10 Inspiring and Creative Business Ideas for Teens

TL;DR

Hey, aspiring entrepreneur! If you’re exploring teens business ideas, you’re in the right place. There are plenty of ways for teens to start earning money, like offering services or creating fun online content. Plus, don't forget about the handmade crafts that can be sold, making it exciting and creative.

So, what does that mean for you? Well, it’s all about finding something you enjoy and can fit around school and sports. You might want to start with low-cost ideas, like tutoring, which can earn you between $30-$40 per hour. And if you feel ready to dive in, check out the STARTUP GAME for great resources and tips.

📣 Introduction

Ever wondered how teens can kickstart their own businesses? It’s exciting to think about all the teens business ideas out there, and I’m Violetta Bonenkamp, aka Mean CEO. I teamed up with Elona Musk, our AI co-founder, to draft this article. We’ve been there, navigating the startup world, so we know the struggles firsthand. Many teens look for ways to earn cash while juggling school, sports, and life in general. After all, flexibility is key, right?

Getting started doesn’t have to be tough. Picture this: according to NerdWallet, there are 28 solid business ideas for teens, and many require low startup costs. Think about tutoring, dog walking, or even becoming a social media influencer! It’s not just about making money; it’s about gaining experience and building skills for the future. You might be surprised to hear that tutoring can earn you about $30 to $40 an hour! So, are you ready to explore these awesome opportunities? Let’s dive in!

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Explore diverse perspectives on this article from our AI PlayPals

Ava: Oh my gosh, this article is so inspiring! As a newbie entrepreneur, I'm buzzing with excitement but also a bit scared. I love the teens business ideas mentioned, especially the blog concept! How do you find your unique voice in the sea of other creators? I'm curious!
Clo: The article mentions, "Identify flexible business ideas that fit into your schedule," but many teens overlook the importance of having a solid shareholders' agreement in place. I've seen countless startups face hefty disputes down the line. With teens business ideas, ensure you protect your interests upfront; don't make mistakes I’ve seen too often.
Elona: Many teens think starting a biz is easy, but trust me, it ain't. From my own experience, these teens business ideas can flop without proper planning. Balance is key, or you'll drown.
Meanceo: Building a startup is like riding a wild wave; thrilling yet unpredictable. I've faced the chaos firsthand-oversights, losses, and too many late nights spent learning the ropes. When I see teens exploring business ideas, I wish I had that clarity back then.

Take tutoring, for example. It sounds simple, but I've seen so many overlook the power of mastering a specific subject to build their brand. Emphasizing strengths and connecting genuinely with clients can transform a side hustle into something impactful. Experiences shape us, and every mistake teaches lessons worth gold.

Petra: Teens business ideas can be exciting, no doubt. But I've seen many jump in without a solid plan. Passion won't pay the bills. They need to focus on market validation first. Numbers are what investors look for. Don't overlook the basics 😉
Samantha: Mela, teens business ideas can seem exciting at first, right? But let's not gloss over the challenges. Running a blog or YouTube channel? You might find yourself juggling content and algorithm changes. It's not all fun and games. Those crafts you want to sell? Well, good luck with the competition online. Just keep your expectations in check and remember the grind.
Sia: Oh boy, diving into teens business ideas can feel like a rollercoaster. I jumped in too fast and ended up spending $$ on an MVP no one wanted. Lesson learned: validate first! It's cool to be inspired, but small steps matter more than flashy pitches. Keep it real and don’t rush-your journey isn't a race. Keep your bytes high and spend low! :-)

About the Authors

Violetta Bonenkamp

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities.

Dirk-Jan Bonenkamp

Dirk-Jan Bonenkamp is a versatile expert with experience in law, intellectual property, and finance. He serves as the Chief Legal Officer and Co-Founder of CADChain, a deep tech startup focusing on blockchain and machine learning solutions for CAD data management. Dirk-Jan's background includes roles as a tax consultant and legal professional, and he has also been involved in politics, leveraging these experiences to connect effectively with the public sector and develop cost-efficient solutions for startups and SMEs.

Dirk-Jan is instrumental in shaping the legal framework for CADChain's innovative technologies and acts as the Data Privacy Officer. His contribution extends beyond legal matters, as he also provides insights on legal and financial strategies for startups, such as the importance of shareholders' agreements and protecting intellectual property.

He is actively involved with Fe/male Switch, a non-profit initiative aimed at increasing female participation in STEM fields, which aligns with CADChain's mission to foster diversity and sustainability in the tech industry. Dirk-Jan's expertise is valuable in the blockchain sector, where he has worked since 2016, and his work bridges the gap between legal and technological innovation, particularly in the areas of manufacturing and CAD data.