Are you a creative and ambitious teen looking to turn your passions into profit? If you dream of starting your own business but aren’t sure where to begin, then you’re in luck. We have compiled a list of 18 exciting business ideas that are perfect for teens with a flair for entrepreneurship. 

With the power of technology at our fingertips, starting a business is no longer just for the big shots. Starting a business can be a great way to gain experience, learn important skills and make some extra cash. 

So, if you're ready to take the leap and start your journey as a young entrepreneur, I've got some juicy business ideas for teens like you, to sink your teeth into. Let's get into it! 

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What’s Important? 

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First things first. You are never too young to start a side hustle these days. Whether you make $5 or $100, every little bit counts and it's all about learning what works and what doesn't. Trust me, this is how you learn the ins and outs of building a business in the real world. It's also valuable beyond what you learn at school. Ideas and experiences will give you valuable life lessons that will stay with you long after you've grown up.  

Back in the day, your parents had to do some pretty basic things to make money. Babysitting some annoying neighbor's spoiled kids, mowing the lawn for a sweet old lady, or washing a dirty car. And while there is nothing wrong with that, there are so many more business ideas for teens available these days, and you can do it while holed up in your room, neon lights and all. 

The key is to find the right idea that suits your interests and skills. There are so many ways to make money and create something that can make a difference in your community. The first rule is to create something of value to someone else. 

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That's why we're here to give you 18 great business ideas for teens to try out. But before we dive in, let's talk about the skills you need to be a successful teen entrepreneur. 

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The Skills You Need

Being a successful teen entrepreneur takes more than just a great idea; it takes determination, grit and the right skills. 

First, you need to be a problem solver. This means being able to identify a need or a problem in the market and come up with a creative solution to solve it. An easy way to start is to listen to your mum complain about something and think about how you could solve that problem. This is training your brain to think of a solution. 

Another important skill is communication. You need to be able to communicate effectively with your target audience, potential partners or investors (aka parents). Being able to present your ideas with confidence is crucial to success. 

‍Financial management is another essential skill. You will need to understand how to budget, track expenses and manage cash flow to ensure the longevity of your business. With the right attitude and commitment, success is always within reach. 

‍Researching your market is key too. You need to understand your target audience and what they want in order to create a successful product or service.  Doing this helps you identify gaps in the market and opportunities to cater. 

Next, don’t forget to get feedback from your customers - this will help you understand how your offering is being received and what actions you need to take to improve. It also helps build trust and loyalty with your customers, which is essential for long - term success. 

Trying out different things until you find what works best for your customers - i.e testing, testing, testing. Don’t be afraid to make changes based on what you learn - it’s all part of the process! 

Of course, there are other factors to consider. You need to bear in mind the number of hours you can commit to your business. What are the laws pertaining to running something out of your garage. Resources or additional help you would need. 

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19 Business Ideas for Teens to Make Money and Support your Dreams

Now for the juicy part: if you're an entrepreneurial teen looking for great business ideas, we've got you covered. Here are 18 business ideas for you to try out. Let's dive in!

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1. Graphic Designer 

This can be a lucrative business for teenagers to start while still at school. With the power of  Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator, you can create stunning graphics and rake in the dough, while acing your algebra class. It’s a good idea to have sketchpads so that you sketch your ideas before creating them digitally. 

Channels like Satori Graphics and Sketch Together provide great content for beginners. If you've got some creative flair, sign up for Canva or Snappa and follow in the footsteps of Vivek Jarwiala.

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2. Online video editor

First up, becoming a video editor is more than just snipping away at videos. It involves producing content that would meet your customers expectations. You would need the right tools and exceptional patience. Start small by offering your services for  school plays and sport games. 

3. Local Tourism Agency

This is a great idea for teens who are passionate about their hometown. With some research and networking, you can become an expert on the local sights, restaurants and events. You can provide valuable advice and recommendations to tourists. Why not take it a step further and focus on sustainable tourism.   

4. Academic Tutoring 

If you're more academically inclined, then tutoring could be a great option. Whether it's helping out with homework or providing more in-depth lessons, there's always a need for qualified tutors. There are many countries across the globe that are looking for English tutors. Check Preply or Mathnasium or Palfish for tutoring opportunities. 

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5. Youtube channel reviews 

Do you love watching YouTube videos? Why not turn your passion into a business by offering review and commentary services on your own YouTube channel? You can provide insightful reviews on products, sports, movies, or even other YouTube channels.  Michael Murphy, Mr. Beast are teen youtubers that have amassed a big following creating niche videos.  

Remember when we talked about niche down? If there is something you're interested in and you don't find relevant videos, this is your sign to start that channel. It could be a great way to monetize your hobby. 

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6. Create an app 

Another great option is creating an app. Don't worry if you're not a coding genius - there are plenty of no-code platforms like Flutter Flow, Bubble, Appy Pie, or Swiftic that can help you create a functional app without needing to know how to code. You could create an educational app like Gimkit or an app that fights hunger like Pay it forward even our very own Rishi Kothari. You can even follow the footsteps of BETA Camp Alumni, Rishi Kothari, who coded his own app.

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7. Social Media management 

If you're a social media whiz, then social media management could be the way to go. A lot of businesses find it challenging to keep up with the ever-evolving demands of social media, and they're always searching for someone who can assist them. Who knows, you might even have a family member who owns a business that has no social media presence yet!

8. Podcaster

And finally, if you love chatting and expressing your thoughts, why not start a podcast? There are plenty of platforms like Anchor that make it easy to get started, and you could talk about anything that interests you - from sports to fashion to current events.  

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9. Recycling Service

People are hoarders and you can help them clear out items. One way to start is by visiting flea markets and offering vendors to collect any unsold items. Create a marketplace on Facebook to get the word out. Additionally, reach out to recycling centers and establish deals to process materials like electronic boards or construction materials. 

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10. Product Tester 

Product testing is a great way to earn additional income and get free stuff. Companies like Amazon, hire to test products and provide feedback. Overall it can be a fun and rewarding way to earn money. Want to learn how to become an Amazon Product Tester? This article will help. 

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‍11. Netflix tagger

A Netflix tagger’s job is to watch movies and TV shows that are not yet released to the public. You then tag the content and label it with descriptive words or phrases, which helps Netflix categorize and recommend content to its subscribers.  It is possible to make around $850 per week. Learn how to become a Netflix tagger here. 

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12.Etsy Seller

If you’re someone who likes to create things and wants to turn that passion into a business, Etsy might be the perfect platform for you. There are multiple benefits to selling on Etsy (learn how here), but the two most important ones are complete control on what you sell and its supportive community.  

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13. Write children’s books

Come up with your own ideas or write stories based on what your younger siblings are fascinated by, it could be an empty cardboard box or a kitchen spatula. Use platforms like Amazon or IngramSpark to self publish. You can also work with other teen illustrators to bring your story to life. 

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14. Source and Sell Miniature plants

Follow in the footsteps of our BETA camp students and start your own miniature plant business. All you have to do is source some miniature plants and cute pots from your local nursery. Then sell them to all those hard-working WFH folks who need a little green in their lives. And if you really want to up your game, offer personalized mini pots with label printers. Who doesn't love a little customization?

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15. Photo-editing 

Photo Editing skills are in high demand. As a photo editor you can help clients retouch their dog photos or transfer black and white images to color. Create a portfolio of your work on Jimdo and build your client base. 

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16. Start a Blog

Blogging is a great way to share your passion and knowledge with others while making some money. You can start a blog on any topic, from sneaker fashion to keeping your house plants alive or beauty. Once you have built up an audience, you can monetize your blog through advertising and sponsored content. Use platforms like Wix or Weebly to set up your blog. 

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17. Ghost writing agency

As a content writer you have the freedom to write about almost anything you are interested in. There are tons of companies who hire ghost writers for their blogs or want writers for their websites. Pitch your service to websites and online magazines. As you gain more experience and build a reputation you can start charging higher rates and attract more clients.  

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18. Design Services 

Walk into the diner nearby and offer to design their menu card or logos or even promotional flyers for their delicious Sunday buffet or Easter special. Use your creative flair on Canva to capture the essence of the restaurant and its cuisine. You can also consider reaching out to your local mom and pop store and offer to design their flyers. It is a great way to build your portfolio. 

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19. Tiktok creator 

Reach out to local businesses in your area to create short and engaging videos that highlight the unique features of the business. As a tiktok creator for example you can showcase new products at your local clothing boutique or gift shop. Show off their products, create a behind the scenes or highlight their values. Offer your services for free at first to build up a portfolio. Use apps like Capcut or Inshot to edit your videos and make them look polished. 

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How To Turn An Idea Into A Realistic Business Plan 

So, you’ve got an idea and you’re thinking, “How the heck do I turn this into a real business plan?” Well, let me tell you, it’s not gonna be a walk in the park, especially if you’re a teenager. But don’t fret! With some creativity, dedication, and a whole lotta hard work, you can make it happen.

Now, let's get real, creating a business plan is no easy feat, but with the right guidance and resources, you can turn that idea into a reality. So, buckle up, grab a coffee (or a Red bull, if you’re like me), and let's dive in. It's time to get serious and turn your dreams into a plan of action!

When it comes to turning an idea into a realistic business plan, the first step is to brainstorm and flesh out your concept. Get those creative juices flowing and ask yourself some questions. What problem am I solving? Who’s my target audience? How will I generate revenue? 

Once you’ve got a solid grasp on your vision, it’s time to hit the streets and do some market research. Talk to your peeps, your neighbors, your family, your friends - anyone who’s willing to talk! 

Assess the competition and see where you fit in (sometimes you will find you have no competition). Remember, it’s all about developing a unique value proposition, niche down if you have to. And hey, don’t be afraid to bounce your ideas off someone - your parents, siblings or even if it’s just your dog. Clarity brings prosperity! 

So, once you've nailed down your idea and done your research, it's time to set some goals and get cracking on a roadmap to success. This could involve breaking down your plan into manageable steps like creating a killer marketing strategy, building a wicked social media account, or figuring out how to get the funds you need to get started. 

Oh, and speaking of funds, it's super important to work out your start-up costs, projected revenue, and potential profit margins. You know, so you don't end up losing your shirt.

But it's not all about practical steps and number crunching. It's also important to have the right mindset and to be open to learning and growing. This means being receptive to feedback, adapting to changes in the market, and continually seeking out new knowledge and resources. Build version one of your solutions and launch it into the market. Collect the data and feedback to make your product or service better. 

And remember, success doesn't happen overnight. Keep your financial investment low and manageable, so you don't have to worry about losing everything you have. Also, it's important to have flexibility in your work schedule because let's be real, we all have a social life we want to maintain. 

As mentioned above,  there are a wealth of tools and platforms available to help you develop your business.  You can also access online courses and mentoring programmes through business incubators and accelerators. These programs help teens like you nurture your business ideas into a viable product.  

While turning an idea into a realistic business plan may seem daunting, it’s important to remember that many successful entrepreneurs started out with little more than an idea and a dream. You too can turn your idea into a thriving business. So, stay positive, stay curious, and stay focused on your goals!

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