20 Great Business Ideas for Teens
If you’re a high school student looking to start your own business, this blog has some great business ideas you can explore! Before we jump to the actual ideas, let’s talk about what makes a business idea ‘good.’ Understanding this will help you evaluate ideas that you might have.
What is a business idea?
A business idea is the foundation of any entrepreneurial venture. It includes clearly understanding your product or service, the target audience, the value you aim to provide, and how you’ll execute the idea. A strong business idea is innovative and feasible within your available resources and skills.
As a teen, you may have limited access to resources, time, and a smaller budget, and knowing exactly what your business is about and who it’s for is super important! Hence, a business idea!
What actually qualifies as a good business idea?
A business idea needs to fulfill all of the following criteria to be classified as ‘good’:
It either fulfills or creates a genuine, sustainable demand in the market.
It is realistic to implement, both financially and operationally.
It is scalable.
It aligns with your interests and skills, providing the motivation and initial advantage you need to get started.
Why should you start a business in high school?
You should only do it if you want to! And if you want to, here are some benefits:
It can generate a solid income stream: While starting a business isn’t the same as being successful, there’s a distinct possibility that it can provide a steady source of income, helping you become financially independent and learn money management early.
You can test your love for entrepreneurship early on.
Launching and running a business helps boost your resume. It shows initiative, leadership, and creativity, which colleges and employers highly value.
20 unique business ideas for teens
1. Help manage a company’s social media presence
Social media management involves helping small businesses and individuals grow their online presence by creating and managing content. You can start offering your services with smartphones and free tools like Canva. This idea requires minimal investment and caters to the growing need for social media-savvy individuals. However, it requires significant familiarity with online design and editing tools and subject matter expertise of the industry and social media platforms. It’s a fairly competitive field, but there’s no shortage of work, mainly if you target local businesses in and around your community. As you gain experience, you can expand your client base and earn significant income.
2. Become a content writer
If you enjoy writing, content writing can be a great option. You can write articles, blogs, or social media posts for businesses and individuals and charge them on a per-project or per-piece rate. All you need is a computer and basic knowledge of writing tools. This business requires no upfront costs and offers flexible working hours, making it an ideal choice for teens with a knack for storytelling. If you’re looking for resources to help you get started, platforms like Coursera and Udemy are great starting points!
3. Offer tutoring services
If you are good academically, tutoring services will allow you to use this skill to help others (and become a better learner as you tutor others). You can offer in-person or online tutoring sessions in subjects you excel at. With a laptop and reliable internet, you can get started without upfront costs. This business requires little to no investment except your time. It also makes a very high profit for this reason.
You can also specialize in specific subjects or offer general help in organizing study schedules, creating study guides, or preparing for exams. You could even create an app or website where teens can sign up for tutoring sessions and get matched with peers who have similar learning styles or needs
4. Create online courses or publish Ebooks
If you have subject matter expertise in a specific subject, no matter how niche, then this is an avenue to explore. Creating online courses or writing eBooks lets you share your knowledge on particular topics. You can use platforms like Udemy or Amazon to reach a broad audience. Initial costs may range from $50 to $100 for design tools and marketing. This business offers passive income potential and is a great way to establish yourself as an expert in your field.
5. Start a personal blog
Blogging lets you share your passion for a particular topic while earning money through ads and affiliate marketing. To start, you’ll need a domain and hosting, which cost around $50 to $100. Creating valuable and engaging content can build an audience and generate passive income over time.
6. Start a YouTube or TikTok channel
Starting a channel on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, or Twitch is fun and potentially profitable. You’ll need a video streaming setup, editing software, and an internet connection. Depending on your equipment, initial costs range from $100 to $500. There are many options for the type of channel you want to go for. For example, gaming channels can attract a large audience and generate revenue through ads, sponsorships, and subscriptions. Similarly, there’s plenty of scope for streaming music or fitness workouts!
7. Develop mobile apps
Developing mobile apps can be a lucrative option if you have coding skills. You can create and sell apps for specific needs or hobbies in app stores. While this business requires technical expertise, the initial investment is minimal if you’re self-taught. The tech industry’s growth offers immense earning potential.
Another interesting venture you can explore is creating Lenses or filters for social media apps like Snapchat and Instagram.
8. Become a virtual assistant
As a virtual assistant, you can help businesses with email management, scheduling, and data entry tasks. All you need is a computer and strong organizational skills. This business requires no upfront costs and provides flexible work hours, making it a great option for teens balancing school and work. Before considering this option, check the legal/age requirements for the country/state you are offering your services!
9. Offer a car-washing service in your neighbourhood
A car washing service is a straightforward business that requires little setup. You’ll need basic cleaning supplies like soap, sponges, and a water source. Initial investment is minimal, around $50 to $100. This business is lucrative because it offers repeat customers and a consistent income stream, especially in residential areas. It can be hard work and requires an eye for detail and conscientious effort, but satisfied clients will return to you repeatedly and help you build a consistent income stream.
10. Help out with pet-sitting or dog-walking in your neighborhood
Pet sitting and dog walking are great options if you love animals and are looking for a business idea that allows you to engage with your community. You can offer services like feeding pets, walking dogs, and general care while their owners are busy. You’ll need to create flyers or advertise on social media to promote your services. This business requires minimal investment and will have consistent demand, especially in pet-friendly neighborhoods.
11. Become a fitness/wellness coach for other teens
Fitness coaching is perfect for teens passionate about health and wellness. You can offer virtual or in-person sessions tailored to individual goals. This business requires no upfront investment if you already know fitness routines. This might take longer to set up than the other items on this list, as some regimes may require you to obtain relevant teaching certifications!
12. Become a photographer
If you’re savvy with a digital camera, consider offering photography as a service. You can offer services for events, portraits, or product photography. While professional equipment can be expensive, you can start with a basic camera and editing software, with initial costs ranging from $500 to $1,000. High-quality photos + videos are always in demand, especially for high-footfall events like fairs + events in your community or concerts and sports tournaments at school!
13. Set up a plant care business Plant Care Business
Heads up - this is a niche business idea, but a solid one if you’re committed! Selling potted plants or plant care services is a good business idea for nature enthusiasts. You’ll need plants, pots, soil, and essential gardening tools, with initial costs between $100 and $200. The increasing popularity of indoor plants makes this a lucrative and sustainable business, especially if you have access to a large community needing these services.
14. Become an event planner for local events or your school
If you are good with organizing things and have an eye for detail, an event planning business might be a good option! You can start with minimal investment by using free planning tools leveraging social media for promotion, and offering your services to your school or your community. Personalized and well-organized events, no matter the scale, always have solid earning potential!
15. Start an upcycling business
An upcycling business transforms old or discarded items into trendy products, such as furniture or accessories. The initial investment is $50 to $200, and you’ll need craft supplies and old items to refurbish. This business is attractive because it focuses on sustainability and offers unique, handmade products to customers.
16. Sell handmade jewelry/upcycled jewelry
If you are good with craft projects and have a good eye for fashion, handmade jewelry can be a great way to turn your artistic skills into profit. Starting this business requires an initial investment of $50 to $200 for craft supplies and an online store, or listing yourself on e-commerce platforms such as Etsy. With high profit margins and a focus on unique designs, this business appeals to a wide range of people looking for handmade accessories. Naturally, you must have the talent to design jewelry that people would pay for and a pulse on industry trends to keep your designs current.
17. Set up a snack business
Making and selling homemade snacks like cookies or granola bars is a fun and profitable idea. You’ll need basic kitchen supplies and ingredients, with an initial cost of $50 to $100.
18. Help out with tech repair
If you're tech-savvy, you could offer a mobile tech repair service for phones, tablets, or laptops. You could also offer software troubleshooting services, and help people out using tools like Anydesk (a mirroring tool), that allow you to fix software bugs on another screen from your own desktop or laptop. You can learn the basics of tech repair through online tutorials and offer your services at an affordable rate to friends, family, or local businesses
19. Offer digital art and design services
If you’re someone who likes creating logos, clipart, or digital designs, consider offering custom digital artwork or design services! You can help create logos, social media graphics, illustrations, or even custom portraits for individuals and organizations. With platforms like Etsy or Fiverr, you can reach a wide audience and offer a range of services, from simple graphics to detailed digital artwork.
20. Run a personalized gifting service
Personalized gifting is a trend that isn’t going away anytime soon. As a teen, setting up a personalized gifting service could include creating customized care packages for birthdays, exams, and holidays (ex: snack boxes, self-care kits, or themed gifts), partner with local vendors, or buying in bulk for better margins, and selling through Instagram, Etsy, or local community groups.
Interested in building a business as a high schooler? Consider applying to The Young Founders Lab, an elite incubator for high school students.
The Young Founders Lab is a real-world start-up boot camp founded and run by Harvard entrepreneurs. In this program, you will work towards building a revenue-generating start-up that addresses a real-world problem. You will also have the opportunity to be mentored by established entrepreneurs and professionals from Google, Microsoft, and X.
You can access the application linkhere!