Business Ideas for Teens: 25 Ways to Make Money (2026)

The future of work feels uncertain. While a fast-changing world provides opportunity, school can prepare young people for only so much. So, many members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha are looking for business ideas for teens. Many teens are adding valuable real-world skills through their interests and hobbies. Some are even making money doing it.

And Gen Z’s entrepreneurial drive is clear. Nearly a quarter (24%) of young adults aged 18 to 24 are already entrepreneurs, and another 21% plan to start a business in the next three years. Meanwhile, 71% of teens say they’d consider starting a business as an adult, showing entrepreneurial ambition remains strong among young people.

Between soccer practice and driving lessons, many teens also run successful businesses. They’re saving up for sneakers, college tuition, or using their superpowers to make an impact on the world. Whatever the motivation, these young people are also building foundations for their futures.

This article guides young people, parents, and teachers through the benefits of youth entrepreneurship, ways to get started, and a range of ideal business ideas for teens.

Why start a youth-run business?

Whatever your current plans for after you graduate—college, gap year, jumping straight into a job—remember that you’re young and can always change course. You have the most valuable resource at this stage of your life: time. It’s important to try on a few futures to see which fits best.

Starting a small business while you’re still in school lets you shorten the distance between theory (school books) and practice (hands-on skill building). It may also guide post-graduation decisions—maybe your business will be worth pursuing full time, or you might discover that entrepreneurship really isn’t for you after all.

A small business under your belt showcases leadership skills and initiative in a way a report card can’t.

If you’re applying to college, your desired school may consider extra-curricular activities in addition to your grades. A small business under your belt showcases leadership skills and initiative, and colleges are looking for well-rounded applicants with success potential.

Lastly, starting a business helps build your professional network. Even if you decide not to pursue entrepreneurship after you graduate, the people you meet along the way could be useful contacts for professional references or job offers.

To recap, the benefits of starting a business before you graduate are:

• A well-rounded college application
• Extra money for spending or saving
• Valuable business and life skills
• Professional network-building

“Never give up, try your hardest, and believe in yourself, because if you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will,” advises Carson Kropfl, teen founder of Locker Board.

What makes a good business idea for teens?

Starting a business as a young person is a great way to find out what excites you and ignites your passion. Picking the perfect business idea is less important than simply getting started. Every attempted business, successful or not, is a step toward learning something new. 

Here are some criteria that may make a business idea more worthwhile, educational, or valuable for teens.

Low startup costs

Starting a business shouldn’t break the bank. Consider ideas that capitalize on skills you already have. For example, if you’re great at drawing, why not start a custom artwork business using your current art supplies? This way, you don’t have to invest in resources or equipment.

Learn more: 22 Profitable Ecommerce Business Ideas: How To Start in 2025

Flexibility around school schedules

Teens tend to have full schedules, with school, hobbies, and sports commitments. So a business that’s flexible, something you can mold around your calendar, is key. Think of a business you can run in your free time, like making and selling bracelets online over the weekend.

Educational value

Every business teaches you something. Running a business can turbocharge your skills—from becoming better at making decisions to learning how to handle money. If you start a tutoring business, for example, you deepen your knowledge in subjects you teach and enhance your ability to explain complex things in simple terms.

Freedom to explore

The best part about starting a business when you’re young? You can try things and see what you enjoy. Let’s say you start a business making digital music. Even if you discover later that this isn’t for you, the experience can guide your next venture or hobby. The idea is to try different things and find what truly sparks your passion.

25 small business ideas for teens

• Online business ideas for teens
• Service-based business ideas
• Product-based business ideas
• Seasonal and event-based ideas
• Flexible business ideas for high school students
• Sustainable business ideas for teens

Ready to earn extra money, build real-world skills, and turn your passions into something bigger? 

From creative teen side hustles to online ventures you can start right from your phone or laptop, here are 25 small business ideas for teens using the internet.

Online business ideas for teens

• Design and sell print-on-demand products
• Become an online creator (and sell merch)
• Start a dropshipping store
• Sell digital downloads and templates
• Create and monetize a blog or newsletter
• Record review and unboxings for YouTube
• Design websites and online stores

1. Design and sell print-on-demand products

If you love to draw or create digital designs, selling your art online as reproductions is a great way to make money from home while you’re still in school.

Tech- and business-savvy teens can run a simple side hustle with a Shopify store and a print-on-demand app, which helps you customize white label products with your own designs. Print your art onto a number of products, including beanies, t-shirts, art prints, and water bottles.

Income potential:

Many teens could earn $100 to $500 per month selling simple designs while balancing school. One Reddit user claimed having 8,000 designs across print platforms, yielding $2,000 to $3,000 per month in royalties (and even $10,000 or more during peak seasons).

Those who build strong niches and promote consistently on social media can scale to $1,000 to $5,000 or more per month. Your profit depends on factors like design quality, marketing, and pricing margins.

Tools and apps that make this doable:

Here are some of the most popular POD apps that integrate seamlessly with Shopify. You (or a teen) can try a few to see which fits best:

• Printful: One of the leading POD services, known for good quality and global fulfillment.
• Printify: Offers a large network of print providers, giving you flexibility in pricing and location.
• Prodigi: Good option that promises “no setup costs, unlimited inventory, and automated order processing.”

Not an artist? Print anything from slogans to memes on products to sell. 

💬 Wise words: “Come up with something that no one else has thought of before. Come up with something that is new so that you can surround the market on your own. You could make a ton of money selling something that’s kind of new and trendy,” Charlie Kobdish, young founder of Charlie’s Treats.

2. Become an online creator (and sell merch)

If you’re a natural charmer and salesperson who uses those assets for everything from getting book report extensions to winning class elections, why not monetize your skills? 

Build an online community through blogging, livestreaming, or posting content on social media platforms like YouTube, Twitch, Instagram, or TikTok. 

You could try beauty tutorials, gaming tips, or DIY videos, and may eventually be able to monetize your account. Online creators (or social media influencers) can earn extra cash by selling promoted posts to brands you love. Once you’ve built a loyal audience, turn your personal brand into a business and sell merch.

How much creators earn:
Income varies widely depending on audience size, engagement, and niche. But here’s what’s typical across popular platforms:

• Instagram:
  
  
• Nano-influencers (Less than 10,000 followers) earn about $10 to $100 per post.
• Micro-influencers (10,000 to 100,000 followers) make around $100 to $500 per post, sometimes up to $5,000 or more for larger accounts.
  
  
• TikTok:
• Nano-influencers (1,000 to 10,000): $50 to $150 per video.
• Micro-influencers (10,000 to 100,000): $150 to $500 per video.
• Mid-tier (100,000 to 1 million): $500–$1,000 or more per video.
• TikTok also offers ad revenue sharing through its Creator Rewards Program.
  
  
  
• YouTube:
• Creators who join the YouTube Partner Program can earn money through ads once they reach 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours within 12 months (or 10 million Shorts views in 90 days).
• According to YouTube Help, ad revenue is measured by RPM (revenue per 1,000 views)—the amount a creator earns after YouTube takes its share. Real-world averages vary by niche, but most creators make around $3 to $5 per 1,000 video views from ads, while some in high-value niches earn more. 

Most creators start small and earn a few hundred dollars a month. They then grow slowly over time as they refine their niche and content quality.

3. Start a dropshipping store

Want to run an online business without packing boxes? Dropshipping lets you sell products through a Shopify store while suppliers handle inventory and shipping. You focus on branding and marketing, and earn the difference between what you charge and what the supplier charges.

Income potential:
Many beginners make $1,000 per month, while successful sellers can grow to $1,000 to $10,000 or more monthly with the right niche and marketing. Typical profit margins range from 10% to 30%, depending on the products. 

4. Sell digital downloads and templates

If you’re creative and tech-savvy, selling digital products is one of the best ways to earn passive income. Create a file like:

• Study planners
• Budget trackers
• Résumé templates
• Lightroom presets
• Digital art

Then sell it online again and again without restocking or shipping.

Income potential:

If your digital product sells at $10, as a first-time creator you could expect to earn $100 to $500 per month. Top sellers on platforms like Etsy make $5,000 to $10,000 or more monthly from trending digital downloads. Profit margins are high (often 80% to 90%) because there are no physical production costs. 

Tools to try:

• Shopify Digital Downloads app: Instantly delivers digital files to customers after purchase.
• Canva: Design templates and planners easily, even with no design background.
• Creative Market or Etsy: Great for promoting your digital products to wider audiences.

Once your product is live, use social media to share design previews or “behind-the-scenes” videos showing how your downloads help people. Great content like this drives sales.

5. Create and monetize a blog or newsletter

If you love writing, storytelling, or sharing opinions, blogging or running a newsletter can be a fun way to build an audience and earn from it over time. Write about anything you’re passionate about. 

Some ideas could be: 

• Fashion
• Beauty and skin care
• Gaming
• Study tips
• Mental health
• Sports
• Travel

Income potential:

Once you grow your readership, monetize through affiliate marketing links, sponsored posts, or ads. 

Around 31% of bloggers earn a steady side income of about $500 per month, while 6% to 10% make more than $10,000 monthly from their content. Plus, 18% of creators now earn more than $100,000 per year, showing how profitable an audience-driven business can become once it scales.

Tools to try:

• Shopify + Blog feature: Great for pairing blog content with an online store.
• Substack: Lets you start a free newsletter and offer paid subscriptions later.
• Beehiiv: A newsletter platform with built-in monetization tools for creators.
• Canva: For designing branded blog graphics and social posts.

Tip: Start small. Post once a week, share your content on social media, and focus on helping your readers. As your audience grows, so will your earning potential.

6. Record reviews and unboxings for YouTube

If you thrive in the spotlight, you may want to pursue a business that puts you there. Performative teens with a strong interest in a certain hobby (think gaming, photography, or hair styling) can build a following by uploading video reviews, demos, or unboxings to YouTube—and eventually monetize the channel. 

Other business ideas for teen extroverts include hosting a podcast, becoming a videographer, or starting a photography business.

Monetization thresholds: 

To join the YouTube Partner Program, you’ll need at least 500 subscribers and 3,000 watch hours in the past 12 months, or three million Shorts views in 90 days. 

Once you hit those milestones, you can start earning from ads. 

Creators typically make around 1.8¢ for each view, which equals $18 for every 1,000 views, with higher rates for tech, beauty, or finance content. 

Tip: Start by reviewing things you already own. These items could be gadgets, games, or products you love. Viewers appreciate honesty and personality more than expensive gear.

7. Design websites and online stores

If you excel at digital art or coding, you can start a graphic design business or a web design service from your bedroom. Tech-savvy teens can offer services to help design websites from scratch, create logos and fliers, or bring local businesses online by building ecommerce stores.

Teens who enjoy playing video games may consider designing an app or online game as a small business idea. Tech support, data entry, technology tutoring, and transcribing services are other business ideas for teens who like working with computers.

Income potential: 

Teens can charge anywhere from $20 to $100 per hour depending on experience and the complexity of the websites, ecommerce stores, or full branding packages they create. 

Service-based business ideas

• Offer babysitting services
• Tutor or give lessons to younger kids
• Start a neighborhood services business
• Start a pet care business
• Social media management for local businesses
• Photography and videography services

8. Offer babysitting services

The lemonade stand of teen businesses! Babysitting is a perfect first venture for young teens looking to build interpersonal skills or put first aid knowledge to the test. Up your babysitting game by creating a professional website with your credentials, rates, and availability. 

A scheduling app and intake form on your website can help you more easily manage bookings and family needs. Promote your babysitting business by encouraging your best clients to provide a testimonial on your site.

Income potential:

According to one survey, the average US babysitting rate is $21.07 per hour for one child. While UrbanSitter’s data reports a similar national average of $24.99 per hour, with rates ranging from around $19 per hour in Phoenix to $25 per hour or more in major metro areas like San Francisco or New York.

9. Tutor or give lessons to younger kids

Gifted at math or music? How about teaching some of those skills to others? If you’re patient and focused on the details, you’re a natural-born teacher. 

You can opt to teach one-on-one in-person lessons, or you can sell DIY kits, templates, or virtual classes through an online store. You can even use your online store to sell appointments for in-person services. 

Grow your tutoring business through customer referrals and word of mouth, and ask your students and their parents to leave you an online review.

Income potential: 

• For general academic subjects (elementary, middle school level), tutors often charge $25 to $80 per hour depending on experience, mode (online versus in-person), and location.
• For math, especially at higher levels (algebra, calculus), many tutors charge $25 to $80 or more per hour. Some premium tutors go up to $125 per hour for advanced college-level or specialized topics.
• For test prep or specialized subjects (SAT, AP, advanced sciences), rates often start higher at $70 to $150 or more per hour, depending on demand, qualification, and prep intensity.

10. Start a neighborhood services business

Love talking to and meeting people? Start a service business. It’s a great business idea for teens because it doesn’t have to conflict with busy school schedules. Make your own hours and take on only as much work as you can handle.

Typical neighborhood services include car washing, mowing and lawn care, house painting, and snow removal. If you have flexibility and access to a car, start a helping service like personal shopping or grocery delivery, or maybe try mobile bike repair or cleaning. For creative teens, how about a décor consulting business? 

Service businesses are low-risk and quick-start because you don’t need to buy or make inventory upfront. Create fliers with a QR code that links to your website, and drop them in mailboxes or post them on community bulletin boards.

11. Start a pet care business 

As a teen, you’re old enough to start a business taking care of pets. You can choose to start a pet-sitting business to watch or visit pets at your clients’ homes or offer dog-walking services. 

As with babysitting and neighborhood services, this business idea can prosper through word of mouth. Consider building an ecommerce store to sell not only services but complementary pet products like treats, collars, or dog sweaters. Target the pet owners in your neighborhood by handing out your business card (made with Shopify’s business card maker) at a local dog park.

Income potential: 

• Dog walking:
• 30-minute walk: $20 to $30 on average.
• Hour walk: $30 to $60 depending on location and number of dogs.
• Some sources report $20 to $40 per hour for general walking services.
  
  
• Pet sitting/drop-in visits:
• 30-minute visit: $20 to $35 (includes feeding, watering, bathroom break).
• Hourly pet sitting: $16 to $24 or more per hour depending on city and responsibility.
  
  
• Overnight or extended stays:
• Overnight: $45 to $150 or more for 24-hour care.
• Multi-day/weekly stays: $250 to $375 or more per week.

Note: These rates depend heavily on where you live, number/type of pets, travel distance, and extra tasks (administering meds, grooming, etc.).

12. Social media management for local businesses

If you’re social media savvy, help small businesses grow their online presence. Many local cafés, boutiques, and gyms need help posting regularly, replying to comments, and creating short videos or stories, but don’t have time to do it themselves.

Income potential:
Freelance social media managers typically earn $14 to $35 per hour depending on experience, location, and services offered. For part-time management you might charge $200 to $500 per month per client for part-time management.

Tools to try:

• Canva: Create branded posts and Reels templates.
• Later or Buffer: Schedule posts in advance.
• Shopify Collabs: Partner with small brands to manage influencer campaigns.

Pitch your services to local businesses by offering a free social media audit or content plan. Once you’ve proven results, word of mouth and referrals can turn it into a steady side business.

13. Photography and videography services

If you have an eye for detail and enjoy capturing moments, start a photography business. Teens can offer portrait sessions, event photography, or short promo videos for local businesses, community organizations, classmates, or family events.

To get more experience and build a portfolio, offer your freelance services to more established photographers as a “second shooter” for big and busy events.

Income potential:
Beginner photographers typically earn $25 to $45 per hour, while more experienced teen photographers charge $100 to $250 or more per session depending on location and project type.

Tools to try:

• Canva or CapCut: For easy editing and branded overlays.
• Pixieset or SmugMug: Share client galleries and manage bookings.
• Shopify: Build a site to showcase your portfolio and sell prints or photo packages.

Tip: Start by photographing friends or local events, then share your work on Instagram or TikTok to attract new clients.

Product-based business ideas

• Sell handmade goods
• Host a pop-up market for youth
• Resell thrifted or vintage items
• Create custom phone cases and tech accessories

14. Sell handmade goods

Your creative side opens plenty of possibilities to run a handmade goods or craft business. Can you sew clothes from your own patterns, design jewelry, bake truffles, or make dog treats? These are just a few business ideas for teens who love hands-on activities. 

Other ideas for handmade goods to make and sell include:

• Beaded or textile jewelry
• Handmade soaps or bath bombs
• Pet supplies like treats or leashes
• Greeting cards

Where to sell (and what to expect):

• Shopify: Build your own online store and keep full control of your brand. Shopify transaction fees start around 2.9% plus 30¢ per online sale, depending on your plan.
• Etsy: Popular for handmade items, especially for beginners. Etsy charges a 20¢ listing fee per item and takes 6.5% of each sale (plus payment processing fees).
• Amazon Handmade: No listing fees but a 15% referral fee per sale; better suited for sellers producing at a larger scale.
• Local craft fairs or boutiques: Expect to pay a small vendor fee ($25 to $100 per event) or commission (10% to 40%) to consignment retailers.

Use social media platforms to share your creations, post DIY reels, and build an audience. Be sure to pick something you’re passionate about—passion is what drives you.

💬 Wise words: “Go for your wildest dream. Do whatever you want to, even if it’s the craziest thing. Just listen to what your heart says, and make sure you’re having fun.” —Kamaria Warren, young founder of Brown Girls Stationery

15. Host a pop-up market for youth

Creating a handmade product is one of the best business ideas for teens. To take it a step further, why not curate a show with other young makers either at a high school or local community center. Find craft fair vendors in your school’s art program, and promote your show through social media marketing and asking other makers to amplify.

Other types of curated markets could include resale items and collectibles like vinyl records or comic books, or a charity bake sale.

This is an ideal small business idea for teens to earn extra spending money without the long-term commitment. Run a local craft fair as a pop-up shop one-time event, or as a recurring seasonal business.

16. Resell thrifted or vintage items

If you have an eye for style or love hunting for hidden gems, try turning your thrifting hobby into a business. Teens can source vintage clothing, sneakers, collectibles, or accessories from secondhand shops and resell them online for a profit.

Income potential:
Profit margins for resellers typically range from 30% to 60%, depending on the item and niche. The sky is the limit for experienced sellers by reselling high-demand pieces or curating niche collections. 

Where to sell:

• Depop: Teen-friendly fashion marketplace; sellers pay a payment processing fee of 3.3% plus 45¢.
• Poshmark: 20% commission on sales of $15 or more, or a $2.95 flat fee for sales of less than $15.
• eBay: Huge reach; around 13% fee per sale 30¢ (varies by category).
• Vinted: No seller fees; buyers pay a small protection fee.
• Shopify: Build your own branded thrift store; fees start at 2.9% plus 30¢ per sale.

Tip: Style and photograph your items clearly, note sizes and conditions, and use trending hashtags to reach more buyers.

17. Create custom phone cases and tech accessories

If you love design and trends, creating custom phone cases, laptop sleeves, or AirPod covers is a fun way to turn creativity into income. With print-on-demand apps, you can upload your designs and sell personalized tech gear without managing inventory.

Income potential:

A good profit margin for print-on-demand products generally falls between 20% and 40%. For example, if a custom phone case costs $10 to produce, you might price it at $15 to $20 to earn a $5 to $10 profit per sale. 

Creators who promote their products regularly on social media or run seasonal sales often make a few hundred dollars per month, while those with trending designs or repeat customers can scale much higher over time.

Tools to try:

• Printful or Printify: Add your designs to phone cases, laptop sleeves, and more; both integrate directly with Shopify.
• Canva or Procreate: Design artwork or text-based templates.
• Shopify: Launch your online store and handle fulfillment automatically through your print partner.

Experiment with bold patterns, trending colors, or personalized name cases to stand out. Showcase designs through short TikToks or Reels to reach new customers fast.

Seasonal and event-based ideas

• Run a summer camp for younger kids
• Holiday gift wrapping services
• Sell custom items at school or community events

18. Run a summer camp for younger kids

If you love working with kids and being outside, help neighborhood parents with child care services on your summer break. When you’re not in school full time, you can invest more time in your small business. Run week-long camps around themes like drama, wilderness skills, STEM, or crafting. 

Starting as a babysitter during the school year is a great way to build your client list and credentials.

19. Holiday gift wrapping services

If you’re creative and detail-oriented, holiday gift wrapping can turn your eye for presentation into extra income. Around the holidays, many people are short on time but want beautifully wrapped gifts—making this a perfect seasonal side business for teens. As a related offering, consider a gift basket business.

Income potential:
Gift wrappers typically charge $18 per hour. If you offer premium services, like hand-tied bows, ribbons, or personalized tags you could increase your rates.

Tools and tips:

• Use a Shopify store or booking app to let customers schedule drop-offs and select wrapping styles.
• Offer themed options (eco-friendly paper, metallic wraps, minimalist ribbons).
• Market locally with flyers, community boards, and short social media videos showing before-and-after results work best.

This business runs on trust and presentation. So wrap beautifully, deliver on time, and clients will come back year after year.

20. Sell custom items at school or community events

School fairs, fundraisers, and local markets are perfect places for teens to sell custom-made products like stickers, t-shirts, tote bags, or friendship bracelets. These events offer instant feedback and the chance to make sales in person.

Income potential:
Earnings vary by product and event size, but teens could set a goal of making $100 to $500 per event. Popular items like t-shirts and accessories bring in the highest margins. 

Tools and tips:

• Use Shopify Mobile POS to accept in-person payments and track inventory on the go.
• Design custom goods with Canva or Printful for easy branding.
• Keep prices simple and round to whole dollars for quick transactions.
• Display a QR code linking to your online store so event customers can reorder later.

Start small, sell products you’d personally buy, and focus on presentation—eye-catching displays make your booth stand out.

Flexible business ideas for high school students

• Rent out school material
• Offer on-demand design or editing services
• Curate and resell niche hobby packs
• Sell digital notes or study guides

21. Rent out school material

If you’ve got textbooks, calculators, or art supplies gathering dust, consider turning them into a rental business for classmates or younger students. Renting out school materials helps others save money while giving you a steady stream of passive income.

Income potential:
Rental earnings depend on item type and condition. You could try renting textbooks for 30% to 60% of their retail price per term.

Tools and tips:

• Use a Shopify store or booking app to manage inventory, deposits, and due dates.
• Offer semester or weekly pricing to make it flexible for students.
• Clearly note replacement costs and rental terms on your site to protect your gear.
• Promote through school bulletin boards, group chats, and social media.

It’s an eco-friendly and profitable way to reuse what you already own, while helping your peers stay prepared for class.

22. Offer on-demand design or editing services

If you’re skilled at graphic design, video editing, or photo retouching, you can turn those talents into a service-based business. Teens can start small by offering to design logos, flyers, social media graphics, or short video edits for local businesses, creators, or student groups.

Income potential:
Freelancers typically earn $15 to $35 per hour for entry-level design or editing work, depending on experience and project scope. More advanced or fast-turnaround jobs can reach $50 to $100 or more per project.

Tools and tips:

• Canva orAdobe Express: For quick, professional graphics.
• CapCut or DaVinci Resolve: For free, high-quality video editing.
• Shopify: Showcase your portfolio and offer fixed-price packages for faster sales.

Tip: Offer competitive rates, fast turnaround, and a friendly service style. Happy clients will return for more projects and spread the word.

23. Curate and resell niche hobby packs

If you love discovering new hobbies, try curating themed starter kits. For example, you could create: 

• Journaling bundles
• Art supply packs
• Skin care sets
• Stationery kits

Then, sell them online or at local markets. By sourcing affordable items in bulk, you can repackage them into unique, ready-to-enjoy experiences.

Income potential:
You could sell your curated hobby boxes for anywhere from $25 to over $100, depending on the theme, quality, and number of items included. Most boxes combine affordable bulk items with creative packaging and personalization. Earnings grow as you refine your niche and attract repeat customers who love discovering new hobbies or collectibles.

Tools and tips:

• Shopify: Create product listings, manage inventory, and offer subscription options.
• Canva: Design branded inserts, stickers, or thank you cards.
• Source small items from local suppliers or wholesalers (e.g., Alibaba, Faire) to maximize your margins.
• Use TikTok or Instagram Reels to show the unboxing experience—these videos can go viral fast.

Pro tip: Start with a theme you’re genuinely passionate about. Your enthusiasm and attention to detail will make each pack stand out.

24. Sell digital notes or study guides

If you’re a strong student and love organizing information, turn your schoolwork into a small business. Many teens sell digital notes, flashcards, or study guides that help classmates understand tough subjects or prepare for exams.

Income potential:
Digital study resources typically sell for $5 to $25 per download, with top creators earning $200 to $1,000 or more per month through consistent uploads or niche subjects like AP classes or SAT prep. 

Tools and tips:

• Shopify Digital Downloads: Deliver files instantly to customers.
• Canva or Notion: Format guides beautifully and make them easy to follow.

Pro tip: Focus on clear visuals, concise explanations, and subjects you know best. Share study tips or short “how I take notes” videos on TikTok to attract buyers organically.

Sustainable business ideas for teens

25. Offer bike or e-scooter tune-up services

If you’re mechanically minded, offering bike and e-scooter tune-ups is a great way to earn extra income, especially in neighborhoods or cities where people rely on eco-friendly transport. 

Services can include: 

• Tire inflation
• Brake adjustments
• Cleaning
• Battery checks
• Get ready for spring package
• Bike assembly for busy parents

Income potential:
Realistically for bike tune-ups, you could charge $50 to $150, depending on whether it’s a basic or full service.

For e-scooter servicing, common repairs like tire or brake fixes range from $40 to $100 or more, depending on the model and complexity. 

Tools and tips:

• Start with affordable repair kits from local hardware stores or bike suppliers.
• Use your Shopify store to list services, take bookings, and sell accessories like lights, helmets, or locks.
• Promote your business through community boards, cycling groups, or local delivery drivers who need quick maintenance help.
• Consider assembly, short-term storage, and delivery packages for birthdays and holidays.

Pro tip: Offer friendly service and fast turnaround times. Word of mouth spreads quickly among riders who rely on their wheels every day.

Do’s and don’ts: business tips for teens

If you’re the type to excel at school work while still balancing an active social life and extra-curriculars, you might also have what it takes to start a small business. But there are a few best practices to ensure you don’t burn out and you’re getting the most out of your experience as a young entrepreneur:

✅ DO set boundaries. Excitement for a new project might cut into your school work if you’re not managing your time properly. Try setting a weekly schedule and establishing priorities from the get-go.

✅ DO hold yourself accountable. If you’ve made commitments to clients or customers, it’s important to keep them. “It’s easy to just slip up and be like, ‘Oh, shoot, I totally forgot I had that goal. Ah, whatever. I’ll see about it next week,’” says 19-year-old Simone Hufana, founder of Color HerStory.

🛑 DON’T doubt yourself. You’re great at what you do—that’s fixing bikes, mastering video games, or designing your own websites. If you’re an introvert, taking the leap from hobby to business will involve stepping a little outside your bubble, but there are plenty of business ideas to suit every personality.

✅ DO take risks. Within reason, of course! “I definitely think you have to have a strong mindset,” says 19-year-old Mateo Galvez, founder of LOTTA WORLDWIDE. “You can’t be afraid.”

🛑 DON’T overcommit. Choose a business idea that works within your current availability. If you’re already strapped for time, pick a business that’s fairly hands off, like a print-on-demand or dropshipping store.

✅ DO have fun. A small business is a valuable learning opportunity, but it should also be something you enjoy. Whether you’re running a pet cleanup service or selling music lessons, choose a business idea that brings you joy—not stress.

How to start a business if you’re under 18

If you’re in high school, you may have enough autonomy to successfully run your own business almost entirely on your own. There are, however, a few legal and financial considerations.*

If you’re under 18, you likely need parental sign off to get started. Depending on national and regional law, in most places minors cannot legally start a business on their own, nor can they sign legally binding contracts.* 

Parental help will also likely be required to open a business bank account. Again, this depends on the laws where you live. Many services like Shopify and PayPal require you to be at least 18 to sign up. As such, parents are legally liable for the actions of teens through these various accounts.* 

Teens and parents should discuss how much involvement each will have, how roles will be divided, and what safeguards are in place to protect both parties. Note: This information is not a substitute for legal and financial advice, and parents are encouraged to contact their lawyer and accountant.

🤔 Questions for young entrepreneurs and their parents to ask before starting a small business:

• How much time will you have to dedicate to the business each week?
• How much autonomy will the teen have?
• Who will manage the finances?
• What are the ground rules and consequences for breaking them?
• What’s the exit strategy?

💡 Are you a college student? Older teens can benefit from starting a summer business to earn money for tuition and grow a network.

Find ideas to set you up for future success: 25 Business Ideas for College Students

*You must be 18 years of age or older to sign up for Shopify.