
If you love cooking or baking, why not sell homemade cookies, cupcakes, or other treats?
People often look for unique, homemade goodies for parties, holidays, or special occasions.
How to Get Started
- Check Local Rules: Some places have regulations for selling food. See if a “cottage food law” allows you to sell from home.
- Specialize: Maybe you’re known for your chocolate chip cookies or vegan cupcakes. Build your brand around what you do best.
- Set up Ordering: You can start small—ask for orders via social media or word of mouth.
- Packaging: Presentation is key. Use simple but nice packaging, like ribbon-tied boxes or cute labels.
Pro Tip : Offer taste tests to close friends and family to get honest feedback before you start selling.
10. YouTube Channel or Content Creation
Love being creative and making videos? A YouTube channel can eventually earn money through ads, brand deals, or sponsored content.
Teens can focus on any topic: gaming, DIY, makeup, or even science experiments.
How to Get Started
- Pick a Niche: Talk about what you love—it’ll be easier to stay motivated.
- Gather Equipment: A smartphone and good lighting are enough to begin. Over time, you can invest in a better camera or microphone.
- Consistency: Post regularly and interact with your viewers in the comments.
- Promote: Share your videos on social media to reach new audiences.bin
Pro Tip : Don’t worry about perfection at first. Focus on making content you enjoy, and you’ll keep improving with each video.
If you are interested, check out our detailed guide on: How to make $1000 per month with a Faceless YT Channel
11. Start a Blog
Blogging lets you share your thoughts, experiences, or expertise with the world.
You can eventually make money on your blog through ads, sponsored posts, or affiliate marketing.
How to Get Started
Pick a Niche: Write about a topic you love—fashion, tech, sports, music, or any passion. You can choose a niche from our guide to Best Niches to Start a Profitable Blog.
Choose a Platform: WordPress or Blogger are great for beginners.
Post Regularly: Consistency helps you build a loyal audience. Aim for at least one post a week. Learn SEO and see you blog grow.
Promote: Share your blog posts on social media and with friends and family to grow your readership.
For a detailed guide check out: How to Start a Blog and Make Money From Blogging (2025)
How to Start a Business as a Teen: 5 Quick Tips
- Set Clear Goals: Decide what success looks like—making a certain amount of money each month, gaining experience, or building a portfolio.
- Track Your Finances: Keep a simple record of all your earnings and expenses. This helps you see if you’re making a profit.
- Seek Adult Guidance: Talk to parents, teachers, or mentors for advice, especially about legal or safety issues.
- Manage Your Time: Balance school, homework, and your business. Use a planner or scheduling app to stay on top of tasks.
- Stay Motivated: Building a business can be slow at first. Keep going, learn from mistakes, and celebrate small wins.
Must Read: 112 Powerful Money Quotes That Will Inspire You to Become Rich
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Conclusion
Starting a business or making money online as a teen can be both fun and financially rewarding.
Whether you choose to tutor, pet sit, or create content online, remember that the key is to combine something you enjoy (or are good at) with a need in your community or online.
Keep learning, stay organized, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from trusted adults.
Every successful entrepreneur started somewhere—this could be the beginning of your own exciting journey into the world of business!