30+ Best Small Business Ideas for Teens with No Experience

Establishing a business as a teenager can be a fantastic opportunity to pursue your passions, acquire valuable skills, and make additional money. You don't need a lot of experience to get started—just a good idea, a bit of effort, and some creativity. In this blog, we will explore the best small business ideas for teens with no experience. These ideas are easy to start, require little to no upfront investment, and can be run during your free time.  Let's dive in and find the perfect business idea for you!

Benefits Of Starting A Business Run By Teens

There are many unique benefits to starting a business as a teenager, which can position you for success in the future.

• Time is on Your Side: As a teen, you have a time advantage. You can experiment with different business ideas to see what works best without the pressure of significant life responsibilities. If you switch gears later, you’ll still be young enough to try something new. You can learn and develop at your speed because of this flexibility.
• Extra Cash in Your Pocket: Finding a job that fits around your school and activities can be tough. Running your own business means you can work when it suits you. This way, you can earn money without sacrificing your schoolwork or social life. Plus, who doesn't like spending a little extra money?
• Fewer Living Expenses: Most teens don't have to worry about paying rent, buying groceries, or covering utility bills. This means you can reinvest any profits into your business to help it grow faster. You might not have this luxury when you're older and have more financial responsibilities. By starting now, you can build a solid foundation for future success.
• Valuable Experience: Running a business teaches essential skills like time management, financial planning, and problem-solving. These are skills that will benefit you no matter what career path you choose. Plus, having a business on your resume will impress future employers or colleges.
• Inspiring Success Stories: Did you know teenagers started some of the world’s biggest companies? Facebook, Ikea, Subway, and Yankee Candle began as small ideas from young entrepreneurs. Starting a business as a teen allows you to create something huge potentially.

Read more: 

• 45 Successful Small-Town Business Ideas
• 27 Unique Business Ideas To Make Money
• 100 Best Low-Cost Service Business Ideas
• 34 Unique Mobile Business Ideas
• 44 Profitable Small Business Ideas for Men
• 19 Best Ecommerce Business Ideas

What Makes A Good Business Idea For Teens?

Starting a business as a teen can be a fantastic adventure, full of learning opportunities and the potential to make some extra cash. However, not all business concepts are created equal, particularly when balancing extracurricular activities, school, and a tight budget. So, what constitutes a decent idea for a teen's business?

Home-based or Easily Accessible

One of the primary considerations for a teen business is location. A home-based business is ideal if you’re not old enough to drive or are still working on getting your license. 

Think about businesses that can be run from your living room, your backyard, or even your computer. This way, you won't need to rely on parents or public transportation to work. Being home-based often means lower overhead costs, which is a win-win!

Flexible Hours

As a teen, your primary focus is school, which takes up a significant chunk of your day. Therefore, any business you start needs to fit around your academic schedule. 

Look for opportunities that allow you to work evenings, weekends, or even during school breaks. The flexibility will help you balance your education, social life, and budding business.

Low Financial Investment

Most teens don’t have much cash to throw into a new venture. The best business ideas for teens require minimal startup capital. Aim for businesses where the most significant investments are your time and creativity rather than money. For instance, a business that leverages skills you already have or resources you can easily access without breaking the bank will set you up for success.

Top 30 Small Business Ideas for Teens

Part-time business ideas for teenagers

1. Babysitting Services

Babysitting is a classic business idea for teens. You can provide weekend or after-school child care and services to friends, family, and neighbors. Consider taking local childcare classes and creating a professional website with your credentials, rates, and availability to stand out. Use a scheduling app and intake form to manage bookings and family needs smoothly. To increase your credibility, ask pleased customers to post testimonials on your website.

Age Level: 13+ (check state law)

2. Pet Sitting

Teens who enjoy animals might make a great side income by pet sitting. You can start by building a client base within your social network. In addition to basic pet sitting, you can offer services like dog walking, pet grooming, or cleaning pet cages. This business is perfect for animal lovers, providing a fun way to spend time with pets while earning extra cash. Clients typically provide all the necessary supplies, from leashes to treats.

Age Level: 13+

3. Academic Tutor

If your teen has a knack for teaching, becoming an academic tutor is a great business idea. They can offer one-on-one tutoring sessions in various subjects or skills, such as SAT/ACT prep, languages like Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL), coding, or musical instruments. This business allows teens to set their hourly rates and help others succeed in areas where they excel, whether math, science, writing, or reading.

Age Level: 14+

4. Art Teacher

If your teen has a talent for drawing, painting, or any other art form, starting a business as an art teacher could be a great fit. They can share their knowledge and love of painting by teaching neighbors, younger kids, or their peers. This is a beautiful way to inspire creativity while earning some income.

Age Level: 15+

5. Music Lessons

If your teen is skilled in music, offering music lessons is a fantastic business idea. Whether they play the piano, guitar, violin, or another instrument, they can teach one-on-one lessons in person or sell DIY kits, templates, or virtual classes through an online store. They can also use their online store to book appointments for in-person lessons. Gaining more customers through internet reviews and recommendations will draw in additional pupils.

Age Level: 14+

6. Musician

Forming a band and performing locally for teens passionate about music can be a thrilling business idea. Whether they play instruments or write their songs, this venture allows them to share their talent with the community and have fun with friends. It's a great way to get involved in the local music scene and earn money through gigs and performances.

Age Level: 15+

7. Lawn Care

If your teen already mows the lawn as a chore, they have the basics to start a lawn care business. They can market their services in the neighborhood, especially during the summer when they have plenty of free time. This business is perfect for teens who enjoy being outdoors and want to make extra money. They can also offer additional services like gardening, yard clean-up, or leaf removal.

Age Level: 13+

8. Housecleaning

If your teen is already helping with chores at home, they have the skills needed to start a housecleaning business. Many homeowners would happily hire a teen to help with dusting, mopping, and vacuuming. It’s a straightforward service that can be done on weekends or after school.

Age Level: 13+

Online Business Ideas for Teens

9. Blogger

Your kid can launch a blog if they have a few tech abilities, a penchant for writing, and a strong interest in a subject. While earning money may take some time, they can grow their audience and eventually partner with advertisers and affiliate programs. Blogging is a great way to share interests and make extra money online if they can optimize their content for search engines.

Age Level: 14+

10. Print On Demand Business

If your teen loves to draw or create digital designs, starting a print-on-demand business is a great way to make money from home. They can set up a Shopify store and use a print-on-demand app to customize their designs for products like t-shirts, art prints, beanies, and water bottles. This business doesn’t require upfront inventory, making it an easy and low-risk way to sell custom products. They can sell items with popular slogans or memes even if they're not artists.

Age Level: 15+

11. Record Reviews for YouTube

If your teen loves being in the spotlight and has a passion for a hobby like gaming, photography, or hair styling, starting a YouTube channel could be a great business idea. They can create video reviews, demos, or unboxings, building a following over time. Once they have a good audience, they can monetize the channel through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.

Age Level: 13+

12. Graphic Designer

Starting a graphic design business is a great option for a tech-savvy teen with an artistic flair. They can begin by creating designs for T-shirts, posters, or social media graphics. This can also extend to freelance work, helping local businesses with marketing materials, logos, and branding. It's a flexible business that allows them to showcase their creativity and technical skills.

Age Level: 15+

13. Web Designer

For tech-savvy teens, starting a web design business can be profitable and a great way to practice skills. Many small businesses need professional-looking websites but may not have the budget to hire an experienced designer. Teens can use web suite builders to create appealing websites without extensive coding knowledge. Offering their services at a discounted rate can attract clients and gain valuable experience.

Age Level: 15+

14. Podcaster

Podcasts are a popular and exciting new media form, with shows available on almost any topic imaginable. Teens passionate about a specific subject can start their podcast, sharing their insights and stories. Once they build a decent following, they can monetize their podcast through subscriptions on platforms like Patreon or Substack and by attracting advertisers interested in placing ads on their show.

Age Level: 14+

15. Transcription

Transcription is a flexible business idea where teens can transcribe interviews for local newspapers or businesses. This job allows them to improve their typing skills while providing a valuable service. Transcription can be done anytime, making fitting it around a busy school schedule easy.

Age Level: 14+

16. Social Media Influencer

Many celebrities and personalities profit by promoting products on social media platforms. This is known as being a social media influencer. Teens who are tech-savvy and plugged into online trends can build a solid following and attract brands looking for local influencers. They can create content for other businesses or focus on growing their own media channels, making content creation a profitable business idea.

Age Level: 14+

17. Live-streaming Gamer

Becoming a live-streaming gamer can be a dream for teens who love video games. They can make money by playing and streaming their gaming sessions online. One of the most popular platforms for this is Twitch.TV, where they can build a following and earn income through donations, subscriptions, and sponsorships.

Age Level: 13+

18. Digital Freelance for Small Businesses

Tech-savvy teens can offer freelance services in digital content creation to small businesses. They can locate clients directly or by using marketplaces such as Fiverr. Services include social media post management and Canva visual creation. In addition to making money, this venture assists teenagers in developing a professional resume and obtaining useful employment recommendations.

Age Level: 15+

Read more: 10 Best Digital Products to Sell

19. Selling a Product Online

eCommerce is a great option for teens interested in small online business ideas. They can explore dropshipping, buying and reselling products, or even creating and selling their own items. Running an e-commerce business teaches valuable skills in setting up and managing an online store, which can benefit future endeavors.

The first step in starting an e-commerce business is for teen entrepreneurs to create an eye-catching, user-friendly website. Nowadays, it's not too difficult to create a website, and you can use page builder apps like Shopify Page Builder or hire experts to build websites like The4 services.

Age Level: 13+

Read more:

• How to Find The Best Products to Sell
• 7 Steps to Starting a Profitable Dropshipping Store
• 17 Dropshipping Business Ideas to Launch

Work From Home Business Ideas for Teens

20. Candlemaker

Candles are a popular item because they can change the ambiance of any room. For teens, candle making is a great small business idea because it requires minimal upfront investment and can be done at home with basic supplies. As sales increase, teens can reinvest in equipment to scale up production. Starting a candle business offers valuable real-world entrepreneurship experience, providing a head start in learning the ropes of running a business.

Age Level: 13+

21. Greeting Cards Maker

Creating and selling greeting cards is a fantastic handmade craft business for teens. With a resurgence in handwritten notes, teens can design personalized or visually appealing cards for various occasions. This business allows them to tap into the market for unique, handmade stationery that friends and family will love.

Age Level: 13+

Read more: Father’s Day card ideas

22. Gift Wrapping

Starting a gift-wrapping business is a great seasonal idea, especially around major holidays like Christmas, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. Teens can stand out by offering creative and eye-catching wrapping with unique ribbons, accessories, and custom designs. This business is perfect for attracting repeat customers and gaining referrals, making it both fun and profitable.

Age Level: 13+

Other Unique Business Ideas for Teens

23. Errand-running

Offering an errand-running service is a simple way for teens with a driver's license to start a business. This service can help neighbors or friends with tasks like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or running other errands, especially for those who are home-bound or have limited mobility. It’s a flexible business idea that doesn’t require specialized skills, and teens can set their hours.

Age Level: 16+

24. Host a Pop-up Market for Youth 

Hosting a pop-up market is an excellent business idea for teens. They can curate a show featuring other young makers, showcasing handmade products, resales, collectibles, or even charity bake sales. Teens can organize these markets at their school or local community center, promoting them through social media and encouraging other makers to participate. This business is ideal for earning extra spending without a long-term commitment and can be a one-time event or a recurring seasonal activity.

Age Level: 14+

25. Farmers Market Vendor

Selling at farmers' markets is a fantastic way for teens to start a business close to home. They can sell various handmade goods, including crafts, food, and beauty products. This arrangement is a great way for teenagers to meet people in the neighborhood and sell their goods directly to consumers, even though they might need a parent to book the booth and manage the activities.

Age Level: 14+

26. Housesitting

Housesitting is a perfect business idea for teens, especially during the summer and school breaks when many families travel. Teens can earn extra money by caring for homes, collecting mail, watering plants, and handling other small daily tasks. This business is a great way to fill a community need while gaining independence and extra cash.

Age Level: 15+

27. Photographer 

Starting a photography or videography business is fantastic for teens passionate about capturing moments. With a modest investment in equipment or even a smartphone, teens can explore various niches such as pet photography, event coverage, family portraits, or creating social media content for local businesses. This business allows for creativity and flexibility, making it an exciting option for young entrepreneurs.

Age Level: 15+

Read more: 258 Unique Photography Business Name Ideas

28. Fashion Designer

If you have a sewing machine and a flair for design, starting a fashion business is a great way to showcase your creativity. Teens can create and sell their custom-designed clothing and accessories. While you can also consider having items made by a third party, this might be costlier for those just starting. Whether it's unique clothing pieces or stylish accessories, this business allows for personal expression and entrepreneurial growth.

Age Level: 16+

29. Custom Cake Baker

In the age of Instagram-worthy desserts, custom cakes have become a hot commodity. Teens with a knack for baking and decorating can tap into this trend by creating fun, unique cakes for birthdays and other special occasions. From quirky shapes to intricate designs, there’s plenty of room to get creative and meet the growing demand for custom cakes.

Age Level: 16+

30. Car Washing

Starting a car washing business is a simple way for teens to make extra cash. You only need car-friendly sponges, detergent, and a bucket. For an added touch, invest in a battery-powered vacuum and fabric detergent for cleaning interiors. With enough potential clients, you can quickly cover the cost of your supplies. This business is ideal for weekends or after-school hours, providing a much-needed service for busy car owners who don't have the time to wash their cars.

Age Level: 14+

Tips To Start A Business For Teens

Establishing a business as a teenager can be thrilling and fulfilling, but you should remember a few best practices to maximize your experience and avoid burnout. The following important advice is provided in an understandable table:

Do

Do Not

Set Boundaries: Create a weekly schedule and establish priorities to manage your time effectively. Hold Yourself Accountable: Keep your commitments to clients and customers. Stay on top of your goals and deadlines. Take Risks: Possess a positive outlook and be prepared to venture beyond your comfort zone. Take measured chances to expand your company. Have Fun: Enjoy the process and choose a business that brings you joy. Your business should be a valuable learning experience and fun.

Doubt Yourself: Believe in your abilities and skills. Don't let self-doubt hold you back. Overcommit: Choose a business idea that fits your current availability. Avoid taking on too much at once. Neglect School Work: Excitement about your business is excellent, but it shouldn't interfere with your education. Forget to Enjoy: Your business should not cause stress. Ensure it's something you enjoy doing.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What business should I start as a teen?

The best business for you to start depends on your interests, time, and personality. For example:

• Love Social Media? Be a social media influencer.
• Enjoy Designing? Try web design.
• Fashion Enthusiast? Become a personal shopper.
• Active and On-the-Go? Start a delivery service.

Choose something you enjoy that fits your schedule and suits your personality for the best chance at success.

2. Can a 13-year-old run an online business?

Yes, a 13-year-old can start an online business, but they will need help from their parents. Parents can help sign up for online platforms and handle the money side of things. They might also need to monitor social media and other marketing channels to make sure everything is age-appropriate.

3. What age is best for teens to start a business?

There's no perfect age, but teens can start with side hustles or hobbies to learn while they explore business ideas.

Bottom Line

With over 30 business ideas, there's something for everyone, no matter your interests or skills. Consider that starting doesn't require a lot of money or experience. All you need are persistence, creativity, and a receptive mind. Your future self will thank you for the priceless experiences and skills you'll get by experimenting. Thus, choose a captivating concept, start modestly, and watch your company expand. I hope you have a great time and success on your 2024 entrepreneurial journey!