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The Ultimate Guide: How to Start Your Own Business as a Teenager
So, you want to be a teenage entrepreneur? That’s awesome! Whether you’re tired of asking your parents for money, dreaming of financial freedom, or just want to create something cool, starting your own business as a teen is totally possible. The best part? You get to be your own boss, make your own money, and shape your own future.
Ready to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey? Let’s dive in!
Learn About Finances Early
Let’s be real—money makes the world go round. If you want to run a successful business, you need to understand finances. That means knowing how to budget, save, and invest in your future.
A lot of people become entrepreneurs because they want financial stability. Maybe you’ve seen your parents struggle with money, and you want a different future. Whatever your reason, learning about money now gives you a huge advantage.
Real-Life Example: Warren Buffett, one of the richest people in the world, started learning about money as a kid. At just 11 years old, he bought his first stock and began building his financial knowledge early.
Pro Tip: Start by tracking your income and expenses. Apps like Mint, YNAB, or even a simple spreadsheet can help.
Work for Free (Yes, Really!)
Wait, what?! Work for free?!
Yep. Here’s the thing—when you volunteer or work for free, you gain valuable experience that schools don’t teach. Offer to help out at a local business, intern for an entrepreneur you admire, or volunteer at a nonprofit. You’ll pick up real-world skills, build your network, and maybe even discover your true passion.
Real-Life Example: Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, once worked for free at Atari just to gain experience in the tech industry. That unpaid opportunity helped him develop the skills and connections to start his own company later on.
Bonus: It also looks great on college applications and future resumes!
Find Your Business Idea
What do you love doing in your free time? Your hobbies can turn into money-making opportunities! Here are a few ideas:
- Love baking? Start a home-based bakery.
- Great at graphic design? Sell digital art or create logos.
- Enjoy cleaning? Start a pool cleaning or yard work business.
- Obsessed with fashion? Sell thrifted or customized clothes online.
Real-Life Example: Moziah Bridges started his own bow tie business, Mo’s Bows, when he was just 9 years old. His handmade bow ties became so popular that he even landed a deal with the NBA!
Once you have an idea, it’s time to turn it into a business!
Plan & Price Your Products or Services
Every business needs a plan—even a simple one! Here’s what to think about:
- Cost: How much do your materials cost?
- Time: How long does it take to create your product or complete your service?
- Pricing: Make sure to charge enough to cover costs AND make a profit.
Real-Life Example: Mikaila Ulmer started selling her homemade lemonade at just 4 years old, using her grandmother’s recipe. She factored in the cost of ingredients and her time, then set a price that allowed her to make a profit. Today, her company, Me & the Bees Lemonade, is sold in major stores like Whole Foods!
Example: If you’re selling homemade bracelets, factor in the cost of beads, string, packaging, and your time. Then, set a price that makes you money while staying affordable for customers.
Fund Your Startup
Don’t have money to start your business? No worries! Here are five ways to fund your startup:
- Get a Part-Time Job – Work after school and save up.
- Sell Stuff You Don’t Need – Declutter your house and sell old clothes, electronics, or furniture.
- Ask Family for a Loan – Borrow responsibly and pay it back!
- Freelance Online – Offer your skills on Fiverr or Upwork.
- Start a Partnership – Team up with a sibling or friend to split costs.
Real-Life Example: Cameron Johnson started his first business at age 9 by selling greeting cards. He used the money he earned to launch multiple businesses, eventually making thousands of dollars before graduating high school.
Promote Your Business
Your business won’t grow if no one knows about it! Here’s how to get noticed:
Start a Blog or Website
A blog or website helps people learn about your business. With your parent’s help, set up a simple WordPress site where you can showcase your products or services.
Use Social Media
Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are goldmines for promoting your business. Post engaging content, interact with followers, and use relevant hashtags to grow your audience.
Start a YouTube Channel
Not a fan of writing? Create videos! YouTube is the second-largest search engine, meaning tons of people are looking for content just like yours.
Real-Life Example: Ryan Kaji, the kid behind Ryan’s World on YouTube, started his channel at just 3 years old. By reviewing toys and making fun videos, he turned his channel into a multimillion-dollar business.
Stay Consistent & Never Give Up
Not every business takes off instantly. Some will blow up overnight, while others take time to grow. If you’re not making money right away, don’t panic! Give your venture some time, learn from mistakes, and keep pushing forward.
Even successful entrepreneurs fail sometimes. The key is to learn from those failures and keep improving.
Real-Life Example: Sara Blakely, the billionaire founder of Spanx, faced rejection multiple times before her business became successful. She didn’t give up, and now she’s one of the most successful self-made women in the world.
Don’t Miss: Essential Tips for Success
- Start Small, Think Big – You don’t need a huge investment to get started. Focus on growing steadily.
- Network Early – Build relationships with mentors, customers, and fellow entrepreneurs.
- Stay Organized – Use tools like Trello, Notion, or Google Calendar to manage tasks and deadlines.
- Learn from Others – Read books, listen to podcasts, and follow successful entrepreneurs for inspiration.
- Take Breaks – Avoid burnout by balancing work with fun and relaxation
Final Words of Advice
Becoming a teenage entrepreneur is all about leading yourself to success. There will be challenges, and not everyone will support your journey—but don’t let that stop you.
Remember:
- Stay focused on your goals.
- Keep learning and adapting.
- Always look for ways to improve.
Most importantly—HAVE FUN! Entrepreneurship isn’t just about making money; it’s about building something you love.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out there and start your business TODAY!
