Summer jobs for teens: girl walking a dog

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25 fun business ideas for kids of all ages

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Introducing kids to entrepreneurship is more than just helping them earn extra cash. It’s about building character, confidence, and essential life skills they’ll carry into adulthood. Whether they’re curious crafters, tech-savvy problem solvers, or natural leaders, there’s an age-appropriate business idea out there to spark their interest. This guide offers business ideas suited to different age groups, interests, and skills to empower young minds to explore the exciting world of entrepreneurship.

Why entrepreneurship is beneficial for kids

Starting a business provides kids with hands-on experience in areas they may not learn in school. Here are some key benefits:

Skill development: Kids gain real-world skills such as communication, budgeting, problem-solving, and teamwork.
Confidence building: Turning an idea into reality boosts self-esteem and teaches resilience.
Critical thinking: Entrepreneurship fosters creativity and decision-making.
Work ethic: Managing a business — big or small — teaches responsibility and discipline.
Community engagement: It’s a chance to connect with neighbors, local organizations, and peers.

With that in mind, here are some creative and practical business ideas centered on different age groups, skills, and interests.

Business ideas for younger kids (Ages 6 to 12)

Younger kids can start earning their own money with these creative business ideas for 6- to 12-year-olds.

1. Lemonade stand and beyond

While lemonade stands are a classic, kids can expand to selling other refreshments, baked goods, or snacks at local events or parks. This teaches them basic sales and money management skills.

2. Pet sitting and walking

Animal-loving kids can start small by watching pets for family friends and neighbors, doing tasks like feeding and walking. Pet sitting is a great way to build responsibility.

3. Craft creator

Encourage young makers to sell products like friendship bracelets, painted rocks, garden decorations, or slime. With online platforms like Etsy (with parental help, of course), these can even reach a broader audience.

4. Plant care helper

Kids can water plants or tend gardens for neighbors who might be on vacation or too busy. Offering a simple service like this helps develop routine and attention to detail.

5. Toy reviewer or tester

Tech-savvy kids can set up YouTube channels, reviewing toys for other kids. Pair this with lessons on safe internet practices to make it both fun and educational.

6. Garage sale junior manager

Kids can sell their old toys, books, or clothes through family garage sales. They’ll learn how to price items and interact with customers.

7. Birthday party assistant

Propose services like helping at kids’ parties — think organizing games or helping set up decorations. Parents will appreciate the extra help, and kids will hone organizational skills.

8. Neighborhood helper

Aside from chores like raking leaves, shoveling snow, or sweeping driveways, kids could offer help with organizing small errands for busy neighbors.

9. Homemade greeting cards

Young creatives can design and sell cards for holidays, birthdays, or special occasions.

10. Recycle for cash

Collecting cans and bottles is an eco-friendly business, teaching sustainability alongside earning.

11. Parent’s helper

If your child isn’t quite old enough to babysit on their own yet, they could become a parent’s helper. Mom and dad are generally still in the house getting work or chores done while the young parent’s helper watches toddlers or preschoolers, playing with them and keeping them entertained and occupied.

12. Car washer

Younger kids can help wash their parents’ cars or neighbor’s cars around the neighborhood.

Business ideas for tweens and teens (Ages 13 to 18)

These business ideas for teens will help them learn even more about earning money and building a business.

1. Babysitting boss

With CPR and first aid training, teens can build a babysitting service in the neighborhood or within their family.

2. Tutoring services

Teens who excel in a subject can tutor younger students, either in person or online. This allows them to refine their teaching and empathy skills.

3. Reselling and thrifting

Teens interested in fashion can thrift unique clothing items and resell them on platforms like Depop or Instagram, learning about trends and online business operations.

4. Freelance tech support

Teens with a knack for technology can set up a business troubleshooting devices or teaching others how to use apps and programs.

5. Photography or videography

Aspiring photographers can provide affordable services at events like birthdays or take creative portraits for social media profiles.

6. Lawn care

Raking lawns, weeding, or planting flowers are useful ways to help the community while gaining a steady stream of income.

7. Event planning for kids

Let kids help plan small events like themed birthday parties, community meetups, or neighborhood events. This builds organizational and interpersonal skills.

8. Social media content creator

Teens who are experienced with TikTok or Instagram can help small businesses create content and grow their online presence, teaching them entrepreneurial marketing strategies.

9. Art commissions and tutorials

Artists can sell drawings, paintings, or offer tutorials online through platforms like YouTube.

10. Seasonal services

During holidays, teens can set up businesses offering gift-wrapping, tree disposal, or holiday decorating for neighbors.

11. Custom craft business

For teens passionate about handiwork, making custom jewelry, t-shirts, or gifts offers a chance to monetize their creativity.

12. Music lessons or party DJ

Musically inclined teens can teach instruments or set up a small DJ service for events, entertaining party crowds while earning.

13. Lifeguarding

A classic teen job, all your child needs to do is earn their lifeguard certification and they can begin working as a lifeguard at town pools, aquatic centers, the beach, and more.

Encouragement for parents and educators

Supporting kids in their entrepreneurial goals can feel daunting, but it’s key to inspiring their growth. Here are some helpful tips:

Start small: Don’t overwhelm a child with a big project; simplicity often works best.
Make it fun: Tie opportunities to the child’s interests, keeping the process engaging.
Provide guidance, not control: Allow kids to make decisions while offering advice when asked.
Teach budgeting: Show kids the basics of managing finances, like reinvesting profits or saving.
Celebrate wins: Recognize every little success, whether it’s their first sale or reaching a goal.

FAQs

Q: What is the best age for kids to start a business?

A: There’s no ideal starting age — it depends on the child’s maturity, interests, and available resources. Starting as young as six with simple ideas like lemonade stands or gardening is common, while tweens and teens can take on more complex ventures.

Q: What if my child’s business fails?

A: Failure is part of the learning process and teaches resilience. Help them assess what went wrong and try again with a new plan or idea.

Q: How much parental involvement is required?

A: Younger children will need more hands-on guidance, particularly if their business involves finances or technology. For teens, provide a safety net but encourage independence.

Q: Are there online tools for kids starting businesses?

A: Yes! Sites like Etsy and Canva can help kids create online stores or market their services.

Empower kids to earn and learn. Manage chores, jobs, and allowances. Teach kids to earn, save, and invest with the Greenlight app. Try Greenlight today.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.