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28 Business Ideas for Teens

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Business success can come at any age, and you never know who will think of the next big idea. If you have an industrious teen with an entrepreneurial spirit — or if they’re just looking to make some extra spending money on their own schedule — launching their own business could be the answer. Let's look at some business ideas for teens that are perfect for a first business.

What makes a good business idea for teens?

There are a few criteria that will make a business idea slightly easier for teens to start and operate. After all, they’ll need to work around a full class schedule and will likely have limited resources — including startup capital. As you evaluate the following small business ideas for teens, keep these things in mind.

1. Home-based or easily accessible

Depending on the age of the teen, transportation can be a major concern. For teens who aren’t old enough to drive or are just learning, a home business will be much easier to operate.

2. Flexible hours

Just like many adults who start a side hustle, teens are working a full-time job while starting up their business. While school isn’t traditionally considered a “job,” it does take up eight to 10 hours of each weekday, depending on their extracurriculars. The best business ideas for teens will have flexible hours that will allow them to work in the evenings and on weekends.

3. Low financial investment

While most potential business owners are looking to make as small of a financial investment in their new business as possible, most teens will have limited savings and have minimal access to outside financing (especially if you don’t want the “bank of mom and dad” to be on the hook). Choosing a business idea for teens that has a low-cost financial investment is key to success. The fewer things needed to operate the business, the less they will need to buy before getting started.

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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.

Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.

28 business ideas for teens

There are so many cool business ideas for teens out there. You can start with something traditional like babysitting in your neighborhood or helping kids with homework, but technology has opened the doors to so many other, new opportunities.

With the above criteria in mind, let’s take a look at 28 business ideas for teens.

1. Academic tutor

An easy business idea for teens is to become an academic tutor. Everyone has unique skills, so whether you’re good at math, science, writing, or reading, you have the skills to teach someone else who may be struggling in that subject. An academic tutor can also help with test prep for the SATs, ACTs, AP tests, or other standardized tests.

2. Car washing

Everyone loves to have their car looking shiny and new, but not everyone has the time to dedicate to washing it. A car washing business is simple to start, all you need is a bucket, soft sponge, window cleaner, and elbow-grease for polishing. This can be a great weekend job for teens.

3. Child care

A tried and true business idea for teens is to operate a child care or babysitting business. On the weekends or even during the week after school, you can help neighbors or family friends by caring for their young children. If you want to stand out from the competition, many communities offer local classes on child care and babysitting .

4. Pet sitting or dog walker

For kids who love animals, there’s no better way to get time with animals and start a business than by pet sitting or dog walking . Both of these businesses also offer flexible hours and your clients will provide all the supplies you’ll need, from leashes to treats and more.

5. Lawn care business

If one of your teen’s chores is to mow the lawn, they already have the skills needed for this business. By marketing their services around the neighborhood, they may be able to drum up a lengthy client list, and an especially popular time for a lawn care business is the summer, when your teen will have lots of free time on their hands.

6. Housecleaning

For any kid who’s been helping out with chores around the house, they’re likely already familiar with all the skills they’d need to start a housecleaning business . Nearby homeowners would likely be happy to pay a teenager to help them dust, mop, and vacuum their home.

7. Housesitting

During the summer and scheduled breaks from school, many families take this opportunity to travel. While they’re away, they need someone to stop by the house, take in the mail, water the plants, and perform other small daily tasks. Starting a housesitting business can be a great way for teens to earn some extra money while filling a need in their community.

8. Errand-running

For teens who drive, offering to run errands for neighbors or friends could be an easy way to start a business and make money. This business can be especially helpful to people who are home-bound or have limited mobility. Plus, this business idea doesn’t require any specialized skills and they can set their own hours.

9. Seasonal chores

Another seasonal business for teens is to help with seasonal chores. Most homeowners don’t have a lot of spare time, but they still want their homes to look nice and festive during the holidays. Teens can start their business by doing odd jobs at the season changes, such as putting up and taking down holiday decorations and lights, shoveling snow, raking leaves, gift wrapping, and much more.

10. Selling handmade crafts

Artistic teens who are good at crafts can hone their skills and make some money by selling their creations. This can be a local endeavor, or they can set up their own business website to sell their crafts to a larger audience. Check out our list of the best craft business ideas.

11. Making greeting cards

One specific idea for a handmade craft that teens can create and sell is greeting cards. Many people are returning to handwritten notes. By creating personalized designs or eye-catching artistry, teens can easily sell their own greeting cards to be used by friends and family.

12. Art teacher

The ability to draw, paint, or do any other kind of art is a skill, just like being able to solve complicated math equations. Teens who are looking for a business idea and are good at art should consider starting a business as an art teacher. They can offer lessons to peers or younger children in the neighborhood.

13. Musician

Not every artist works with a pen in their hand — some are gifted with music. For those passionate about playing or writing music, teen years are an opportunity to get together with friends, form a band, and perform locally. This is a good business idea for teens that should also be a lot of fun.

14. Music lessons

For musically inclined teens who aren’t interested in starting up a band, they may be interested in giving music lessons. Whether they excel at the piano, guitar, violin, or another instrument, there’s bound to be a market for this skill.

15. Farmers market vendor

Farmers markets are generally a great way to sell handmade goods in your local area, and they can be an easy way for teens to start a business and sell their wares close to home. Whether selling crafts, food items, or handmade beauty products, there are several avenues for this type of business. Keep in mind, you may need a parent to actually reserve the booth and oversee operations.

16. Candle maker

A simple craft to make that’s always in demand is candles. For those looking for a business idea for teens, this is a sellable craft that’s easy to learn and doesn’t require a ton of upfront investment. Learn more in our guide to starting a candle business.

17. Retail arbitrage

An interesting and simple business idea for teens is retail arbitrage. For those who are savvy online, this can be a simple business that makes a decent profit. The main idea in retail arbitrage is to find high-quality items for a low price and then to resell them in a different marketplace for a higher price. Many people who start a retail arbitrage business will find items at local garage sales and then resell them on eBay or Facebook Marketplace.

18. Graphic designer

For a tech-savvy teen who is also artistically inclined, there’s an opportunity to start a graphic design business. This can be as simple as creating a few cool designs and then putting them on T-shirts for friends or could involve doing freelance work for local business’s marketing efforts.

19. Technology tutor

While some older adults don’t know how to use their smartphones, tablets, or computers, kids are growing up with this technology and know it better than anyone. If your teen has the patience and the skills, they can make some extra money as a technology tutor.

20. Blogger

With a dash of tech know-how, some skill for writing, and a passion for a specific topic, your teen could launch a business through a blog. Keep in mind, this business idea will take a little more time to turn a profit. First, they’ll need to grow an audience, and then they will have the opportunity to partner with advertisers and affiliate partners to bring in revenue. If they can optimize their blog, though, this could be a simple way to make extra money.

21. Podcaster

A still relatively new and growing space is the podcast world. Similar to a blog, your teen will need passion for a specific topic and the ability to grow a decent following, but once they do, they can earn income by finding advertisers interested in placing ads on their podcast. Learn more about how to start podcast.

22. Social media influencer

As most teens already know, there are lots of celebrities out there who make money by talking about products on their social media platforms. This has become known as a social media influencer. Many brands also look for local personalities with a strong following. If this sounds like your teen, they may have a business on their hands.

23. Live-streaming gamer

For teens who love video games, there’s no better dream than to make money by playing video games. Live-streaming gamers do just that. One of the most popular sites for getting started with this type of business is Twitch.TV .

24. Photographer or videographer

With a small investment in equipment or some skill with a smartphone, teens can start a business as a photographer or videographer. There are many niches within this type of business, so teens can specialize in pet photography, events, family portraits, or creating social media content for local businesses.

25. Web designer

A little knowledge can go a long way toward supporting this business idea for teens. Many small businesses need websites and may not have the cash to hire a professional. By offering their services at a discounted rate, teens can start their own business as a web designer. This is a great way to practice skills and make some extra money.

26. Transcription

Another business idea with flexible hours is to transcribe interviews for a local newspaper or other business. Your teen can work on their typing skills while also providing a service that makes money.

Start Your Dream Business

27. Data entry

For most future professions, teens will need to know how to use spreadsheets and work with data. To learn these skills, teens can start a business in data entry. This type of business offers teens a flexible work schedule and the ability to learn an important new skill.

28. Create an app or online game

Anyone can create an app or online game these days, including teens. If your teen has a great idea and the technical skill to make it into a reality, they could turn this into a business. Completed apps and games can then be featured on various app stores, which return a percentage of the profit to the creator.

This article originally appeared on JustBusiness, a subsidiary of NerdWallet.

On a similar note...

49 Best Business Ideas for Teens to Start (in 2024)

• 4 months ago

Most potential business owners actually start their businesses later in life, but for some, the entrepreneurial spirit strikes early. For those young adults who want to earn extra money and be their own boss, we’ve got you covered! We’ll help you find the best business ideas for teens.

We’ve talked to a lot of small business owners who pursued their ideas as teens, and many of them made millions before they ever reached 30! If you want to start your own business, you’ll love hearing about some of the local businesses they’ve started.

7 Small Business Ideas for Teens

6 online business ideas for teens, 5 small business ideas for teenage girls, 7 teen business ideas for creatives, 4 entrepreneur ideas for teens, 3 marketing business ideas for young adults, 6 cool business ideas for teens, 5 more small business ideas for teens online, 5 service-based business ideas for teenagers, business ideas for teens serving food, how to start a business as a teenager, learn more about your business idea for teens, are you ready to start your own business.

Without further ado, here’s the list!

Some of the best teen business ideas we’ve seen are:

• Pressure Washing
• Landscaping
• Photography
• Truck Driving
• Construction
• Car Washing

Many of these are local businesses that young entrepreneurs can start in their neighborhood to make some extra money, and they can become a lucrative business as they get older and learn more about how to run a business.

Find out how young entrepreneurs started each of the successful businesses below.

#1. Pressure Washing

• Average Annual Revenue: $64K • Average Profit Margins: 8.8% • Startup Costs: $200-$5K • Time to Revenue: 3+ months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9% • Best For: Those who like to work outdoors, those who enjoy working with their hands and using machines and tools

Three of the youngest business owners we have talked to started pressure washing companies. Stephen Rogers talked to us about how he started NW Softwash at 19 years old with just $1,500, and now he’s making $120K per month. Hear from him below.

Check out other interviews with Chase Lille , an 18-year-old who has been pressure washing for over a year, and Alan from Go Detail , who learned to run a business from YouTube.

#2. Landscaping

• Average Annual Revenue: $272K+ • Average Profit Margins: 8.7% • Startup Costs: $2K-$10K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.1% • Best For: Designers, gardeners, and people who like physical work and working outside

A landscaping or lawn care business designs, builds, and maintains gardens and landscapes. Landscapers usually require a lot of time, patience, and creativity to achieve the perfect garden for their clients. Most companies that do landscaping also do lawn care.

Find out how Mike Andes started his lawn care business as a teenager.

#3. Cleaning

• Average Annual Revenue: $74K+ • Average Profit Margins: 6.7% • Startup Costs: $1K-$30K • Time to Revenue: 1-6 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2% • Best For: Self-motivated, independent, and detail-oriented entrepreneurs

One of the easiest ways to make money is cleaning people’s houses. Almost anybody with a job and kids needs help keeping their home clean. Young people can start a small business by using the cleaning products at their parents’ homes and offering their services on social media.

If you are 18 or older, you can also use sites like Bark or Housekeeper.com to find clients.

Check out our interview with Austin from Spruse Clean to learn how he makes $62K a month.

#4. Photography

• Average Annual Revenue: $50K • Average Profit Margins: 7.3% • Startup Costs: $1K-$10K • Time to Revenue: 1-6 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.3% • Best For: Visual artists and photographers, outgoing and social entrepreneurs

Photography is another field that offers business opportunities for teens. As a photographer, you’ll be taking pictures of people or products. The two types of photography that tend to have the highest booking fees are product photography and wedding photography.

To learn strategies that can turn a photography company into a multi-million-dollar revenue generator, check out our interview with Korbin and Whitney Korzan below:

#5. Truck Driving

• Average Annual Revenue: $449K+ • Average Profit Margins: 5.5% • Startup Costs: $1K-$100K • Time to Revenue: 3+ months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9% • Best For: Logistics experts, travelers and drivers, and vehicle repair and maintenance pros

Companies across the country are struggling with supply chain issues. One of the challenges is the lack of truck drivers and the fact that most of them don’t actually put in all the driving hours they are allowed.

Out-hustle the old guard and put in the full 12 hours a day to make a great living, like Mikael Sant. Hear how he does it below.

To hear even more tips from Mikael, check out our podcast .

#6. Construction

• Average Annual Revenue: $696K+ • Average Profit Margins: 3.4% • Startup Costs: $1K-$100K • Time to Revenue: 1-6 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: -1.3% • Best For: Contractors, builders, and makers, people with strong math skills who like physical work

Like working with your hands? Avanni Petras started Petras Homes and is making over $125,000 after working for a concrete company for six years in his teens. Find out how below.

Pro Tip: You can also read our blog on How to Start an $80M/Year Construction Company .

#7. Car Washing

• Average Annual Revenue: $73K+ • Average Profit Margins: 16.1% • Startup Costs: $500-$5K • Time to Revenue: 3+ months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.0% • Best For: Car enthusiasts, detail-oriented entrepreneurs, and those who enjoy working with their hands

There are many ways to make money as a teenager, and one of those ways is by starting a car washing business.

The idea of starting up a carwash is not only an easy way to make money, but it is also an interesting and enjoyable pastime.

It can be done either with or without machines. With low startup costs, you can start small and then grow the business to include mobile car washes and maybe even become a car wash chain.

Check out these entrepreneur ideas for teens if you want to make extra money with an online business:

• Online Tutoring
• Tech Consulting
• Graphic Design Business

#8. Podcasting

• Average Annual Revenue: $4M+ • Average Profit Margins: 27.1% • Startup Costs: $500-$5K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.4% • Best For: Influencers and thought leaders; people with valuable expertise and online marketing/social media skills

Podcasts are an interesting online business where you can discuss things that interest you and broadcast it to the masses. At the very least, you’ll need recording software (I prefer OBS ) and microphones.

Podcasts generate revenue through a variety of methods. To learn more, read this blog on some of the ways to monetize your podcast .

#9. Tutoring

• Average Annual Revenue: $18K+ • Average Profit Margins: 13.10% • Startup Costs: $100-$1K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.5% • Best For: Educators and compassionate, empathetic, people who can explain complex concepts in simple terms

Tutors can make great money helping students who are struggling. Most tutors will charge $25 per hour, but some may be able to get rates up to $80 per hour.

You can find clients at your school, or offer services on sites like Tutors.com once you turn 18. What better way to start a business than to help others succeed?

#10. Blogging

• Average Annual Revenue: $46K • Average Profit Margins: 14.6% • Startup Costs: $100-$200 • Time to Revenue: 1 month to 3 Years • Annual Market Growth Rate: -1.50% • Best For: Teens with writing, graphic design, and other content creation skills, strong marketers

Anyone can blog. You just have to find something you enjoy writing about. This is one of the best business ideas for teens because you can start blogging on sites like Medium for free.

How do you make money blogging, though?

There are a few ways:

• Freelancing through Upwork and other sites
• Using affiliate links and earning commissions based on referrals
• Earning crypto by blogging on Publish0x
• Allowing Google to sell ads on your site

#11. Web Design

• Average Annual Revenue: $239K+ • Average Profit Margins: 5.3% • Startup Costs: $100-$1K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.4% • Best For: Programmers with knowledge of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, visual artists and designers, detail-oriented entrepreneurs with strong time and project management skills

Using web and graphic design software can be a fun way for teens to make money. Develop the skills for one of the fastest-growing careers in the U.S.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the need for web design to grow by 13% by 2031, and average wages are over $77K. Wages are typically less than one third of a business’s revenue, so that means a business could make over $225K per designer.

As a web designer, you might create the next cool website or app. Could you imagine if everyone in the world was using a website you created? You’d make millions of people happy with your small business idea.

#12. Tech Consulting

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.4K • Average Profit Margins: 6.4% • Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M • Time to Revenue: 6-18 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.2% • Best For: Entrepreneurs with management or business expertise, people with strong analysis, problem-solving, and communication skills

Tech consulting can be an easy business for teens to start. Tech-savvy consultants can earn money through affiliate marketing and by advising people on the best way to achieve their desired results.

My brother started getting Apple certifications in his teens, and by the time he reached his 30s, he was one of the most highly certified Apple network admins around and had helped companies like Electronic Arts and Intel integrate Macs with Microsoft computers.

Check out this list of the top 100 software companies and find one you are interested in. Businesses are definitely looking for help with implementing software more efficiently and effectively.

#13. Graphic Design

• Average Annual Revenue: $123K+ • Average Profit Margins: 13.5% • Startup Costs: $500-$5K • Time to Revenue: 3+ months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 2% • Best For: Visual artists, entrepreneurs with creative skills

Graphic design is another easy business to start as a teenager. Graphic design is focused on creating artwork and product information for businesses, including:

• Website imagery
• Product packaging
• Marketing materials

To find out more about different types of graphic design businesses, check out the blog post 8 Types of Graphic Design You Need to Know .

The following small business ideas for teenage girls can also be done by guys, too, but many homeowners prefer letting girls help in their homes. Find business ideas below:

• Babysitting
• Pet Sitting
• Pet Photography
• Pet Grooming Services
• Dog Walking

#14. Babysitting

• Average Annual Revenue: $143K+ • Average Profit Margins: 0.9% • Startup Costs: $0-$1K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 51.7% • Best For: Those who enjoy childcare and like children

Every family with kids will need a babysitter occasionally. Start a business babysitting and make money watching the kids.

Ask your parents to tell their friends, print up some business cards and leave them at places you frequent, and check on social media for people looking for help. Finding clients shouldn’t be too hard. Almost everyone I know has babysat at some point in their life.

You could even go a step further and start full-time child care services, like Kristy Bickmeyer, who started Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency. Learn more about Kristy here .

#15. Pet Sitting

• Average Annual Revenue: $34K+ • Average Profit Margins: 16% • Startup Costs: $500-$5K • Time to Revenue: 3+ months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.7% • Best For: Pet owners, animal lovers, and those who like working outdoors

In the pet sitting industry, people are required to care for animals in someone else’s home or property. Pet sitters should have experience with animals and a passion for caring for them. They should also be responsible and trustworthy.

In order to get started, you should start by signing up to be a pet sitter on websites such as Wag or Rover .

These websites will then help connect you with people looking for a pet sitter in your area.

It’s not just a matter of hanging out with cats and dogs while their owners themselves are away. Pet sitting requires proper knowledge about animal behavior, nutrition, exercise, and basic first aid skills.

This is not an easy job, but it can provide numerous business opportunities for teens who want to make some cash while enjoying the company of furry friends.

Check out our blog about a pet sitter to learn more.

#16. Pet Photography

• Average Annual Revenue: $50K • Average Profit Margins: 7.3% • Startup Costs: $1K-$10K • Time to Revenue: 1-6 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.3% • Best For: Visual artists and photographers who love animals or own pets themselves

If you love animals and photography or just have a lot of time to spare, then you could consider starting your own pet photography business.

There are plenty of online courses that can help you learn the skills needed to start this type of business. You can also use your creativity to come up with different ways to make money with your photography skills.

#17. Pet Grooming

• Average Annual Revenue: $72K+ • Average Profit Margins: 11.5% • Startup Costs: $1K-$100K • Time to Revenue: 6-18 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1% • Best For: Pet lovers and experts, salon and grooming professionals, empathetic and detail-oriented entrepreneurs with strong customer service skills

Starting a pet grooming business can be a great way to make money for teenagers or young adults.

The best way to start this business is by getting certification through the National Dog Groomers Association of America and asking prospective clients about their desired groom style.

It’s also worth considering what type of services the potential clients will need—whether that’s basic bathing and clipping or something more elaborate, like shampooing, hair trimming, nail clipping, or ear cleaning.

#18. Dog Walking

A dog walking business requires picking up after the dog and getting an animal from place to place. That means dog walkers may need a vehicle or access to public transportation.

To become a successful dog walker, one should be patient, dependable, and comfortable working with other people’s dogs. They should also be able to work flexible hours.

If you want some business ideas for creatives, consider these ideas:

• Holiday Decorating
• Proofreading
• Greeting Card Writing
• Event Photography
• Art Instruction
• Music Teaching
• Jewelry Making

#19. Holiday Decorating

• Average Annual Revenue: $168K+ • Average Profit Margins: 10.6% • Startup Costs: $1K-$100K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2% • Best For: Those who like to organize, clean, and declutter, those who like to socialize and help people

Offering an attractive and memorable holiday decorating business can be a great way to earn some extra cash during the holidays.

The major holidays that people or businesses tend to have decorative festivities for in the U.S. are:

• Valentine’s Day
• St. Patrick’s Day
• Cinco de Mayo
• 4th of July
• Thanksgiving

Check out our interview with Martin Skarra, who runs a window cleaning business and hangs Christmas lights during the winter.

This is a unique option on the list of business ideas for teens because it is creative and lets them focus on their studies and other activities while they are still in school.

#20. Proofreading

• Average Annual Revenue: $25K+ • Average Profit Margins: 9% • Startup Costs: $100-$1K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9% • Best For: Grammar and writing experts, people with a sharp eye for detail

Another good business for teens is offering proofreading services. There are plenty of students who need help with their grammar and punctuation.

One upside is that your clients will be convenient to you. You’ll find them among the student body of your high school or college.

Students might not have the most money, but your social network will grow as students become professionals and need other quality control jobs performed.

#21. Greeting Card Writing

• Average Annual Revenue: $712K • Average Profit Margins: 14.6% • Startup Costs: $100-$200 • Time to Revenue: 1 month to 3 Years • Annual Market Growth Rate: -1.5% • Best For: Creative entrepreneurs with strong communication skills

Another passion that creative teens can turn into a small business is greeting card writing.

Teens can sell their own greeting cards through sites like Shopify using the print-on-demand company Card Isle . Alternatively, they can try freelancing for Hallmark .

#22. Event Photography

Photography is a growing industry, and both seasoned and young photographers can offer event photography services. The main responsibility of the event photographer is to capture the essence of the event they’re commissioned to photograph.

The demand for event photography has increased over the last few years because of its many use cases. Check out our interview with a wedding photographer who makes $2 million per year.

#23. Art Instruction

• Average Annual Revenue: $18K+ • Average Profit Margins: 13.10% • Startup Costs: $100-$1K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.5% • Best For: Educators and tutors with creative skill and imagination

Another fun, creative career is providing art lessons. If you want to provide art lessons and earn some good money, you should know the following:

• You will need a set of materials and tools to use in your lessons.
• You will need your own studio or space to teach from.
• You may need to create a website or social media page where people can learn about the class.
• You may even want to register as a business with the local government.

As your business grows, you can start doing more lessons and offer group sessions.

Once you reach the age to legally serve alcohol, you can even do wine and arts nightlife events. Every event like this I’ve ever been to has been a blast. It’s definitely a fun business to be in.

#24. Music Teaching

• Average Annual Revenue: $18K+ • Average Profit Margins: 13.10% • Startup Costs: $100-$1K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.5% • Best For: People with a keen ear for sound and music

What better way to start a new business than with something you enjoy?

A music teacher can provide music lessons to both children and adults. Most of these music lessons are done in person, but they can also be done via video chat.

If you want to start it as an online business, many talented musicians provide Masterclasses or create YouTube tutorials.

Check out our interview with Jacques Hopkins to learn how he earns $480K a year teaching piano lessons with his course:

#25. Jewelry Making

• Average Annual Revenue: $114K+ • Average Profit Margins: 10.3% • Startup Costs: $500-$250K • Time to Revenue: 3+ months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 2.0% • Best For: Fashionistas, designers, and artists with strong sales and marketing skills

If you like arts and crafts, many small business owners find success making their own jewelry.

This consists of buying raw materials and turning them into a piece of jewelry. Then you can sell them in online stores or at craft fairs. The business events platform 10times has a list of almost 25,000 events in the U.S. where you can sell your goods.

These businesses aren’t especially difficult but will teach you skills that are valuable to almost every business. Consider:

• Errand Running
• Packing Business
• Recycling Business

#26. Errand Running

• Average Annual Revenue: $131K • Average Profit Margins: 3.6% • Startup Costs: $100-$9.5K • Time to Revenue: 3+ months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 6.7% • Best For: Drivers, those who like to socialize

An errand running service enables teens to work as a personal shopper and a courier at the same time. This is a great business to combine with driving Uber or Lyft.

The job is simple: You’ll go to a grocery store and buy all the items that correspond with the list of items a customer has sent. Then you’ll deliver the goods.

The customers can pay for these services through PayPal, Venmo, or your own payment processor.

#27. Delivery

The food delivery industry is a booming market, with companies like Uber Eats and Grubhub making it easier for people to get their favorite food delivered to their doorstep.

Food delivery services are perfect for teens who want to make some money on the side. As a teen, you can start your own courier service where you pick up orders from restaurants and deliver them locally.

Learn more about starting a delivery service below:

#28. Packing

• Average Annual Revenue: $168K+ • Average Profit Margins: 10.6% • Startup Costs: $1K-$100K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2% • Best For: Those who like to organize, clean, and declutter, and those who like to socialize and help people

A packing business is the perfect business idea for teens looking to get started in the world of entrepreneurship. They can start this enterprise on a small scale and eventually expand it into a larger-scale company.

Some of the benefits teens get from starting this kind of business include:

• Working from home, making it an easy venture for all family members to contribute to
• Providing job opportunities to other family members who might not be able to work anymore but still want some income
• A limited capital requirement to start because they are labor-intensive rather than capital-intensive

#29. Recycling

• Average Annual Revenue: $52M+ • Average Profit Margins: $52M+ • Startup Costs: $500-$3.5M • Time to Revenue: 6-18 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9% • Best For: Materials and construction experts, businesspeople who like physical work

Recycling is one of the most important things that we can do for our planet. It’s also one of the easiest things to get into.

There are plenty of ways to make money with recycling, but it may be best to start with a simple idea like running a recycling dropoff business.

What you’ll need:

• A space for storing and sorting recyclables
• A website or Facebook page to advertise your service
• Recycling bins for customers to use when dropping off materials at your business
• Deals with recycling centers to send the recycled goods to be processed

Two areas that are often overlooked when recycling are electronics boards and construction materials. Both can make hefty returns if you start a business in an area that doesn’t offer disposal of these things.

Think you might enjoy marketing? Consider a business idea from this list:

• Sports Promotion
• Social Media Marketing
• Social Media Influencer

#30. Sports Promotion

• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$160K • Average Profit Margins: 8% • Startup Costs: $500-$2K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 10.5% • Best For: Bloggers, influencers, and digital marketing and social media experts

The internet is a vast space, and there are business ideas for teens in most niches. Starting a business in sports promotion is a great idea for a teenager who loves sports and has the time to dedicate to it. You’ll be marketing sports or athletes.

This article can teach you more about the field.

The most important thing about starting a business in sports promotion is being aware of the different obstacles that come with this type of business.

For example, you have to know how to promote yourself on social networking sites, have connections with people in the sports industry, and be assertive when interacting with consumers.

#31. Social Media Marketing

• Average Annual Revenue: $817K • Average Profit Margins: 6.9% • Startup Costs: $100-$10K • Time to Revenue: 1-6 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.3% • Best For: Social media experts, writers and content creators, people with search engine optimization (SEO) expertise

Social media is a powerful marketing channel that every business should take advantage of. It’s the easiest way to get in contact with your target audience, build your brand, increase sales, and attract new customers.

A social media business posts content regularly to help engage with followers. It doesn’t have to be big content, either! Open questions, polls, and Q&As are great ways to engage consumers.

Helping out a business with their social media management is a natural fit for teens who are already familiar with the ins and outs of social media platforms. Your customer list could include any small or large business that simply doesn’t have the time or bandwidth to manage its own accounts.

#32. Social Media Influencer

• Average Annual Revenue: $817K • Average Profit Margins: 6.9% • Startup Costs: $100-$10K • Time to Revenue: 1-6 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.3% • Best For: Social media experts, writers and content creators, and people with SEO expertise

When it comes to marketing, social media influencers are the new celebrities. They can reach millions of people with just one TikTok or tweet. Once you become one, businesses will hire you to promote their selling digital products online.

Influencers on social media are not just people who have a ton of followers. They are usually people who have something valuable to offer on their channels, whether it be their creativity or their expertise in a topic.

Start sharing more about the things you love, post regularly, and build your following.

Consider some of these businesses.

• Cake Making
• Magazine (e-Zine) Publishing
• Craft Fair Vending
• Window Washing
• Soap Making Business

#33. Cake Making

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.52M • Average Profit Margins: 5.4% • Startup Costs: $100-$3M • Time to Revenue: 1-6 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1% • Best For: Food lovers and creative entrepreneurs with strong customer service skills

One of the most fun businesses for teens to get into is cake making—or any other food-related business.

If you enjoy cooking, baking, and decorating cakes, then it might be a good idea for you to start your own cake-making business in your free time.

You can sell them to your friends and family members, or in some cases, you can even open up a shop in the local area.

Another option is to create an online bakery where people can order cakes through the website and have them delivered on-demand with additional customization options depending on what they order (flavor, toppings, etc.).

Check out this video about how this bakery owner started his bakery.

#34. Magazine (e-Zine) Publishing

Starting your own magazine can be a difficult endeavor. But with the right knowledge, you can help ensure the success of your project.

The first thing to know about publishing a teen-oriented magazine is that it has to be relevant and tailored toward teens in order to make it interesting for them. Good thing you are one.

Don’t make the mistake of having old people tell you what to write about, ‘cause we have no clue! There are plenty of great examples out there of successful teen magazines that have been created by teens themselves.

#35. Craft Fair Vending

One of the more common entrepreneurship ideas for teenagers is selling at local craft fairs. That makes sense, since good business ideas for teens are low-cost and can be done mostly from home.

A craft fair vendor is a great opportunity because you can sell your arts and crafts projects or simply purchase goods for reselling.

#36. Window Washing

• Average Annual Revenue: $64K • Average Profit Margins: 8.8% • Startup Costs: $200-$5K • Time to Revenue: 3+ months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.9% • Best For: Those who like to work outdoors, those who enjoy working with their hands, machines, tools

If you’re wondering how to start a business as a teenager with no money, consider a window-washing business.

The world loves to be able to see through their windows, and a teen can start this business with a roll of paper towels and the window cleaner they can find for free in their cleaning closet.

When you run out of paper towels and free window cleaner, you can easily buy more after the first job.

If you really want to get creative, use a squeegee and develop your own cleaning products that you can sell to your clients.

As a teen, this is great because it combines low costs with lots of opportunities to increase your skill set.

Check out our interview with Martin Skarra, who bought a window cleaning business:

#37. Art Sales

• Average Annual Revenue: $68K+ • Average Profit Margins: 6.8% • Startup Costs: $1K-$100K • Time to Revenue: 3+ months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.5% • Best For: Salespeople, those with marketing skills, and those who like to travel and socialize

There are a ton of ways to sell art.

Here are some tips for success while selling art:

• Decide what kind of art to sell: original, commissioned, or prints.
• Find a niche for your art. Digital art? Watercolor paintings? Photographs?
• Create a website or blog where you display your work and provide contact information for potential buyers.
• Showcase your work at galleries, small art festivals, and local events. Keep in mind that the goal is to have people see your work and want to buy it.
• Consider using social media sites like Facebook and Instagram as marketing platforms.

#38. Soap Making

• Average Annual Revenue: $1.4M+ • Average Profit Margins: 5.7% • Startup Costs: $500-$250K • Time to Revenue: 3+ months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.2% • Best For: Makeup artists, beauty influencers, cosmetic chemists, and hair and skin care experts

Everybody has to clean themselves. Creating different fragrances of soap can be a fun way to make money. In fact, the U.S. spends nearly $43 billion per year on soap. Get a piece of your local market, then go national.

Didn’t get enough ideas above for businesses you can run online? Consider some of these:

• Online Reseller
• Tech Support
• Transcription
• Retail Arbitrage Business

#39. Online Reselling

• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$120K • Average Profit Margins: 5-15% • Startup Costs: $100-$10K • Time to Revenue: 30-90 days • Annual Market Growth Rate: -9.3% • Best For: Thrifters, collectors, hobbyists, and craftsmen

Starting an online reseller business is a good idea for teens who want to earn some money and explore their entrepreneurial spirit.

It can be as simple as buying clothes, collectibles, or any other item from local stores and reselling them on your own website or on eBay.

Check out our interview with Mike Wilson, who makes $1K to $30K+ per month selling on eBay:

#40. Data Entry

• Average Annual Revenue: $35K-$50K • Average Profit Margins: 10.5% • Startup Costs: $100-$200 • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9% • Best For: Detail-oriented people and those with administrative, clerical, or similar experience

Companies need a ton of data entry. You could start a small business helping other small business owners enter their data.

This is a job that can be done from home with remote access, or you can go to local companies and do the work on site.

As long as you can type, data entry should definitely be on the list of teenage business ideas.

#41. Tech Support

• Average Annual Revenue: $35K-$50K • Average Profit Margins: 10.5% • Startup Costs: $100-$200 • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.9% • Best For: Outgoing and social entrepreneurs, those with strong scheduling, time management, problem solving, and technical skills

If you have a knack for technology, have a positive attitude, and are great with people, then you should consider starting a tech support business.

You might not realize that there’s a huge demand for tech support. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there were currently 110,000 jobs in this field.

#42. Transcription

• Average Annual Revenue: $25K • Average Profit Margins: 20.50% • Startup Cost: $500-$5K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 4.4% • Best For: Fast typers who are excellent listeners and have strong time management skills

Transcribing is documenting what is said during a meeting. Plenty of businesses need this service, and NYtimes Wirecutter found that humans are still better than AI at transcribing.

You can combine both human and AI tools in your business to help you serve multiple clients at once.

Transcription may be a slowing field due to technological advances, but if you know how to leverage the technology, it can be a great business for teenagers.

#43. Retail Arbitrage

• Average Annual Revenue: $60K-$120K • Average Profit Margins: 5-15% • Startup Costs: $100-$10K • Time to Revenue: 30-90 days • Annual Market Growth Rate: -9.3% • Best For: Shoppers, collectors, and thrifters

Finding products that are being sold for less than market value, buying them, and making a profit is a great way to make some extra money. You’d be surprised how easy it is.

We interviewed a former delivery driver who makes $35K doing this and selling on eBay .

Maybe you like helping people accomplish tasks they need to complete. Then these businesses might be right for you.

• Laundry Services
• College Prep
• Leaf Removal
• Tech Tutoring for the Elderly
• Makeup Artistry

#44. Laundry Services

• Average Annual Revenue: $311K+ • Average Profit Margins: 22.1% • Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M • Time to Revenue: 6-18 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: -0.1% • Best For: Customer service pros with high attention to detail

Running a laundry service is a great way to make money, and it can be very profitable. A ton of people are too busy to do their laundry and would be happy to have someone come to their home and do it for them.

As your business grows, you can get a location where customers can just drop off the clothes on the way to work and pick them up on the way home.

You’ll need more than one washer and dryer to have a location with drop-offs to serve the client, though. You will most likely have to buy or rent them from a company that provides laundry equipment for entrepreneurs.

You will also need to get the supplies, such as detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and other things needed for washing clothes. After you have purchased the necessary supplies, start marketing to more people in the area.

Check out our interview with Ferndale Laundry to find out how lucrative a laundromat can be.

#45. College Prep

• Average Annual Revenue: $234K+ • Average Profit Margins: 5.8% • Startup Costs: $100-$1K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 1.1% • Best For: Teachers and people with in-demand or niche skills and knowledge

College is becoming more expensive every year, so it is no surprise that many teenagers are looking for entrepreneurial opportunities to make extra cash. And some of the most popular businesses for teens are college prep courses.

These types of courses help high school students prepare for college, whether they want to attend a four-year university or go into trade school.

College prep courses can be a profitable business, but they also require a lot of time and effort on the part of the teen business owner.

#46. Leaf Removal

A leaf removal service is a small business that offers to remove leaves from a client’s property during fall or year round.

For example, if you live in a city and have a lot of trees around your house that shed leaves all year round, you can see success in cleaning up the leaves every week or two.

#47. Tech Tutoring for the Elderly

• Average Annual Revenue: $18K+ • Average Profit Margins: 13.10% • Startup Costs: $100-$1K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.5% • Best For: Educators and people who are compassionate, empathetic, and can explain complex concepts in simple terms

Technology is the future, and yet it can be overwhelming for the elderly.

One way to make technology more accessible to the elderly is to provide tech tutorials for people who are not familiar with technology.

#48. Makeup Artistry

• Average Annual Revenue: $18K+ • Average Profit Margins: 13.10% • Startup Costs: $100-$1K • Time to Revenue: 1-3 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 8.5% • Best For: Makeup enthusiasts, artists interested in beauty

Another great business idea is starting a makeup artist business. Anyone can start their own business doing makeup, but some states may have licensing requirements that require an apprenticeship or school.

You can book clients online, teach them how to apply their own makeup, apply people’s makeup in person, and also be an online fashion reseller for your favorite products. You can be a valuable resource to people wanting to beautify themselves.

If you want to work with food but don’t want to work as a server or in fast food, consider running an…

#49. Ice Cream Cart

• Average Annual Revenue: $279K+ • Average Profit Margins: 3.7% • Startup Costs: $100K-$3.5M • Time to Revenue: 6-18 months • Annual Market Growth Rate: 0.7% • Best For: Friendly, creative, fun-loving, and detail-oriented entrepreneurs focused on customer service

An ice cream cart is another great small business idea for teens.

If you live near a park, just get an ice cream cart and some of your favorite treats that you can get at low cost from the grocery store, then sell them individually for 3x as much as you paid.

Make sure you have a little radio with the ice cream man music playing, and your job’s done.

All the kids will rush your ice cream, and you’ll be ready for your next journey to the grocery store. If you want to hire your friends to work jobs at other parks, the growth can compound quickly!

Many business ideas follow the same basic seven-step process. When you want to start a teenage business idea, follow these steps:

• Choose a good business idea .
• Write a business plan .
• Choose your business structure .
• Get everything to s tart your business .
• Follow industry best practices, regulations, and tax laws .
• Run your business .
• Keep learning and improving .

If you are a teen under 18, you may need your parents to help you start the business legally.

If so, make sure that you trust the adult who signs the contracts to be honest and fair. Greedy parents have ruined lives. Don’t let people steal the gains you make as a teen entrepreneur.

Use your resources. Adults love seeing teens develop their skill sets and are happy to give input on their areas of expertise.

The whole world is going to social media marketing. No matter what business you are in, start developing your status as a social media influencer. It will make the process easier in any industry.

Always encourage people to help you get more business through word of mouth.

Check out some of our most-viewed videos and blogs to understand different aspects of starting a business:

• How to start a cleaning business
• Most profitable businesses

If you have started a business as a teen, we’d love to hear from you about how you started your business.

If you decide to start one after reading our blog or watching our videos, we definitely want to keep track of how you’re doing. Let us know so we can follow your journey.

Brandon Boushy

Brandon Boushy lives to improve people’s lives by helping them become successful entrepreneurs. His journey started nearly 30 years ago. He consistently excelled at everything he did, but preferred to make the rules rather than follow him. His exploration of self and knowledge has helped him to get an engineering degree, MBA, and countless certifications. When freelancing and rideshare came onto the scene, he recognized the opportunity to play by his own rules. Since 2017, he has helped businesses across all industries achieve more with his research, writing, and marketing strategies. Since 2021, he has been the Lead Writer for UpFlip where he has published over 170 articles on small business success.

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4 thoughts on “49 Best Business Ideas for Teens to Start (in 2024)”

Holiday decorations business

It’s a really awesome blog, thank you for sharing such a very well written content. Keep it up! I hope we’ll get more content in futire. If you want to know more about Growing business online kindly visit – *link retracted*

Hi Prena, We’re glad you enjoy our content! Unfortunately, we try to keep the comments clear of links that have not been approved. If you would like to share what you do, you can fill out a more extensive member profile or fill out our interview form: https://www.upflip.com/youtube-questionnaire

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20 Business Resources for Young Entrepreneurs

Last Updated: February 19, 2024, 12:27 pm by  TRUiC Team

It’s no secret that young entrepreneurs are the future of small business, but as a teen entrepreneur , it may be tough to know where to find help getting started. Whether you have a million-dollar idea or simply the drive to be your own boss — you’re never too young to start working toward opening the business of your dreams.

To get you on the right path, we have gathered the best resources for teen entrepreneurs on everything that you need to know to start a business of your own, from networking to educational resources.

Are you ready to become a young entrepreneur? Take our quick Entrepreneurship Quiz to find out! We also recommend checking out our list of business ideas for teens .

Top Resources for Teen Entrepreneurs

Subscribe to our YouTube channel

At TRUiC, we believe you are never too young to start working toward your goal of starting your own business. With 77% of teens wanting to be their own bos s, resources for teen entrepreneurs aren’t just important — they are necessary! This guide will help you navigate the top resources for teen entrepreneurs to learn the vital skills and information needed to start a business.

1. How to Start a Business - A TRUiC Small Business Guide

All the steps you need to know can be found in our guide on How to Start a Business . From writing a business plan and acquiring funding to marketing your business, every aspect is broken down into easy, actionable steps for new business owners of all ages. Additionally, a visit to the state-specific guide that matches your location will give you more insight into the requirements set forth by your state and get you closer to forming a business legally.

2. How to Form an LLC

Generally, we recommend starting an LLC over any other business structure. Not only are LLCs the easiest to form, but they are also simple to maintain and offer benefits such as personal liability protection and tax perks that other business structures do not. In our guide on How to Form an LLC , we take you step-by-step through the process of forming an LLC in every state.

Keep in mind that you must be at least 18 to form an LLC in most states. Check with your local Secretary of State or equivalent state office to find out your state’s specific requirements for business formation.

3. SBA Business Guide

The Small Business Association (SBA) provides resources for entrepreneurs to start and maintain their businesses. The SBA business guide is an extensive resource with tools to help you navigate every stage of business ownership from start to finish. From writing a business plan to calculating costs and finding adequate funding — the SBA business guide is a one-stop destination for all your business planning needs.

4. TRUiC Business Name Generator

Choosing the right business name is one of the most important and — at times — challenging aspects of planning a business. Your business’s name should be a representation of your brand, clear enough to communicate what your business is while also being catchy and creative. Fortunately, if you’re not sure what your business name should be, our free business name generator produces appropriate names for you to choose from that align with your business type.

5. TRUiC Logo Maker

Once you’ve got your business name squared away, you’ll need a logo to effectively brand your business and increase recognition. The good news is that you don’t need to be a graphic designer to create a great logo for free. Our easy-to-use logo maker allows you to generate a logo for your business that you can use for everything from business cards to marketing materials and more.

6. TRUiC Business Plan Generator

No matter the size or type of business you’re starting, a business plan is an essential component of a successful business. A business plan is essentially a roadmap for the first 3-5 years of your business that outlines milestones and how you plan to reach them. If you plan to seek outside funding, this document is absolutely essential.

Creating a business plan that will help you secure funding and get your business off the ground is easy with our free business plan generator that takes the guesswork out of planning your business and makes it easier than ever.

Financial Resources

7. kid everest.

Created by kids, for kids — Kid Everest is a crowdfunding platform for young entrepreneurs that makes sourcing the startup capital you need safe and easy. Signing up for Kid Everest is free, and they boast one of the lowest rates for crowdfunding at only 4% of donations. Simply sign up, link your bank account, promote your page on social media or via email, and collect donations to start your business.

8. Indiegogo Entrepreneur Services

Another helpful crowdfunding resource, Indiegogo is a platform that makes generating startup capital online super simple. Not only can you crowdfund your new business, but Indiegogo also allows users to extend their campaigns to continue to raise money even after their business is established. Use this platform to generate funding, talk to experts in your field, and expand your brand.

9. Fundable

Fundable is a crowdfunding platform that offers users two methods to crowdfund their businesses: equity or donations. This means you can choose to provide investors with the opportunity to earn a return on investment through equity or obtain funding on a donation basis with no repayment required. Rather than take a percentage of your earnings, Fundable charges $179 per month to use its platform; however, signing up is free, and payment is not required right away.

Networking & Mentoring

Organizers looking to launch events and grow their brand can benefit from using the Hack+ platform to schedule and manage events at no cost to you. This free platform offers event insurance, liability waiver management, equipment and software, and free domain hosting.

BUILD was created to help underserved high school students start businesses of their own while simultaneously offering services to help them become successful, independent adults. The focus of this organization is on six key points called “Spark Skills,” which include communication, collaboration, problem-solving, innovation, grit, and self-management. These skills are developed through programs offered by BUILD, such as its Entrepreneur 101 course or the BUILD four-year program.

12. LaunchX

Laurie Stach, the founder of LaunchX , started the company to provide young entrepreneurs with the tools they need to create successful startups. LaunchX offers a summer program in person and virtually as well as online courses that provide teens with the education and support they need to start their own businesses. If you can’t make one of the events online or in person, the company also offers a LaunchX Workbook that, like its programs, gives insight into generating business ideas, launching a startup, and more.

13. Youth Business International

Youth Business International works with underserved, aspiring entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 to start, grow, and maintain small businesses. Participants can learn how to launch their business, develop products, and reach a global network of experienced entrepreneurs and experts to further their goals.

Starting a business at any age is difficult; getting guidance from experienced mentors can help you successfully start and maintain your business. SCORE offers entrepreneurs of all ages an easy route to finding a business mentor in their area. In addition to this, you can sign up for workshops and browse SCORE’s extensive database of business resources.

15. SBA Mentor-Protégé Program

The SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program pairs aspiring entrepreneurs with mentors who help them win government contracts and run successful businesses through relationships with established companies. Additionally, participants in this program will gain education on marketing, manufacturing, and accounting as well as financial assistance, strategic planning, and more. To participate in the program, your small business must meet the small business standards and meet additional requirements.

Educational Resources

16. young entrepreneur institute.

The Young Entrepreneur Institute provides programs and services to educate children and teens about entrepreneurship. Whether you are looking for a day-long crash course or a semester of entrepreneurial education, aspiring business owners in kindergarten through eighth grade can learn the foundations of business ownership and entrepreneurship to propel their goals forward.

17. E-seedling

E-Seedling hosts a yearly Youth Entrepreneur Camp that teaches young entrepreneurs all the business basics such as writing a business plan, marketing strategies, presenting business ideas, and more. Better yet, E-Seedling prioritizes making business education attainable and fun for all ages.

18. BizWorld.org

A resource for teen entrepreneurs and educators alike, BizWorld.org provides educational programs and curriculum geared towards students of all ages. By signing up for one of BizWorld.org’s programs, you gain access to 21st Century business education on the basics of entrepreneurship, such as business planning using a design thinking method to help students get comfortable thinking outside the box.

19. BizKids

Based on the popular TV show, BizKids is an online resource that provides tools for young entrepreneurs to meet their goals. Educational materials on financial planning, business planning, and marketing are available on the website, as well as interactive games to try your hand at managing a business while having fun.

Whether you are signing up for one of the many courses offered by this platform or simply visiting one of its educational pages, there is a wealth of business knowledge at your fingertips.

20. Generation E

The Generation E institute has resources for young entrepreneurs at an elementary, middle, or high school level. The aim of these programs is to provide children and teens with the educational resources they need to explore various career paths and dream big. At the high school level, these programs even have the potential to be used for college credit, credit recovery, and more.

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Top Business Ideas For Young Adults and Teen Entrepreneurs

How To Succeed if You Are A Young Entrepreneur

Do your research, create a business plan, get organized, network with other entrepreneurs.

#DidYouKnow With a carefully thought strategy, success is possible. If you can adapt to daily changes, you will achieve your goals.

Entrepreneurship Ideas For Teens and Young Entrepreneurs

Do you think e-commerce is the future, can you develop software, have you ever heard of commercial intermediation, are you skilled at gardening, are you good at drawing, are you a designer, are you a good cook, can you offer specific services, do you love cars, could you share your skills and knowledge, do you have extensive knowledge of social networks  , are you a photographer, do you write, do you have a property you’re not using, what about a restaurant franchise, tech companies, pet sitting business.

#CaminoTip A short-term mindset is not a good business partner. Think about the long-term feasibility of your idea and how much you can improve it.

List of Social Media Marketing Business Ideas To Start

• Start a social media marketing agency that helps businesses to improve their online presence.
• Create a blog and/or YouTube channel that offers tips and advice on how to use social media for business purposes.
• Design and run social media campaigns for small businesses free of charge in order to build up experience and a portfolio.
• Offer social media training courses to help people learn how to use these platforms effectively for marketing purposes.
• Develop creative content ideas for brands and help them to create engaging posts that will attract attention.
• Manage Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other accounts on behalf of clients.
• Analyze data from social media channels to identify trends and insights people can use to improve marketing strategies.
• Becoming a social media influencer is one of the great business ideas for teenage entrepreneurs, you can sponsor your favorite brands while you get extra money!

Online Business For Young Entrepreneurs Ideas

• Start a blog or online magazine
• Design and sell digital products, like fonts, graphics, or templates
• Sell handmade crafts or goods on websites like Etsy
• Offer freelance services, like design work, writing, or consulting
• Create a marketing or social media campaign for a business
• Start an online store and sell products from home
• Become a virtual assistant or task runner
• Develop an app or your own website
• Provide professional services, like accounting or legal work, online
• Start a tech support business
• Create an online course or tutorial

Other Simple Business Ideas for Young Entrepreneurs

Photography business, pet grooming business, art business, delivery service, gift wrapping service, graphic design business, tech support, house-sitting business, launch a cleaning service, craft vendor, walking pet services, leaf removal, lawn care services, pet photographer, personal shopper, recycling business, video gaming business, opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

You might find this article useful:  How to start a vending machine business  

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Start » startup, a guide for high school entrepreneurs.

Plenty of students have launched successful businesses, but the journey comes with unique challenges that young entrepreneurs must be prepared for.

Launching a business has become easier and more accessible than ever before. Many entrepreneurs are starting up right out of college — or even earlier.

There are countless examples of entrepreneurs who created successful businesses at a young age. Maddie Rae was 12 years old when she launched a line of slime products for kids. Moziah Bridges founded a bow tie business at age 9. Cory Nieves helped found and develop the recipe for a national chocolate chip cookie company when he was just 6.

Often, all it takes is a good business idea and the right help to build a successful company.

“Today more than ever is a perfect time for young entrepreneurs to launch their dreams and learn valuable lessons about running a company,” said Jack Acree, vice president of Saffron Road .

As a 16-year-old, Acree started his first business and said the experience helped inform his decision-making as an adult entrepreneur. However, launching a company at a young age is no simple feat.

The challenges of being a young entrepreneur

The first major challenge for young entrepreneurs is similar to that of adult entrepreneurs: time management. Between school, extracurricular activities and a social life, it can be difficult to schedule in time to create and run a successful company.

It’s important to do your best to manage your time appropriately. For instance, Acree’s business took off over the summer, so he had time off from school to focus on building his company.

Another big challenge is also one shared by “fully grown” business owners: financing. Funding your business is always a challenge, but with no credit history or, in some cases, even a bank account, starting a company can be difficult.

“High school and college students are often denied access to startup capital and their entrepreneurial ideas and plans are left unrealized,” said Michael Time, CEO of the Time Entrepreneurship Foundation.

Time, whose company sponsors the Honor Loan Program , is looking to help reduce funding barriers for young entrepreneurs. This 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was incubated at Brown University and is proudly "In the Business of the American Dream." Funding for the Honor Loan Program comes from loan repayment, donors and America Equals merchandise sales.

The best entrepreneurs, at any age, understand how to be master ‘jugglers. [It's] a combination of vision, strategy and execution.

Kara Goldin, founder and CEO, Hint, Inc.

How to start a business in high school or college

Here are a few ways to find success as a young entrepreneur:

Understand how you’ll fund your business

If you’re serious about starting a company, one of the first steps should be creating a plan to find funding. Time and the Honor Loan Program is a perfect example: it offers both funding and guidance for young entrepreneurs looking to start a business.

“‘No Entrepreneur Left Behind’ is one of our mottos,” he said. “We provide support without competition because we believe that all students deserve the opportunity to pursue the American Dream.”

In addition to opportunities like the Honor Loan Program, you can also look into grants and local business competitions.

[Read: Business Lessons from College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk ]

Learn to prioritize your time

Time management is essential throughout your career, so young entrepreneurs have an opportunity to learn this important skill early on. Kara Goldin, CEO and founder of Hint, Inc. , knows this importance better than anyone.

“The best entrepreneurs, at any age, understand how to be master ‘jugglers,’” she said. “[It's] a combination of vision, strategy and execution.”

Do your best to balance your regular life with your budding career. Start by planning your days and upcoming weeks in advance so you can be prepared to develop your company properly.

Have a plan for operating your business and handling customers

Even with the proper funding and time management skills, you still need a viable business idea and a good plan behind it. Otherwise, your business will flounder. To this end, Goldin noted that young entrepreneurs should learn and recognize their own strengths and weaknesses, and potentially find help where needed to fill in any gaps.

Similarly, Acree said it’s crucial to focus on how you’re going to build and operate your business, especially when it comes to customer service.

“Customer service is key, so you will want to have an opportunity to maintain regular contact with your customers,” he said.

[Read: 6 Customer Service Strategies That Will Boost Sales ]

Find a mentor

All great leaders and business owners had mentors at one point. Do your best to find someone who can mentor you through this process. Remember, mentorship doesn’t always have to come from a defined mentor.

“Find at least one adult who is experienced in traditional business (finance, investing, etc.) to serve as a mentor,” said Davina Farahi, founder of Shaya .

Time agreed, advising student entrepreneurs to find mentors “to help answer questions both known and the important ones that are as yet unknown.”

Learn how to manage your finances

Managing finances can be difficult for many people, but it can be especially tricky for young adults. According to Time, the Honor Loan Program partners with schools to provide their students entrepreneurship education and some basic financial management lessons, including how to track their finances and create (and stick to) a budget.

"Aside from student loans, avoid incurring debt, particularly credit card debt," said Time. "Student entrepreneurs are encouraged to allocate a portion of their earnings for savings. We reinforce the importance of saving and investing early, which is key to their future success."

Starting a business at any age is difficult, so don’t get discouraged if you don't see success right away. There’s value in doing things that are hard, and what’s important is learning as much as you can about yourself and the world around you.

"Nurture curiosity by asking questions, assuming and prejudging nothing," Time said. "Ask teachers, parents, nonprofit groups and mentors for support ... and, above all, never give up."

[Read: The Step-by-Step Startup Guide: How to Start a Business ]

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43 Business Ideas for Teens

Written by Editorial Team – Editorial Staff , updated on February 4, 2022

Starting your own business doesn’t have to be limited to adulthood — this can start as early as adolescence.

An entrepreneur can recognize a business opportunity in various ways, whether it be a small business like a lemonade stand or a tutoring service. Starting a business plan as a teenager allows them to take advantage of their current connections, especially if they’re in school. Getting an early start can ensure that their hard work can help them save for a long-term goal or get investors as their business grows.

What makes a good business idea for teens?

Teens balance school, work, and their personal lives daily. This makes it even more important to choose the right business idea to align with their passion and availability. It’s also important to consider how much time they can dedicate to their business idea or side hustle .

Business ideas for teens should be flexible regarding hours and commitment, as the school will take up most of their week. Opting for an entrepreneurial opportunity mainly on the weekends makes the most sense, but they can also work on it after school or in the late evenings. The perfect criteria for a teen side hustle is a flexible yet accessible venture since teens typically don’t have a high school diploma or college degree quite yet.

Make it home-based

Most teens live with their parents, so creating a business based at home will likely need parent permission. However, adolescents can find a space in their homes that they can dedicate to their business idea.

For example, you can reserve the dining room table for tutoring in the afternoons, or you can use the garage to set up shop when they have free time. Regardless of where they choose to set up their home business, having a designated area will help streamline the process.

Accommodate a flexible work schedule

Since the typical school day spans the entire morning and early afternoon, flexible part-time hours are arguably the most important factor to the success of a teenager’s business. After school, most young people have many homework assignments, group projects and extracurriculars. Being able to plan around these elements in their schedule is essential to their success.

Select an idea with low startup costs

As they say, it takes money to make money. Your young entrepreneur’s business venture should have low startup costs because the available jobs typically pay minimum wage.

For example, business ideas for teens like babysitting or tutoring have low startup costs but a lucrative potential for growth.

Artistic business ideas

When deciding what business idea to pursue, it’s best to start with what you know. If your teenager is a creative individual, they’re in luck. There are plenty of ways to channel your creativity as an entrepreneur.

In fact, creative teens are at an advantage because they can create or distribute their creations or services. At just 13 years old, the King of Pop Michael Jackson started his solo career, so there’s plenty of opportunities to begin working in adolescence.

1. Makeup artist

If your teen is talented in makeup, put their skills to the test as a makeup artist! After practicing with family members or close friends, taking on clients to produce beautiful faces of makeup can help increase their portfolio and add some extra cash to their wallets.

2. Musician

Taking music lessons from a young age can help up-and-coming musicians hone in on their craft. When your teen is ready to showcase their skills, playing gigs at family events, birthday parties, and other special occasions can help them build a loyal following. Consider posting flyers around town advertising their skills to get the word out!

3. Seamstress or tailor

Personalizing clothing is a handy skill for being a seamstress or tailor, especially since it doesn’t require a degree or certification. Tailors can take on clients based on their own schedule and the business can be as intensive or extracurricular as you like.

Although it’s not necessary, a sewing machine can come in handy for this business idea. Your teen can sew and tailor clothing for a particular rate or even create embroidered designs for their customers.

4. Illustrator or graphic designer

Take their art skills to the next level as an illustrator or graphic designer. Every company needs gorgeous graphics or illustrations to promote its products or services, so there is no shortage of opportunities. Make sure to present potential clients with a portfolio of work to know what to expect and outline their needs beforehand.

5. Photographer or videographer

For those who are masters behind the camera, a career in photography or videography can start as early as adolescence!

Whether they prefer to snap pictures of pets, events, or anything in between, they can find a niche that works for them and build their clientele over time. If your teen wants to go the extra mile, they can learn Photoshop or Lightroom to become a professional at photo editing.

6. Freelance writing

The freelance world is the most accessible industry for teens, especially for writers. Many publications accept contributor content and pay writers for their contributions to the publication. If they write regularly, they could even start their own blog on Medium or create content through Substack.

Etsy business ideas

Nearly 81 million people used the online marketplace Etsy in 2020. If your teen is crafty, setting up an Etsy shop is an excellent business venture. However, it’s important to note that Etsy sellers must be 18 years or older .

If your teenager isn’t quite old enough, make sure the account is under a parent or guardian’s name.

7. Candlemaker

Candle making has been a practice throughout history and it is an amazing way to pocket some extra cash. Candles can also be personalized with different fragrances and colors at a low cost. Making homemade candles requires no degree or certification, so this is another amazing business idea for teens.

8. Soapmaker

Homemade soap is another handmade good that can be personalized with different fragrances and designs. This is an excellent business venture for teens, given the low startup costs and a wide network of friends they can advertise through word of mouth. Get creative with unique packaging to set them apart from the rest!

9. Scrapbooker

Visit the local craft store to begin the scrapbooking business. Many people prefer to outsource their scrapbooking endeavors through a scrapbooker, which can ultimately be a profitable business. The startup costs are low and scrapbooking can be done remotely, which makes this perfect for adolescents.

10. Greeting card maker

Similar to scrapbooking, creating customized greeting cards is another amazing way to put your teen’s creativity to good use. Perfect for those with intrinsic artistic skills, they can request customers for the desired greeting card and charge accordingly.

11. Jewelry maker

Creating personalized earrings, necklaces, bracelets and rings requires some tools and materials that they can get from a local craft store. Be sure to pick up unique stones and gems to incorporate into the homemade jewelry! They can sell their pieces at a local farmer’s market.

12. Gift basket service

Curating gift baskets for purchase is another great way to pocket extra cash since people are always looking to give meaningful gifts. Gift baskets can consist of self-care items, get-well-soon packages and other goodies for the gift receiver to enjoy. This is a great business idea for teens because they can craft gift baskets from home.

Online + eCommerce business ideas

In recent years, the eCommerce and online business industries have grown exponentially. Roughly 15% of all social media influencers are under 25 , so starting early will make sure teenager grow their skills over time.

For every 10,000 followers , influencers have an earning power of $100 . Catering to audiences who consume content and purchase goods online, this niche is perfect for extroverted adolescents.

13. Blogger

With over 600 million blogs on the internet, the blogger industry is booming. Finding your teen’s niche will ensure that they stand out from the crowd, whether it be a vegan baking blog or a clean beauty blog. Get a blogging career off the ground with sites like WordPress or Bloglovin.

14. Podcaster

The podcast industry is said to reach $1 billion in 2021 . Podcasting is more accessible than ever but similar to blogging. It’s important to find a niche to stand out from the rest. Using a recording software like Squadcast makes it easy to record remotely and gives each host a separate audio track. All your teen needs is a microphone, editing program, and a computer to upload their podcast episodes to Spotify, Apple, and wherever else podcasts are found.

15. Social media influencer

There are so many different social media platforms that adolescents can grow their followings on, from TikTok to Instagram and even YouTube! Their income would come from promoting products, clothing, food and other affiliate marketing. YouTube reviews and unboxings are a great way to monetize videos, especially if they’re a YouTube personality or a live-streaming gamer on Twitch. Ultimately, they will learn the ins and outs of social media marketing.

16. eBay store owner

Similar to opening their own Etsy store, your teen could also operate their own eBay store where they can become successful resellers. With over 187 million users worldwide, people are always looking to buy used items for a discounted price.

Technical business ideas

Being good with technology is one of the most valuable skills an individual can have. Even entrepreneur Bill Gates got his start as a computer programmer in his senior year of high school. Gates took his passion for tech and turned it into an entire industry. For teens who want to specialize in various technical fields, read below for the best business ideas for tech-savvy teenagers.

17. Proofreader

Reading written content for errors or mistakes is an important part of publishing anything, especially online. If your teenager has great attention to detail and proofreading skills, they can charge for their talents! Websites like Upwork are an excellent place to offer their skills as freelance proofreaders and advertise their services through LinkedIn.

18. Web designer

Setting up a website is a necessary step for any business, organization, or freelancer. Offering services as a web designer is an incredibly lucrative and rewarding business idea for adolescents since many companies are looking for website designers. This business idea is perfect for teens because it accommodates flexible schedules and remote work.

19. Transcription service

Transcribing is when an individual listens to the audio and either types captions or entire transcripts. This is especially important for those with hearing disabilities, so this is a great option if your teen wants to make a positive impact. Some advantages of being a transcriber as a teen are that they can work as much or as little as their schedule allows, and the work is typically remote.

20. Data entry

One of the more popular forms of remote work is data entry. This is perfect for teens with great organizational and mathematical skills because most data entry involves organizing numerical values.

21. Tech support

Basically, every company has an IT department, so a career in tech support can start at an early age! All they need to begin is a computer and phone as forms of communication with customers, which is another reason this is an excellent business venture for adolescents.

22. App or online game creator

Creating a mobile application or game is an amazing way to kick start a career in software. They don’t necessarily have to get into the nitty-gritty of technical development but can help design the aesthetics instead.

Caretaker business ideas

Some of the more common side hustles for teens include but aren’t limited to babysitting, pet sitting, house sitting, or tutoring services. These business ideas are extremely accessible and have little to no startup costs. These roles are suited for teens who are approachable, responsible, and sociable.

23. Babysitter

For many teens, babysitting is their first job. As many folks transition back into the workplace, childcare is increasing concern to parents, so there’s likely a robust market for babysitters.

24. Petsitter

As people travel or leave for work, their furry friends need to look after, where being a pet sitter can come in handy. When their owners are out of town, taking care of pets is a sure-fire way to pocket some cash, especially if your teen is responsible and loves animals.

25. Plant sitter

Watering and repositioning plants to make sure they get the right amount of sunlight is also an important responsibility of being a plant owner, which is why being a plant sitter is great for teens with green thumbs. Teens can become plant sitters with no startup cost and it requires no training or certification.

26. Housesitter

Another way to score some extra cash is by looking after people’s houses when they’re traveling. This can encompass pet sitting and plant sitting as well, but it is a more general responsibility where you maintain someone’s house while they’re away. This is another business venture with no startup costs or supplies that need to be purchased.

27. Dog walker

With websites like Rover, almost anyone can sign up to be a dog walker. Since many dog owners have busy schedules and cannot walk their dogs as frequently as they’d like to, outsourcing a dog walker is the preferred method to make sure their furry friends get the exercise they need. This business idea is great for teens who enjoy time outdoors with dogs.

Tutoring business ideas

School is a huge part of being a teenager, so it's no surprise that many tutors are still in school themselves. If your young adult excels at particular subjects, it may be in their best interest to offer tutoring services to the local community. The average annual salary for a tutor is $45,000 a year and their services are always in demand.

28. Art or music tutor

For teens who excel in making art or music, becoming an art or music tutor will help them share their knowledge and educate others. It can also help reinforce their own skills if they’re not currently making art or music of their own!

29. College prep tutor

One of the most common tutors is those who specialize in college preparation or preparation for standardized tests. Helping students study for their exams or apply to college is incredibly rewarding and can even help the tutors themselves with their education.

30. Technology tutor

Technology doesn’t come easy to everyone, but tech-savvy teens can help those who struggle with computers. Whether they work with groups or individuals, educating people on technology is the knowledge that lasts a lifetime.

Cleaning and maintenance business ideas

Teens who don’t mind getting their hands dirty are in luck — there are limitless business ideas in the realm of cleaning and maintenance.

Even Marie Kondo, the most well-known organizer, got her career started as a tidying consultant . Organization and cleanliness are also skills that are helpful in one’s own life.

31. Laundry service

Operating a laundry service is an amazing way to pocket some money while helping people out. Washing and drying clothes by taking them to a laundromat can streamline the process of this business model. While the clothes are being washed or dried, there will likely be lots of downtime where they can do homework.

32. Pet cleanup service

Removing pet waste from backyards can be lucrative, making up to $40 to $45 an hour . The amount your teen can charge depends on the size of the yard and the number of animals from which the waste was incurred.

33. Professional organizer

The organization doesn’t come easy to people with busy schedules, so hiring a professional organizer makes their lives easier while making their career profitable. If your teen has a knack for organization and cleanliness, this might be the side hustle for them.

34. Car washing

Manual car washing isn’t just for fundraisers; you can make a business out of it too. Offering car washing services is perfect for adolescents who live in warmer climates.

35. Lawn care business

Lawn care is an intensive form of manual labor, so it is often outsourced. If you have a lawnmower, starting a lawn mowing business with your teen may prove to be extremely fruitful. Lawn care isn’t just limited to grass — different seasons may encourage you to offer snow and leaf removal services as well.

36. Housecleaning

Housekeeping is a task that most don’t enjoy, but it needs to be done. If cleaning is your teen’s forte, providing house cleaning services is a great way to make some extra money. The prices they can charge depend on the size of the living space, the intensity of the clean and local prices for home cleaners.

37. Errand-running

Many individuals have busy lives that prevent them from running errands. This is where being a personal shopper can be a lucrative business idea for your teenager. Considered a service-based business, this type of service can include delivery, shopping and everything in between.

38. Recycling or upcycling service

If your teen has a car and a driver’s license, running a recycling or upcycling business could be in the cards for them. Offering services like curbside pickup and other bonuses will help them make some extra cash.

Seasonal business ideas

During the holiday and summer seasons, young adults have time off of school. This presents itself as an opportunity to get a seasonal job or business venture. To prevent your teen from twiddling their thumbs during the break, check out these seasonal business ideas for adolescents.

39. Holiday decorator

Put their decorating skills to the test as a holiday decorator. Many families love to decorate their homes or front yard but may not have the time to do so. Your teenager can be creative and pocket some extra cash as a holiday decorator.

40. Packing service

For many college students, the summer break means moving out of dormitories or apartments. Offering moving or packing services is an excellent way for your teen to scope out the college experience while also creating their first business.

41. Party entertainer

Holidays typically mean lots of gatherings, which typically need an emcee. If your teen loves entertaining, they could make a great party entertainer for hire. This is a great business opportunity for teens since they can build a local network of clients and don’t require prior certification.

42.Gift wrapping

Arguably one of the more difficult parts of the holiday season is wrapping presents. Wrapping paper, tape and scissors are all your teenager will need to start offering their gift-wrapping services.

43. Lemonade stand

One of the oldest ideas in the book is every kid’s first business: a lemonade stand. When life gives your teenager lemons, they can start a booming business in the beverage industry.

Whether your teen is saving for college or looking to buy their first car, a business idea is the first step to achieving their financial dreams. Not only does running their own side hustle teach them valuable life lessons, but it also shows college admissions counselors and future employers that they’re serious about their endeavors with a successful business.

Finance, accounting and communication skills are integral strengths that your teen will facilitate should they become a future entrepreneur.

Article by:

Editorial Team

Editorial Staff

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Home » Business » 100 Best Business Ideas for Teens and Students

100 Best Business Ideas for Teens and Students

High school students are often in need of extra money but don’t have much experience or formal qualifications. The one thing young people usually do have is free time. Though unable to meet the formal requirements for large ventures, there are some lucrative business opportunities uniquely suited to young entrepreneurs.

Here are 100 of the best business ideas from around the web that don’t require much time or much money, perfectly suited to teen entrepreneurs.

Services for Pet Owners

1. Dog Walking Get paid to exercise man’s best friend.

Where to Start:

• Work out your availability and schedule.
• Plan your service, such as how many dogs at a time, how long each walk is, etc.
• Advertise. Facebook marketplace, online classifieds, and local noticeboards are great for this.

2. Pet Training If you have experience training dogs or other animals, this can earn good money without much work.

• Write down your service so you know what you are offering. Think about if you teach basic or advanced pet behavior, etc.
• You will need a space where you can offer your service.
• Write clear ads that positively explain your services.
• Promote, e.g., video social media like TikTok, Instagram reels, or YouTube shorts.

3. Pet Grooming This business does have more responsibility than the first two, and can also be easier to operate as clients come to your location.

• You will need a suitable space to operate from.
• You will need pet grooming tools, e.g., pet brushes, a pet bath, good detergent, scissors, fur clippers, and pet claw clippers to start.
• Get your name out there. Grooming pets for friends or family members can get you on people’s radar.
• Use visual social media like Instagram, which is great for brand building and promotion.

4. Pet Sitting This is a great opportunity if you can take responsibility and be reliable. Visit people’s homes and look after their pets while they are away. This may include training, grooming, or walking services if you want.

• The key to pet sitting is to demonstrate responsibility. Consider creating an online profile such as on Facebook, Google (a business profile) or LinkedIn.
• Get feedback and ratings for your business. Volunteering for neighbors or friends is a great way to start.

5. Horse Exercise Rider A little-known opportunity for horseback riders of at least intermediate experience is riding other people’s horses for exercise. This can be available from some stables as a part-time job, but can also be operated as a small business.

Where to Start: You can start simply by finding somewhere you are allowed to ride and then customers. Some states and counties may require insurance. See #2 and #3 for tips on advertising and promoting your services.

Beauty and Personal Services

6. Personal Style Consultant A personal stylist is simple to run as a sole proprietorship. This type of business helps others to design their wardrobe and accessories, so they always look their best.

Where to Start: You will need an eye for style and knowledge of current trends. You will also need to develop a consistent approach to consultations and pricing. Consider showing your skill and knowledge on social media platforms. Make sure to get referrals and build feedback with promotional offers or by helping friends or acquaintances.

7. Nail Technician This is a great business idea for teens or students who do not have their own car, as it is easy to operate from their homes.

• Invest in some high-quality nail polishes and equipment.
• If you have a technical college certificate, make sure to let people know because it can add validity and confidence to your service.
• Find potential clients through social media and word of mouth.

8. Makeup Artist Makeup artistry is a simple yet effective business model. It is one of the best teen business ideas because there are a lot of potential customers, from photographers and modeling agencies to private clientele.

• Create a portfolio showing your best work.
• Figure out your availability, services, and pricing.
• Advertise privately through word of mouth or social media, or contact local small businesses such as photographers and offer your services.

9. Hair Stylist It is best to leave cutting the hair to professionals, but styling hair is something that anyone with a little talent and dedicated practice can learn. And the best part is that it is a simple way to start your own business.

• You will need the ability to style hair to a high standard and achieve certain looks based on photos.
• Create a portfolio of your best work.
• Advertise locally. Building up a word-of-mouth business with happy clients is an excellent way to create high demand over time.

Cooking and Hospitality Services

10. Home baking Most people love good home-baked goods, but baking can be hard work and time-consuming. This is a great home business that doesn’t require leaving your house. Do note that there are laws regulating making food from your home, so depending on your area, you might need to rent a commercial kitchen.

• You will need the genuine ability to bake very well.
• You will also need a knack for presenting your baked goods in a way that makes them look attractive.
• Brainstorm your selection of recipes for customers to choose from.
• Decide on your means of sale. Word-of-mouth or the local farmers’ market is the best way to get started.

11. Cake Decorating Being a cake decorator requires patience, creativity, and skill which makes it a lucrative side hustle.

• You will need a good-quality piping kit and cake decorating tools.
• You can practice with simple prop cakes and decorate them repeatedly. Most people will happily let you practice for their birthday or other special events. Ask for permission to take pictures of the decorated cake to use in your portfolio.
• Make your availability known, and the work will usually find you. Also, consider putting up a simple Facebook page with pictures of your finished cakes.

12. Personal Chef This is an easy way to get a head start on cooking for yourself. Eating healthy home-cooked meals takes a lot of effort, and many people are willing to pay for this service.

• Have a list of delicious yet reliable recipes that you can cook well.
• List services with community groups, churches, or at a local market.

13. Meal Prepper Unlike being a personal chef, being a meal prepper is about bulk. Most people will accept less variety and slightly lower quality when buying bulk freezer meals.

• Have a list of common and easily scalable meals (e.g., soups).
• You will need a big enough kitchen and cookware to cook in bulk.
• Offer your services where potential clients are, e.g., online fitness groups, notice boards at gyms, daycare centers, etc.

14. Event Planner Planning special events is often tedious and takes a high level of organization and planning. From birthday parties to Christmas and thanksgiving, many people prefer to hire someone else so that they can maintain their social life.

• If you need to develop experience, start by hosting smaller parties and events. Websites such as Udemy or local tech colleges offer certificates in project management.
• You will need good presentation, clear communication, and great time management skills.
• Advertise through social media presence or by leaving details with party supply stores.

15. Catering While large-scale catering can be a difficult business venture, small-scale catering for family events and small parties is within reach of most teenagers and college students. For small events, you can often have clients pick up their food from your location rather than delivering.

• You will need access to a suitably-size kitchen and cookware. It may be possible to rent the use of a commercial kitchen from a local business, community group, or church.
• Decide on a select list of several courses and different food dishes that you can prepare simultaneously.
• Buy a supply of single-use baking and serving trays to reduce cleanup and eliminate the need for customers to return bakeware.

Creative Work

16. Gift Wrapping Professional gift wrapping is very easy to learn through online tutorials, plus startup costs are very low. Seasonal rushes such as Christmas can be very profitable times of the year. With some practice, this business is well-suited even to younger kids.

• This is an easy skill to practice with some props such as a vase, a tennis ball tube, and a shoebox.
• You will need good-quality wrapping paper, scissors, ribbons, high-quality bows, and tape. These will make the task much easier and result in better-looking wrapped gifts.
• Scale your prices based on your skill, the quality of the ribbon and bows used, and the size of the gift to be wrapped. You might also consider offering boxes for purchase.
• Leave your card or information with stores and advertise in online community groups, especially during the holiday season.

17. Cartooning and Caricatures For those who have a penchant for drawing, caricatures and portraits provide good income potential.

Where to Start: This is difficult to learn, and you will need to be a talented cartoonist or artist before starting. Local markets or online markets places like Etsy are great places to offer your services.

18. Gift Basket Service A custom gift basket service is a good way to earn some extra income. Gift baskets are quite popular, but no one wants to give the same generic store-bought basket.

• You will need to find affordable, decent-quality baskets and a way to pack or present baskets.
• Generate or find a list of somewhat uncommon goods suitable for gift baskets.
• Starting small by advertising through community groups is a good idea.
• If clients can tell you about the recipient, offering tailored baskets can be very profitable.

19. Handmade Greeting Cards While greeting cards are less popular than they once were, the good news is so is the skill of making them.

• Marketing is the biggest challenge due to limited demand. Etsy is a great place to sell handmade creations.
• Good quality materials and the right technique will make a high-quality, keepsake-worthy card that will create a strong reputation and repeat business.
• Learning each technique carefully and creating a great finish quality will be more popular than applying several techniques poorly.
• Consider offering coupons off of future purchases (to happy customers) for online reviews of your work.

20. Artisan Woodwork Woodcraft is beginning to go the way of greeting cards as synthetics dominate almost every consumer product. A high-quality, handmade wood product is very valuable in the right market.

Where to Start: Artisan woodworking should be approached similarly to #19 (Handmade Greeting Cards). Both woodwork and greeting cards can be offered online or through services such as Etsy and local markets.

21. Jewelry Maker Jewelry making can range from simple costume pieces to customer silversmithing. Many community centers and technical colleges offer courses in jewelry making, ranging from simple through to ornate.

• Decide on the type of jewelry that you want to make.
• Research what similar designs are popular and their current prices.
• Find a point of difference that allows you to corner a small niche in the larger market.

Domestic Services

22. Laundry Service A laundry service is a great idea for a new business, and because it’s a recurring chore, you can pick up reliable work on a regular basis.

Where to Start: You will need access to a washer, dryer, and a clothesline or drying cupboard. Think about if your business includes pickup and delivery or requires being dropped off. Decide if the clothing needs to be pre-sorted or if you will offer sorting. You will need to be careful because incorrect sorting can damage the clothing, so you may want to require the customer to sort their own clothes.

Then, decide if your service includes an ironing option. Your speed, efficiency, and convenience are your main selling points.

23. Ironing Service An ironing service can be an add-on to a laundry service or operated as a standalone business. Ironing can be very quick for some and much slower for others, so this is only viable for fast ironers.

• You will need a good quality, variable heat iron, ironing board, and ironing starch.
• Offering a business shirt package (e.g., 5 shirts per week) or a blouse and skirt package can help land more clients faster.
• Make sure your rate reflects the labor required and a pickup and delivery fee if you offer it.

24. Holiday Decoration This unconventional job can be difficult to make consistent income from due to its seasonal nature.

Where to Start: There is little needed for this job other than a good attitude and putting yourself out there.

25. Silver Polisher Silverware takes quite a lot of work to keep in good condition. Many owners of large collections are willing to pay to have their silverware maintained on a regular basis.

• You will only need some silver polish compounds and polishing cloths.
• Make sure to have at least one light-duty polishing compound for use on silver-plated items. These chemicals are usually diluted with water.
• Also, have one medium-duty polishing compound (these are usually pasted).
• Look for this work through community groups, particularly those with elderly or wealthy members.

26. Clothing Repairs and Alterations If you have a sewing machine and intermediate sewing skills, there is often work to be had performing basic clothing alterations and repairs.

• You will need a reliable sewing machine that creates a decent quality finish.
• Gain clients by leaving your details with local businesses such as dry cleaners, dress shops and menswear retailers.

27. Dress Maker  In the modern fast-fashion economy, having a one-of-a-kind dress is all the rage. If you have the skills to sew custom dresses, this can be a very lucrative business. Sewing dresses is usually less technical and precise than making custom mens’ dress shirts, for example, so it is a good clothing item to start with.

• You will need the ability to make clothing from patterns.
• A good sewing table, fabric scissors, a seam ripper, a measuring tape, some pins, and sewing machine is a minimum.
• Begin selling your services within your social circle, build your portfolio and then expand using a social media presence once you have a variety of pictures of your work that you can post.

28. Housesitting Many people do not like to leave their houses unattended, especially if going on extended holidays. This business can provide a way to earn money and have free accommodation, making it ideal for older teenagers and young adults.

• Build a high-quality and professional website.
• You must be exceptionally trustworthy and reliable.
• Gain experience with friends, family, and acquaintances, and get references from them that you can give to potential customers.
• Be creative to get customers to take the time to write online reviews. Getting good online reviews is critical to a trust-based business.

29. House Cleaning (and Organizational Services) Cleaning is a simple business to get started in. It can be as simple as offering to sweep and vacuum for neighbors using their own vacuum and broom and, with time, built into a full-fledged, professional cleaning service with multiple staff. You can even offer organizational services to tidy up pantries, closets, etc.

• For a simple business, especially for middle school-aged students, ask friends, family, and neighbors for opportunities.
• For a more serious business, you will need a vehicle, your own cleaning equipment, and at least basic insurance.
• Advertise with local community groups and/or social media groups.

30. Babysitting Babysitting is the quintessential teenage small business. It is important to be completely reliable and trustworthy. This business is generally much easier for young women to operate than young men due to common social stereotypes.

• The easiest way to start is to offer your services to family friends, and friends of parents.
• Once your reputation is established, advertising online and in community groups is easier. However, word-of-mouth is often enough.
• With time a well-structured business with a good business plan can be scaled into a babysitting agency with employees.

Gardening and Odd Jobs

31. Gardner Gardens are something that almost every resident loves having, but not many have the knowledge and/or time to maintain one. If you have a green thumb, becoming a gardener is a viable option.

• Make sure you have the correct equipment, including gardening shears, a gardening spade, gloves, a sunhat, etc.
• Assess where you can deliver this service. For example, if your only transportation is a bike, your service area is only as large as the distance you can ride.
• Set a pricing structure that covers your expenses and labor.
• Advertise to your target audience with letterbox drops and posts on social media.
• Consider making a personal appeal in your advertising, such as conveying that you are saving for college or something similar in your advertising.

32. Landscaper / Landscape Architect Landscaping is a bit more involved than gardening. As a landscaper, you will likely be asked to build paths, cut down trees, replant shrubs, and plant a variety of plants. As a landscape architect, you will be asked to design yards. For both, you should have a working knowledge of trees and plants that do well in your local area and be ready with suggestions for your clients.

• Assess what equipment you may need, including shovels, gloves, steel-toed boots, fertilizer, etc.
• Make sure you have a suitable vehicle to transport your equipment.
• Check insurance requirements with your local county.
• Set an hourly rate that covers all of your costs. Make sure it is not so high that people cannot afford your service.
• If you have done landscaping in the past for yourself or friends, take photos and create a portfolio to show your potential clients.
• Advertise by word of mouth, social media, and letterbox drops.

33. Lawn Care There is ample opportunity to create a business in lawn care. This service does not require as much skill as landscaping. And, whether someone rents or owns their house, they probably have a lawn (especially when they live outside of a city).

• Make sure you have access to a lawnmower that doesn’t take too much energy to push (or a riding lawnmower).
• Arrange suitable transportation for you and your lawnmower, such as a truck pulling a trailer.
• Set a pricing structure that covers all costs, including gas for your car and mower. Then set your labor rate based on either lawn size or time spent.
• Make sure to be clear about precisely what your package rate includes, and if you have multiple packages (like one that includes weeding and one only with mowing and edging).
• Advertise to your potential clients.

34. Go’fer/Errand runner If you have access to a car, running errands for the elderly or busy executives can be a lucrative business. This business can be started with just a car and is perfect for people with low capital.

• Set guidelines on the jobs you will and will not accept. For example, you may be happy to pick up groceries and offer that service, but you are not comfortable picking up medicine. Knowing your limits for this job is just as important as knowing the service you offer.
• Set a pricing structure that is affordable to your target clientele. If you set a rate that is too high, pensioners and people on a fixed income may not be able to afford your service regardless of how much they would like to use it.
• Consider insurance options, especially if you are going to be driving your client from place to place. You do not want to be liable for damages in case of an accident.
• Advertise at your local Veterans of Foreign Wars, lawn bowling club, and other places where the senior citizens (the elderly) socialize.

35. Car washing Car washing is an age-old at-home business and has potential regardless of where you live. All you need is car shampoo, a rag and a hose!

• Decide what type of car washing you will offer. Will you offer only external cleaning, or will you also offer an interior vacuum service? What about a complete detailing?
• Decide whether you will wash the cars at the location of your client, or will offer valet pick-up of the car from the client’s workplace and return it when it is clean. Or does it need to be dropped off at your residence? Perhaps you have multiple options with different pricinig.
• Research what car products are best for cleaning and which should be avoided.
• Consider taking out insurance to safeguard against damage from the chemicals used.
• Set a rate that covers the cost of your cleaning products as well your labor. Consider the size of the vehicle, as well as what the client is having done.
• Advertise on social media as well as dropping off advertisements at corporate offices.

36. Car detailing Car detailing requires more expertise than car washing. To detail a car, you will need knowledge of the products used as well as the detailing process. While you can charge more money for a detailing service, you will also need to provide a much higher quality of work.

• Make sure you are familiar with the car detailing process and have the required skills.
• Purchase the required products to complete a car detail.
• Create a portfolio of before and after shots of your detailing skill. If you don’t have any photos consider detailing your friends and family’s cars to create your portfolio.
• Set your rate. This can be an hourly rate or job rate based on car size and condition.
• Advertise to your target audience.

64 More Great Business Ideas for Teens and Students

37. Window Washing 38. Pressure Washing 39. Odd Jobber 40. Small Engine Repairer 41. Personal Driver 42. Personal Shopper 43. Courier (transporting packages) 44. Snow Shoveler, Leaf Sweeper 45. Chimney Sweeping 46. Handyman 47. Pool Cleaning 48. Pool Cover Cleaning

Education and Personal Development Businesses

49. Tutoring 50. Tech Tutor (for elderly) 51. Proofreading 52. Accountability Coach 53. TEFL (“Teaching English as a Foreign Language”) Tutor 54. IELTS (“International English Language Testing System”) Consultant 55. Interview Coaching 56. Little League Coaching 57. Music Lessons 58. Voice Coaching/Singing Lessons

Health and Fitness Services

59. Personal Training 60. Fitness/Macro Consultant 61. Quad Bike Rentals 62. Kayak Rentals

Online Business Ideas

63. Online Store 64. Dropshipping and white labeling 65. Online Periodical 66. Start an online consignment company 67. Facebook/eBay Upselling 68. Computer Repair 69. Email Marketer 70. Etsy Store 71. YouTube Content Creation 72. YoutTube Channel (long-term before monetization) 73. YouTube Marketer 74. SEO Marketer 75. Google Ads Expert 76. Upcycle Fashion 77. Upcycle Furniture 78. KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing to sell books on Amazon)

Professional and Technology Services

79. Professional Friend 80. Social Coach 81. Photographer 82. App Development 83. Web Development 84. Graphic Design 85. CAD Drafting 86. 3D Printing Consultant 87. Audio Visual Technician (setting up home entertainment systems and all-in-one remotes) 88. Resume Writing/Cover Letter Writing 89. Social Media and Affiliate Services 90. Affiliate Marketer 91. Social Media Content Creator 92. Social Media Influencer 93. Twitch Streamer 94. Instagram Manager 95. Social Media Manager 96. TikTok 97. Podcaster 98. Blogger/Vlogger

Miscellaneous Services

99. Create and Market Your Own Line of Beauty Products 100. Street Performing 101. Reauthoring (finding copyrighted books and reauthoring) 102. Recycling 103. Grease Collection 104. Airbnb 105. Gun Smithing 106. Wild Animal/Snake Removal 107. Fireworks Setup

With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a good business plan, there are almost limitless profitable business ideas accessible to young adults. While this list of good business ideas is tailored for residents of the United States, the low startup costs of these ideas make them accessible in many countries. Almost any simple business idea with low costs and a decent profit margin is a good place to start earning extra cash as a teenager or student. You can do this!

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• 100 Best Side Hustles for Teachers
• 100 Best Side Hustles for Teens to Make Money
• 50 Most Profitable Recession Proof Businesses
• 50 Best Side Hustles for Accountants

Top 45 Business Ideas for 20-Year Olds [Updated for 2024]

Are you currently in your 20s and feeling motivated to launch your own business?

You are not alone! Many 20-year-olds aspire to be their own boss and start a business.

Coming up with realistic business ideas for a young founder on a budget can be challenging.

Fortunately, we have compiled a list of some of the best business ideas suitable for young adults. Keep reading to find out if any of these ideas interest you!

1. Become a virtual assistant ($340K/month)

Virtual assistants support businesses, teams, or individuals by performing administrative tasks remotely. As businesses these days tend to outsource their tasks, the demand for virtual assistants is growing rapidly.

Becoming a virtual assistant is flexible, as you can choose a work schedule and location at your convenience. Many virtual assistants have a dedicated home office where they work in a quiet and distraction-free environment.

To become a virtual assistant, identify a niche you like and undertake any training. Then, figure out how much to charge your customers and create an online presence where you can apply for jobs. As a virtual assistant, you can define your work schedule depending on your availability.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Case Study On Starting A Business Training Virtual Assistants Filipino Virtual Assistance by FVA Business Consultancy, founded by Julmar Grace Locsin, offers online and offline training to empower marketers, enable businesses, and equip freelancers which has trained 25,000 students from their 31 courses, has 16 coaches assigned from different territories, and fifteen in the FVA team for global digital leadership that will impact the world through digitalization, one life at a time. $1K Monthly Revenue $500 Startup Costs 6 7.76K

2. Start an auto detailing business ($20K/month)

Starting an auto detailing business is a great way to start your own business and get in on the action. Auto detailing is one of the fastest-growing industries in America, and it’s only going to get bigger as people want their cars to look like they just came off the showroom floor. Plus, you’ll be satisfied knowing that you’re helping people take care of their most prized possession: their car!

Auto detailing business is a low barrier to entry entrepreneurship opportunity and can be mobile or operate from a physical location. To start an auto detailing business, find a strategic location and invest in modern equipment and technology.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $20,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 45 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 8 hours/week

Case Study I Left Tech & Built My Own Car Detailing Business [My Hobby] Learn how former tech salesman, Matt Paskow, left the industry to start Fresh Look Mobile Auto Detailing, a profitable mobile auto detailing business generating around $5k per month that focuses solely on SEO, Google AdWords, and Google My Business for marketing. $5K Monthly Revenue $2.5K Startup Costs 9 4K

3. Become a graphic designer ($30K/month)

Graphic designing involves creating sketch designs and materials for corporate clients, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishers. Besides, graphic designers provide visual solutions to specific company images, log design, and branding problems.

Graphic design is an excellent career for creative thinkers who enjoy using their talent and artistic skills combined with technology and communication abilities to come up with unique solutions for their clients.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $81,000/month

How long does it take to build: 165 days (?)

Case Study How We Make $7.5K/Month With A Productized Service Draftss.com is a productized graphic design and front-end code service on subscription that made $66k ARR in 2019, has an MRR of $9.6k as of July 2020, and offers add-ons such as designers being added to team in interacting tools and front-end code services on WordPress using various page builders like Elementor and Divi. $15K Monthly Revenue $100 Startup Costs 2157 11.4K

4. Start a pet store ($927K/month)

Pet stores are retail businesses that sell animals and pet supplies. They are a leading industry category with sales of approximately $4.5B U.S dollars and positive sales growth of 2.7% .

You can set up a pet store in many places, like supermarkets, malls, or pet supply stores.

The first thing to do is to find a location for your store. A good place would be an area with many residential buildings, schools, and colleges as this will give you access to many customers. It would help if you also looked for a location near public transport as it will make it easier for people to come and visit your store.

How much you can make: $20,000 — $1,833,333/month

How long does it take to build: 356 days (?)

Case Study How I Started A 6-Figures Business Selling A Dog Accessory Mechanical engineer and avid bike rider Mike Leon turned his hobby of creating a safe bike-to-leash attachment for his service dog into a 6-figure business, shipping from hundreds to thousands of 1-Running-Dog Bike Tow Leashes per year to dog owners, military and law enforcement, and search and rescue teams. $20K Monthly Revenue $22K Startup Costs 8 13.6K

5. Start a music school ($2K/month)

If you have a passion for music and love teaching, starting an online music school can be a great way to kickstart your music tutoring business.

This not only helps you connect with local customers but also opens up opportunities to reach a global audience.

Moreover, starting an online music school gives you the freedom to work from anywhere and at your preferred time.

Whether you are brand new to teaching music online or you have been teaching online but are looking for some fresh inspiration, you can incorporate it into your online music school. examples include:

• Teaching church music online
• Teaching children’s choir
• Youth & adults’ choirs
• Teach live video sessions using online meeting platforms
• Choir, band & orchestra

How much you can make: $2,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $4,535 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

Case Study How I Left My Job To Start A Music, Vocals, Dance And Art Academy Former IT professional Meenakshi started Art Splash Academy of Fine Arts, offering Keyboard, Guitar, Violin, Rock & Pop vocals, Indian Music, Carnatic vocals, Bharatnatyam, Certified Jazz, Arts, Yoga, and Tabla courses for all ages with an investment of $9,000, and now manages it successfully with 80% of customers enrolling in online classes during COVID-19. $2K Monthly Revenue $9K Startup Costs 10 6.48K

6. Start a tech support business ($10K/month)

In today’s world, technology plays a crucial role in our day-to-day lives. Therefore, the need for technical support has become increasingly critical. A tech support business can provide invaluable assistance and troubleshooting services to individuals and companies facing software, hardware, or any other technology problems.

If you’re considering starting a tech support business, you must have a solid understanding of technical skills and possess experience in IT support roles.

Providing exceptional customer service is critical to the success of your tech support business. Actively listening to your clients and thoroughly diagnosing their issues is crucial. Additionally, offering clear and patient support will help you to build a loyal client base.

Finally, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and maintain a comprehensive knowledge base to address a wide range of technical questions and problems effectively. This will help you to provide your clients with the best possible service and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

How much you can make: $200 — $10,000/month

Case Study How I Turned My WordPress Freelance Gigs Into A Productized Service WP-OK offers unlimited WordPress support services designed for serious website owners, boasting a team of four WordPress experts who have provided support for over 2800 tickets and 200+ customers since their launch in 2015, attributing their growth to strategies such as podcasts, Google ads, chatbots, and content marketing. $10K Monthly Revenue 14 7.79K

7. Become a craft business blogger ($1K/month)

The craft industry is becoming more popular than ever before. More people are expressing their love and affection for the craft. Besides, more people are showing their interest in starting a craft-related business.

If you have an affection for crafts, consider starting a craft blog.

A craft blog can cover anything from art and craft industry trends to popular industry news. Just make sure your craft blog focuses on an interesting niche. Thus, start with identifying a niche and studying what they love about the craft.

Focus on developing relevant content for your blog, and post the content regularly.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 10 days (?)

Case Study How I Turned My Passion For Crafts And Writing Into A Side Income Source DIY Lifestyle blog owner, Theresa, turned her passion for crafting and writing into a side income source, attracting hundreds of thousands of global visitors, with her blog generating $400-$500 a month and her online Etsy store bringing in an additional $200-$300 a month, showcasing her unique, all-natural, one-of-a-kind polymer clay earrings, home decor, and huts inspired by Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, reading and home decorating. $1K Monthly Revenue $200 Startup Costs 2 8.28K

8. Start a personalized gift baskets business

A personalized gift baskets business involves creating unique and customized gift packages for special occasions or events.

These baskets can contain a variety of items like snacks, skincare products, or even handmade crafts, tailored to the recipient's preferences.

To start this business on a budget, first, gather supplies like baskets, wrapping materials, and a selection of items to include.

Next, establish an online presence through social media or a simple website to showcase your offerings.

Finally, promote your business locally through word of mouth, social media, and collaborations with local shops or event planners.

How much you can make: $833,000/month

Case Study How I Started A $100K/Month Corporate & Personal Gift Baskets Company GiftBasketsOverseas.com is a global gift delivery company that generates $100k in profits per month and connects more than two million people worldwide for personal and corporate purposes through their platform. $833K Monthly Revenue 11 14K

9. Start an online fitness business ($15.8K/month)

Thinking of starting an online fitness business?

Online fitness is growing rapidly in popularity because it’s convenient, affordable, and accessible to everyone. The best part is that you can stay in your home to start.

Starting an online fitness business can be a great way to make money and help people. When you start an online fitness business, you don’t have to worry about overhead costs like rent or maintaining a physical location - all you need is a computer and an internet connection to get started.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $108,333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,750 (?)

Case Study How I Started A $48K/Month Business With An Online Fitness Training Service This case study is about a former personal trainer who launched his online personal training platform, TeamFFLEX, starting with no money and a lot of drive, and grew it into a 6-figure business in less than a year, now doing $48,000 a month with potential for continued growth. $82K Monthly Revenue $500 Startup Costs 13 25.3K

10. Start a lawn care service

Are you ready to begin your lawn care business and be your boss? A lawncare business offers lawn aeration, Seeding, fertilizing, soil acidity tests, and controlling weeds, among other services. If you love creating amazing landscapes, consider starting a lawn care company.

To start lawn care legally and run it profitably, you must register the business legally. You can get into a franchise or start a business from scratch. Decide what lawn care services you will offer and your target clients.

To offer effective service, purchase lawn care equipment, and hire skilled lawn care personnel.

How much you can make: $375,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

Case Study Uber For Lawn Care: How I Built A $30M Software GreenPal has bootstrapped their business to over $30 million a year in revenue, after securing an unsecured line of credit for $85,000, and have built the operating system and platform for small lawncare companies to run their entire business through, becoming live in all 50 US states and having 1.2 million homeowners using the platform. $2.5M Monthly Revenue $250K Startup Costs 9 5.36K

11. Become a stock photographer

A stock photographer creates a wide variety of high-quality photos and licenses them out to individuals, businesses, and organizations through stock photo sites. This allows many different customers to use your photos for web content, brochures, advertisements, presentations, and more in exchange for royalty payments.

As a stock photographer, you retain ownership of your photos while selling licenses for their various commercial uses. With each photo download, you get paid a royalty fee. Top stock photographers make a full-time living through licensing fees across their robust galleries of creative, useful images.

To be successful, focus first on building a diverse, striking collection showcasing your best photography. Study top-selling images on leading stock sites to understand what subject matters, styles, and technical executions garner the most demand.

Target popular neglected niches and leverage platforms like Shutterstock, Stock, and Adobe Stock to upload your growing stock library. With abundant high-quality and keyword-optimized images in your portfolio, your work can start getting discovered and driving passive licensing income over time.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $45,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week

Case Study How I Started A Commercial Product Photography Business Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves. $45K Monthly Revenue $5K Startup Costs 14 15.2K

12. Start a Greeting Cards Business ($50K/month)

People use greeting cards to mark births, deaths, graduations, anniversaries, and other parties or events.

If you love helping people celebrate special occasions, starting a greeting card business can be a great business opportunity.

When starting a greeting card business, choose a potential niche and write a business plan.

Then, find an ideal spot to sell the greeting cards.

For instance, you can offer greeting card design and posting services, so customers can choose the best designs and post greeting cards online.

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 65 days (?)

Case Study I Created A Prank Card Company & Grew It To $30K/Month Joker Greeting sells unique prank gifts, including a non-stop musical birthday card, an idea raised by the founders visiting their mom's house, having no website or marketing and yet raising $92,073 on Kickstarter in 30 days due to being picked up by media, enabling them to sell 15,000 units in the first year, owned SEO for their niche, selling almost 40,000 units in 2017 and expected to reach 50,000 to 60,000 in 2018 with a small team, using Shopify and various social media channels with lots of organic traffic. $100K Monthly Revenue $1K Startup Costs 27 12.4K

13. Become a videographer

A videographer uses his video camera to record footage for different events.

Examples of events where videographers are common include weddings, documentaries, training videos, commercials, TV shows, infomercials, live events, corporate promotions, etc. Videographers are not only responsible for operating the camera. They must have the skills required for the production of a video, which includes the following:

• Maintenance
• Equipment repair
• Video editing

To become a videographer, pursue a videography education, and attend internships to gain experience. Build a portfolio, so your target audience finds you online and starts hiring your services.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $250,000/month

Case Study How We Started A $45K/Month Product Photography And Video Company Results Imagery co-founders Kyle Nelson and Eli Libby launched their digital agency that focused solely on media creation for brands and product companies, helping clients monetize their conversion-centric media, with their current monthly revenue at $45,000. $110K Monthly Revenue 8 9.87K

14. Start a dog walking business ($54K/month)

Are you a dog lover? If so, you can turn your passion for animals into a profitable side hustle that allows you to earn extra income for your mortgage, a vacation, or paying off student loans.

As a dog walker, sitter, or boarder, you can earn an average annual income of between $10,000 and $30,000 by offering your services to dog owners in need of a caregiver for their furry friends.

To get started, register on a credible dog-walking app and create a compelling profile that showcases your experience, skills, and love for dogs.

With your dedication and expertise, you can help dog owners ensure their pets receive the care and attention they need while building a thriving business that fulfills your passion for animals.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $54,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

Case Study How I Started A $54K/Month Pet Sitting And Dog Walking Business Furry Fellas Pet Service LLC is a successful pet sitting and dog walking business that brings in over half a million dollars in sales per year, boasts 3,500-4,000 social media followers, employs 42 individuals and has been voted in the top 3 pet sitting/dog walking companies in the RI/MA area for eight years in a row. $54K Monthly Revenue $500 Startup Costs 5 19.7K

15. Become a gift basket seller

A gift basket is typically a bundled gift filled with presents and delivered to the recipient at home or the workplace.

The gifting ritual is an old practice, and regardless of the occasion, people love giving each other gifts (and receiving them). According to data, the global gift market’s worth is estimated at $62 billion , with 62% of Americans preferring to give personalized gift markets over expensive items.

If you love unique gifting, starting a gift basket business could be a gratifying and fun business idea. Many gift basket shops choose to operate entirely online since an online business allows them to work from anywhere, while customers can also purchase at their convenience.

How much you can make: $400/month

Case Study How I Started A Gift Box Business For Non Traditional Brides Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600. $400 Monthly Revenue 17 30.5K

16. Become a blogger

Are you looking for a business idea you can start from home? One great option to explore is to start your own blog.

With the flexibility of location independence, you can work on your blog from anywhere in the world!

What’s amazing about blogging is that anyone can start with just a computer and the internet! Besides, you don’t need any special talents or previous experience to start.

It’s an open field that welcomes anyone who has a passion for writing and sharing their thoughts with the world. The best part is that it can be one of the most rewarding passive income business ideas you can start.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $25,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $199 (?)

How long does it take to build: 6 days (?)

Case Study How This Former Wall Street Investment Banker Became A Personal Finance Blogger The Money Maniac is a personal finance blog started by Daniel Anderson, generating over $2,500 per month in recurring revenue through SEO, content marketing, and consultation services, with a mission to educate and help people achieve financial freedom. $2.5K Monthly Revenue $350 Startup Costs 19 3.93K

17. Become a social media influencer

Social media has become integral to people's lives and daily routines. Given the importance of social media, brands are flocking to different social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok in the hope of connecting with their target audience.

A popular approach taken by these brands is engaging social media influencers. A social media influencer has established credibility in a specific industry and has access to a vast audience they can persuade to act based on recommendations.

Anyone can become a social influencer so long as they have the right strategy. Choose a popular niche based on your interests and start creating relevant content.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $300,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $601 (?)

How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)

Case Study How I Started A $2.5K/Month Blog About Motherhood, Life And Travel How one mother built a profitable frugal motherhood, life, and travel blog from scratch, using Instagram, Pinterest, and paid sponsorships to grow from 0 to 18.5K followers and generate $1,500-$3,000 per month in less than two years. $3K Monthly Revenue 10 7.16K

18. Start a co-working space rental business ($300K/month)

The co-working spaces are becoming essential in the post-pandemic world. Experts estimate five million people will occupy coworking spaces in the next few years. The projections are based not only on the growth the coworking industry has experienced over the past few years but also on the sharp increase in the number of startups coming up each year.

Therefore, creating your coworking space business will become a lucrative opportunity. To create a coworking space, do proper market research to ensure you have the demand for a co-work space in your target area.

Then, focus on finding an ideal location to attract the maximum number of customers.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $300,000/month

Case Study I Created An Airbnb For Startups In NYC & Make $3.6M/Year The founder of The Farm Soho, one of the earliest New York City co-working spaces, shares how he built his affordable workspace model for solopreneurs and startups, as well as discussing his tips for attracting and retaining customers while navigating the challenges of running a business. $300K Monthly Revenue $0 Startup Costs 13 4.19K

19. Become a tutorial video creator

A tutorial video is a subcategory of instructional videos that share knowledge and interact with viewers. Different forms of tutorial videos include:

• Presentation: common among college professors and teachers
• Niche videos: short 10-15 minutes tutorials covering a wide range of topics
• Training videos: teach candidates the skills they need to perform better at work

Creating tutorial videos is not a difficult task. With a proper strategy, you can make a tutorial video. Invest in a professional camera for your business and start creating a tutorial video. Then, outline the video contents you intend to create and create scripts.

How much you can make: $1,700 — $375,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $109 (?)

How long does it take to build: 18 days (?)

Case Study On Creating And Monetising Google Sheets Tutorials Better Sheets is a Google Sheets tutorial providing screencasts to small businesses, earning $2,291 from 134 sales in May, with sales being mainly driven by AppSumo. $8.33K Monthly Revenue $109 Startup Costs 9 8.79K

20. Start a mobile laundry service

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many people have little time to wash their clothes at home. Most prefer having a mobile dry-cleaning service within their locality, picking the clothes from their homes or business.

If you are an entrepreneur looking for a profitable business model, a mobile laundry service could be it! To start, invest in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers. You will need a pickup and delivery van to reach your customers conveniently.

How much you can make: $24,000 — $100,000/month

Case Study How We Started A Laundry And Dry Cleaning Franchise Business In India Pick My Laundry, India's on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service provider has developed a mobile app and website serving almost 50,000 customers in its first year after signing up 100 third-party laundry services and franchising its model with over 50 franchises across more than 15 Indian cities. $100K Monthly Revenue $50K Startup Costs 7 8.12K

21. Start a mobile pet grooming

Do you love attending to pets? Starting a pet grooming business is a fun and profitable business idea.

Pet grooming service includes bathing, nail clipping, and brushing of pet animals. Grooming pets ensure they remain healthy and enjoy an improved physical appearance. To start a pet grooming business, create a business plan and portfolio.

Establish a business website and market your services to the target audience. Then, buy pet grooming tools and supplies and focus on offering your services to the target audience.

22. Become a musician ($3K/month)

A musician writes, records, performs, markets, and sells original songs, albums, and merchandise. As a musician, you can build your business by creating music and connecting with fans.

With the rise of social media, music streaming, home recording technology, and direct fan access, indie musicians can build profitable artistry-driven businesses themselves.

To start, hone your craft and find your unique creative niche. Master your instruments, produce demos of songs showcasing your style, and play small local venues to build an early following.

You can leverage platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share your music as you build out a catalog of content. Also, release songs on major streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music so fans globally can listen, save, and share your work. Sell merchandise like t-shirts, hoodies, and posters on your own website to generate additional income from your growing following.

By perfecting your sound and engaging possible fans through social media, streaming, performances, and direct outreach, you can build a thriving long-term business around your artistic passion and originality.

How much you can make: $3,000/month

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

Case Study Leaving A Boring Desk Job To Make A Living Playing Spanish Guitar At Events Miguel de Maria, a former desk worker, built a successful freelance guitar performance company generating $3000 monthly by leveraging personal contacts and creating an online presence that includes a professional website, business cards, and contracts. $3K Monthly Revenue $1.5K Startup Costs 6 3.45K

23. Become a youtube personality

YouTube personalities produce videos on YouTube and post them on their channels. YouTube personalities make money through the following:

• Advertising revenue - Ads revenue from the display, overlay, and video ads
• Channel Memberships – members earn recurring revenue in exchange for special perks they offer
• Merch Shelf – When channel fans browse and purchase official branded merchandise, you showcase it on watch pages.
• Super Chat & Super Stickers – Fans pay to get their messages highlighted in chat streams
• YouTube Premium Revenue – Get part of a premium subscriber’s subscription fee when fans watch your content.

You can start earning money through either or all of the above options, so long as you meet their YouTube-defined criteria and they are available in your location.

If you want to make money on YouTube, you must apply and be approved for the YouTube Partner Program, which gives creators greater access to YouTube resources and features.

How much you can make: $3,055 — $4,500,000/month

Case Study I Made $2.1M in Two Years Teaching People How to Use Notion This case study explores Thomas Frank's successful business teaching people how to use Notion and selling templates, with sales reaching $2.1 million in two years and template sales currently at $120k/mo, showcasing his journey from blogging and YouTube to e-commerce and SaaS. $135K Monthly Revenue $5 Startup Costs 20 4.73K

24. Become a tee shirt designer

Have you always had a passion for fashion and creativity? Well, then the field of tee shirt design could be the perfect opportunity for you!

As a tee shirt designer, you would be responsible for fitting model garments, ensuring size uniformity, and using your design and aesthetic skills to create unique and eye-catching tee shirts that will captivate your customers’ attention.

With this exciting career, you’ll have the chance to let your creativity run wild and make a lasting impact on the fashion industry.

How much you can make: $6,600 — $101,000/month

Case Study Generating $15K/Month In Extra Income With A Graphic Design Library Designious co-founder Alex Dumitru shares how the graphic design library generates $12-13k in monthly revenue by creating digital products that appeal to print-on-demand entrepreneurs and graphic designers, while also offering a flat-rate membership and useful resources that solve little problems. $15K Monthly Revenue 7 5.05K

25. Become a cake decorator

Becoming a cake decorator can be an enjoyable and uncomplicated venture to embark on, particularly if you have a passion for baking and creativity. It enables you to explore the thriving bakery and wedding industries while showcasing your artistic abilities.

This business involves designing and hand-decorating specialty cakes for various events and occasions, using your artistic abilities to create beautiful, custom-edible works of art.

To start a successful cake decorating company, learn proper cake decorating techniques, purchase quality ingredients and equipment, build a portfolio to showcase your skills, and implement good marketing tactics to attract potential clients like wedding planners, event companies, bakeries, and direct consumers.

How much you can make: $4,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

Case Study I Opened My Dream Bakery With Just $500 [Based In Texas] From pastry chef to owner of a successful bakery, learn how Bradford Bakery achieved a 550% increase in SEO in just a few months through community outreach, building a website, and utilizing social media and advertising on platforms like Facebook and Groupon. $4K Monthly Revenue $500 Startup Costs 4 4.7K

26. Start a clothing designing business

A clothing design business involves conceptualizing stylish clothing and accessory designs, selecting fabrics and materials, assembling prototypes and finished products, and determining production and distribution plans.

To launch a successful clothing line, you need to understand industry trends, choose a profitable niche like sportswear or business formalwear, use digital design tools for easy iterations and adjustments, implement lean manufacturing to control costs and market aggressively on social media and through influencer partnerships.

With keen business acumen and appealing designs, a clothing design business can stand out in a crowded apparel marketplace. Focus on building a clothing brand that resonates with consumers and enables growth year-over-year.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $9,975,000/month

How long does it take to build: 150 days (?)

Case Study How We Started A $50K/Month Business Manufacturing Clothing For Other Brands This case study follows the journey of Hawthorn, a UK-based custom clothing manufacturer that designs clothes for start-up brands, and offers the lowest minimum order quantity in the industry, producing bespoke orders for as little as 50pcs per design. $50K Monthly Revenue $5.5K Startup Costs 9 4.84K

27. Start a seeds business ($400K/month)

Are you passionate about gardening and plants in general? Consider turning your passion into a full-time seeds business. You can sell seeds online or at a brick-and-mortar location.

The seed market is booming, and researchers expect it will reach over $86 billion in the next few years. The rising demand for natural seed oils and health products and a significant shift in farming practices are some factors fueling the market.

To start a seed business, research the industry to determine which seeds are high in demand, and identify the potential market. For instance, hybrid seeds have higher disease resistance, making them highly demanded products.

How much you can make: $400,000/month

How long does it take to build: 88 days (?)

Case Study How We Started A $400K/Month Business Selling Seeds And Growing Supplies True Leaf Market, an independent seed company offering heirloom, non-GMO, and organic seeds, growing supplies, and starter kits, has grown to a profitable $400k/month business, with revenue diversified across their website, 3rd party online sellers, Amazon, eBay, brick and mortar health food stores, and fulfillment services, and plans to continue growth through acquisitions and onboarding 50 to 100 new SKUs monthly. $400K Monthly Revenue 12 36.2K

28. Start a party entertainer business

Do you want to start a business within the entertainment sector? Becoming a party entertainer can be a great opportunity for you.

Party entertainers thrive mostly at night and on weekends. You can work as an agency and represent entertainers for parties, or if you have the skills, you can become the entertainer.

Party entertainers can work at wedding and bridal parties, birthday parties, children’s parties, corporate parties, or even home-based parties.

How much you can make: $12,000 — $25,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $100 (?)

Case Study How I Left A Lucrative Job To Start A $12K/Month Magic Shows Business Dan Chan Presents, LLC is a unique company specializing in sophisticated magic entertainment for savvy corporate audiences, earning $160K performing live, and was able to pivot to virtual events during the COVID-19 pandemic, expanding marketing reach performing internationally, and being featured multiple times in Business Insider and The Hustle. $12K Monthly Revenue $100 Startup Costs 7 9.2K

29. Start an organic food store

Organic food stores stock fresh or processed food produced through organic farming methods. Healthy food restaurants and health-conscious individuals are some target customers regarding healthy organic food.

If you plan to start an organic food store, focus on providing the customers freshest, organically grown produce. Starting an organic food store is a great way to make money while helping the environment. Organic food stores are becoming increasingly popular, especially with people who want to eat healthily but don't have time to cook. If you're looking for a business idea that will allow you to make money and help people simultaneously, starting an organic food store could be the perfect fit for you!

Organic food stores are so popular because they offer fresh produce that has not been treated with chemicals or pesticides, which means they're much safer than the produce found at your local grocery store.

Case Study How Andrea Slinde Launched Her Own Organic Food Startup Denver-based founder Andrea Slinde built her own organic food start-up, Golden Root, which sells trendy Turmeric Latte Mix online and now in 50 coffee shops nationwide, with an average monthly revenue of $4K, a long term objective of expanding into traditional grocery sales, and uses Shopify, Recharge, Mailchimp, Shipstation, and QuickBooks to manage e-commerce and finances. $4K Monthly Revenue 13 6.1K

30. Start a podcast ($39.5K/month)

The podcast business involves creating and producing audio content that people can listen to online.

It’s a popular form of entertainment and information-sharing.

To start a podcast business on a budget, you'll need a few key steps.

First, choose a niche or topic that you're passionate about and that has an audience.

Next, get basic recording equipment like a microphone and headphones.

Then, find a free or affordable hosting platform to publish your episodes.

Finally, promote your podcast through social media, online communities, and word of mouth to build an audience and potentially attract sponsors or advertisers.

How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

Case Study How I Started A Successful Podcast Production Company A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit. $16K Monthly Revenue 8 18.1K

31. Start a jewelry making business ($363K/month)

The global jewelry market size was valued at $278B in 2018 and is expected to reach $292B by 2025.

The industry comprises manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and jewelry designers. Unlike many other industries that have gone through leaps in technology, the jewelry industry has remained untouched for over 40 years.

If you know how to make jewelry, then this might be a great way to make some extra money.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $2,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

Case Study How A Teacher Started A Successful Handmade Jewelry Business Online A primary school teacher found his passion for jewelry-making, turning it into a successful business generating $2500-3000 per month through sales at the Creative Queenstown Arts and Crafts Market, online, and through stockists, with plans to expand and eventually make it his full-time profession. $2.5K Monthly Revenue 7 40.8K

32. Start a makeup subscription box

A makeup subscription box business is a personalized service that curates makeup packages based on the unique preferences and beauty routines of its subscribers. By collecting information about each individual’s skin type, color preferences, and makeup style, the business can offer a tailored experience that delivers products uniquely suited to each customer.

Whether it’s high-end luxury brands or eco-friendly options, a makeup subscription service provides a convenient and exciting way for beauty enthusiasts to discover new products and elevate their beauty routine.

To start a makeup subscription box business, research and select quality makeup products across categories to offer. Then, design creative monthly boxes with different themes, promoting affordable subscriptions for boxes delivered regularly and providing excellent customer service to retain loyal subscribers.

With strategic partnerships, creative packaging and branding, and data-backed improvements, you can grow a sizable base of engaged subscribers raving about their monthly surprise boxes filled with makeup must-haves.

How much you can make: $16,666,667/month

Case Study Birchbox: Katia Beauchamp : How I Built This with Guy Raz Case study: How Birchbox disrupted the beauty industry to attract hundreds of thousands of subscribers, despite receiving negative feedback when it launched in 2010. $16.7M Monthly Revenue 8 944

33. Become a voiceover artist

A voiceover artist business involves recording your voice in various media, such as commercials, television shows, and video games. To start this business, you’ll need high-quality recording equipment, a portfolio of previous work, and a platform to showcase your skills. You’ll also need to reach out to clients and negotiate contracts.

To succeed in this business, you’ll need excellent voice-acting skills and the ability to market yourself effectively.

How much you can make: $9,000/month

Case Study I Turned My Passion For Voice Acting Into A $108K/Year Business [India] Voice-over marketplace, VoiceOverMehak, has reached almost $100,000 in sales this year, operating with premium voice talents worldwide in almost all major spoken languages, having taken inspiration from leading competitors to build its own business model of no joining fees or commissions from voice talent in order to make affiliate marketing services more profitable. $9K Monthly Revenue $10K Startup Costs 9 2.52K

34. Start a book club ($8.5K/month)

A book club consists of several people who read and talk about the books based on the topic or an agreed reading list.

Setting up your book club can be a great way to enjoy books and meet new people.

More importantly, a book club is a well-paying side hustle idea. Therefore, figure out who you invite to your book club and define the purpose.

Do you want to learn something new, or do you just want to bond with other book lovers? Having a defined purpose helps you reach like-minded people to keep the book club close-knit.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $13,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $75 (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week

Case Study How Two Friends Started A $13K/Month Online Book Club From Bali Two friends started an online book club that now has 570 members and generates £10,500 MRR, by addressing the problem of 'Tsundoku,' charging a monthly subscription fee for one non-fiction book, one inspiring meetup, and one custom cocktail, inspiring conversation and community. $13K Monthly Revenue $100 Startup Costs 24 25.6K

35. Start a food delivery business ($206K/month)

In today’s busy lifestyles and schedules, cooking is no longer a priority to many. People like to order-in food from their nearest restaurants or food joints and enjoy a meal in the comfort of their homes.

The food delivery business is like a courier service through which restaurants deliver food to their customers.

You can offer retail food delivery services to restaurants within your locality if you have a truck. Customers order through a restaurant or grocer’s website, and the owners contact you to deliver.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $83,333,333/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,750 (?)

Case Study How I Took Food Trucks Corporate And Built A $18M Business Food Fleet grew over 160% in just one year and managed over 20 million in sales for its clients, securing multiple contracts with the likes of Sodexo, Levy Restaurants and more, due to its understanding of catering client needs and its advanced turnkey and design services. $1.5M Monthly Revenue 15 14.6K

36. Start a skateboard company ($1M/month)

Skateboarding has become a global industry, attracting thousands of brands to venture into the competitive industry. According to experts, the skateboarding industry will reach approximately $166 million in the next few years.

Therefore, skateboard companies will have a very bright future ahead.

Starting a skate company is not as simple as it may seem. Just like other businesses, a plan is the cornerstone of your success. Thus, you must ensure proper planning and decision making, register, and apply for a business license to start trading.

How much you can make: $1,000,000/month

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

Case Study How We Literally Reinvented The Wheel And Built A $1M Company Shark Wheel reinvented the wheel, starting in the skateboard industry with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign and going on to secure issued patents in over 33 countries, with plans to expand into the industrial market. $1M Monthly Revenue $100K Startup Costs 10 14.3K

37. Become a social media influencer

38. start a housekeeping business.

Starting a housekeeping business can be a lucrative venture as it allows you to offer a much-needed service to homeowners and businesses that are in need of assistance in maintaining a tidy and clean environment.

As a housekeeper, you will be responsible for performing a variety of tasks, including dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms and kitchens. Your services can be customized to meet the specific needs of your clients, whether they require a regular cleaning schedule or a one-time deep cleaning.

By providing reliable and high-quality housekeeping services, you can help your clients save time and energy while also contributing to the health and well-being of their living or working space.

To start a successful house cleaning company, you need to hire reliable, efficient, and trustworthy staff, implement rigorous training procedures focused on safe and high-quality cleaning methods, use online platforms to simplify booking and payments and retain long-term clients by providing flexible scheduling and customizable services.

How much you can make: $416,666/month

Case Study The career woman who employs hundreds of people in a £5m cleaning franchise Bright & Beautiful is a UK-based professional housekeeping franchise with over 50 locations, founded by Rachel Ray in 2007 after quitting her consulting job to meet a need for eco-friendly cleaning products. $417K Monthly Revenue 10 1.43K

39. Start a travel app business

Traveling has become an essential part of people’s lives. A travel app business can help you tap into the ever-growing travel industry, providing a platform for travelers to explore new destinations and experiences.

By offering a wide range of services such as booking flights, hotels, rental cars, and tour packages, a travel app can become a one-stop-shop for all travel-related needs. Moreover, it can provide users with valuable information about travel destinations, including popular tourist spots, local customs, and safety tips, making their travel experience more enjoyable and stress-free.

With an intuitive, feature-packed app that caters to diverse globetrotter needs and makes travel more epic, connected, and memorable, you can position your platform as a must-have tool for modern adventurers across the world.

How much you can make: $60,000 — $114,200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $9,999 (?)

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

Case Study How We Build A $100K/Month Network Of Short-Term Luggage Storage Options With 40+ Locations LuggageHero CEO Jannik Lawaetz founded a network of short-term luggage storage options with +40 locations across the world and raised $2.25 million in funding in 2019, with aims to expand to +1800 locations using a POI algorithm, offering customers value and building a reliable team. $100K Monthly Revenue $10K Startup Costs 10 10.1K

40. Start a home organizing business

A professional home decluttering service helps homeowners eliminate what they no longer need. Some home decluttering service providers do basic house cleaning and interior design guidance.

A home organizing service is easy to start and involves little running costs compared to other businesses. Register your company and apply for relevant licenses before you begin offering the services.

How much you can make: $10,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $500 (?)

Case Study How I Make $96K/Year Decluttering People's Homes Pretty Neat, a service-based company that helps clients get their homes and spaces organized, grew 800% from year one to year two and continues to see growth through word of mouth, SEO, and consistency in service and communication. $10K Monthly Revenue $500 Startup Costs 10 4.09K

41. Start a wall art business

A wall art business involves creating various wall art pieces like paintings, prints, murals, mirrors, panels, and more, using diverse materials and mediums for an aesthetic focal point.

To build a successful wall art company, you need to establish an efficient studio setup for scaling production, master your chosen art style and mediums, determine optimal pricing strategies for profitability, and market your pieces across various channels like home décor retailers, design firms, hospitality businesses, and online print-on-demand services.

With an eye for visually compelling designs that enliven blank spaces, efficient scaling through disciplined studio operations, and sales outreach across both trade and consumer channels, you can grow a vibrant wall art brand that turns spaces into distinct places.

How much you can make: $200 — $415,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $750 (?)

Case Study I Turned My Hobby Into A $4.5M/Year Metal Wall Art Business Hoagard is a profitable metal wall decor brand with an average annual turnover of 4.5-5.5 million Euros, which started out as a new hobby and transformed into a successful e-commerce business with 85% of sales coming from the brand's own website. $415K Monthly Revenue 17 6.54K

42. Become a temporary tattoo artist ($1K/month)

Starting a tattoo business is not as difficult as you might think. If you have the talent, ability, and guts, you already have the essential qualities for starting your own tattoo company. The Tattoo Artists market size in the US in 2022 is $1.4B .

The tattooing business is profitable and famous, and it is one of the most rewarding careers that you can have. However, becoming a tattoo artist requires a lot of commitment and hard work.

Tattoo shops have strict standards for artists who work in shops, so to have an ideal career as an artist, you might have to go the freelance route. It can be a short-term or long-term career, so you must be prepared before taking on such a responsibility. It won’t come with a million-dollar salary at first, but once you’ve developed a good reputation and have completed enough work, the money will start rolling in.

How much you can make: $1,000/month

Case Study How I Started A Passive Income Business While Living Out Of A Van Forgotten Mermaids creator Anslea shares how she started a passive income business while living out of a van, creating mermaid temporary tattoos and accessories, and has grown to average $1,000 per month in mostly passive income over the last six months. $1K Monthly Revenue $100 Startup Costs 8 8.28K

43. Start a digital marketing business ($179K/month)

Digital marketing businesses serve local and international companies to expand their reach and grow revenue. A top reason digital marketing is so exciting is that the field is constantly evolving and is easy to learn.

If you plan to start a digital marketing business, educate yourself and understand how digital marketing agencies work. Then, focus on building your digital skills and advancing your career through online digital marketing courses.

To stand out, find a digital marketing niche and focus on the audience interested in your services.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $6,660,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,260 (?)

How long does it take to build: 58 days (?)

Case Study I Built A SEO Tool That's Completely Free For Users [From Lebanon] H-supertools founder Hasan developed a set of free SEO and digital marketing tools generating $2k per month in profit using Google Adsense, affiliate marketing, selling ad spaces, and email, plans to launch a membership option, and has attained over 80k registered users and 300k monthly visits in less than two years. $2K Monthly Revenue 12 13.1K

44. Become a TikToker

To become a successful TikTok creator, one needs to possess a great deal of creativity, maintain consistency in their content, and have a deep understanding of how the platform’s algorithm works in order to effectively engage with their audience and increase their reach.

Start by developing a niche, personality, or style of content that will make you stand out in a sea of creators and film 15-60 second videos showcasing your genuine talents, commentary, or interests.

Use relevant hashtags, viral sounds, and collaborate with other creators through duets or collaborations. This can help you attract more followers and get featured on the "For You" feed.

Interact frequently with supportive comments and responding to fans to foster an engaged, growing audience that will eagerly await more of your entertaining and informative videos.

Stick to a regular posting schedule, find what works for your niche, take risks creatively, and you’ll be on the path toward TikTok fame and possible full-time income.

How long does it take to build: 183 days (?)

Case Study The TikTok Strategy That Took This E-Commerce From Idea To $50K/Month Bro Glo is a self-tanning company for men that started during the pandemic, earned an average monthly revenue of $50k within a year and a half, and owes its rapid popularity to TikTok. $300K Monthly Revenue $974 Startup Costs 22 4.29K

45. Start a cupcakes shop

Opening a cupcake shop allows you to share your baking talents and decorate delectable bite-sized treats that will have customers coming back for more.

To start, source a small retail space with room for baking and decorating cupcakes onsite to entice passersby and develop mouthwatering recipes and frosting flavors that set you apart.

Then, market your shop on social media and offer specials to build local awareness, undercut competitors' prices initially to attract customers, and ensure top-notch customer service and consistency to convert them into regulars.

Consider diversifying into customized cupcakes for birthdays, weddings, and other events to boost revenue, and explore expanding your hours, delivery options, or online ordering to increase accessibility and sales.

If your cupcake shop offers high-quality products, excellent service, and attractive presentation, it can attract a large number of customers who are eager to sample its latest baked goods and consider it to be the best cupcake shop in town.

How much you can make: $3,750 — $4,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $285 (?)

Frequently asked questions

Can a 20-year-old have their own business.

Yes, a 20-year-old can have their own business. However, the process can be a bit complicated, as most business requirements include conditions, terms, and even permission from the legal guardian (for minors).

Now, while such things can get complicated, there are ways for a 20-year-old to earn money from different things. As long as the business isn’t something like a large-scale, you likely wouldn’t have to go through some tedious process.

Is it possible to make money as a 20-year-old?

Yes, making money as a 20-year-old is possible. There are many ways to earn and make money, and most of these ways only require doing and finishing simple tasks that even a 20-year-old can do.

One thing to note is that making money as a 20-year-old is good, but it doesn’t mean you’ll spend most of your time with it and discard essential duties like studies. As always, a 20-year-old should prioritize studying, and making money should only be a side hustle or a hobby.

What businesses can you start as a 20-year-old teenager?

As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of business ideas that even a 20-year-old can start. But, of course, these businesses can be as easy as doing simple tasks or selling simple products or services.

Also, it would be best to start a small-scale business, especially if you’re only 20 years old. While it’s possible to do something large-scale, it takes a lot of time and responsibilities.

Further, a large-scale business isn’t ideal for a 20-year-old since the entire thing can take up lots of time, affecting important stuff like school and study time.

I hope this list of ideas for 20-year-olds has helped you at least a little to get an idea of how you can make money at this age.

If you're looking for more business ideas or want to start a business but don't know how, check out our newsletter .

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Home » Teens

Business Plan Templates for Teens

If you want to launch a business, you have to have a plan! Here are some templates to help you get started.

The key to any successful business is to have a plan before getting started. Mapping out the business details is instrumental in determining if this idea is worth pursuing, which can save a lot of time and resources that could be used towards a different business that would be better suited for you and your business needs and wants. 

What To Include In a Business Plan

The point of a business plan is to outline your business strategy and plan your business out on paper. As your business grows and you are looking at expansion options, lenders will want a well-defined business plan to help them determine if lending to your business is the best option. When looking at business plan template packages for teens, you are looking for business plan templates that will help you transition your business ideas to full-fledged businesses that will help adults see the vision. 

The 7 parts of a business plan include:

• Executive Summary
• Business Description
• Products and Services
• Market Analysis
• Strategy and Implementation of Strategy
• Organizational Structure and Management Team
• Financial Plan and Future Projections

Best Business Plan Templates for Teenagers

Bizkids’ guide to writing a business plan.

This resource helps define the business idea and determine what to charge for the products and services that you want to offer. Learn how to evaluate your competition and what they are doing with their brand to bring value to their customers to figure out ways to make your brand unique so you can stand out in the marketplace. Determine what resources you need to build your business and how much those resources will cost you. Are there ways to bootstrap the company to make startup costs cheaper? Learn about breakeven costs and how many units you have to sell before you start making a profit with your business idea.

Teen Entrepreneur Toolbox: The Small-Business Guide for Teens

This toolbox provides 8 easy to follow, actionable steps to help teens evaluate whether or not their business idea is feasible for them to start and how to go about getting started. If you don’t currently have an idea for what business to start, this provides ideas and how to get started with them! Real teens share real business experiences and advice from their own journey, which can help you avoid making common business mistakes that will decrease your learning curve and get motivation and encouragement from teens that have faced similar challenges while building their businesses. Learn about marketing techniques that work, how to provide top-notch customer service, money management of profits, and goal setting for future growth. 

Home Sweet Road’s My Business Plan

This one-page business plan is free and easily downloadable. It can be printed out and hung on the wall for easy reference. The questions asked in this document are thought-provoking and help teens determine who the target audience is for their products and services. Defining the target audience will help establish a solid marketing plan that conveys the value of the product offering while making sure that the customer’s needs are being met. Customers want to buy from businesses that understand their needs and provide an ideal solution.

Proverbial Homemaker’s Family Business Plan Guide

Families can work together to build a business that kids and teens can run themselves and are passionate about running using this comprehensive business template and associated resources. Consider first why you want to start a business and why you are choosing THIS specific business. Understanding the reason for selecting that business idea builds confidence and helps maintain the passion for the company as time goes on. Create a monetary budget based on projected profits and figure out what price is best to charge for your products and services to secure sales from your target market. Set goals and manage your time, then figure out what laws are applicable for your business venture.

Learn how to conduct market research to see if there is a need for the services you want to provide before starting by conducting surveys or soft test launches. Find out where to source materials to make products and how much that will cost.  

Boss Club Kid Entrepreneur Kit

This kit is literally a business in a box, so kids and teens can get started right away as soon as they have it in their hands! Choose your kit and create the following businesses:

• Homemade dog treats
• Specialty cake pops
• Luxury bath bombs
• Delicious fudge
• Handmade soaps

If you are homeschooling, this kit counts as a homeschooling resource that you can receive credit for completing, which is a fantastic additional perk of using this tool. The intended audience is kids and teens ages 11-18, and provides over 100 videos with step-by-step instructions on how to set up and grow a business from the ground up. So far, over 100 schools across the United States are using this option for their students to learn how to set up a business that they are passionate about running. Getting teens started young on their entrepreneurial journey has been found to build self-esteem and teach decision-making early on that helps young adults make solid decisions in their lives as they mature. The benefit of this specific program is that it was created by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and not created by scholars that don’t have practical business knowledge. There is a quiz on their website that takes 30 seconds and helps you decide what business is best for your needs. 

Small Business Administration

This is a great government resource for teens who want to learn about business for free and about what resources are available from the government, such as loans and business coaching from experienced business owners in your community. There is no absolute right or wrong way to write a business plan in business, and you can choose how your business will run or how much money you need to start it. This resource allows you to walk through your business idea and plan with an experienced business owner that can talk through the pros and cons of what you feel is the next step for your business, from expansion to new investors to additional product offerings. This resource offers two different business plan templates that walk you through example business plans.

Solid Gold Biz Plan

This free business plan template from Money Prodigy discusses the author’s mistakes during her first 7 years in business and provides insights into how she would have conducted her business affairs differently if she had to start over again knowing what she knows now. The primary goal of this template is to find a problem that your business will solve. Many new entrepreneurs focus on the product or service but not on the problem it will solve in the marketplace. The goal should be to identify the problem and then develop the solution that will be offered as a product or service by your company. After determining the primary problem, she focuses on how to best deliver the solution and how much it will cost to maintain the delivery of the product or service. 

Shark Tank Lessons in Business and Entrepreneurship from Scholastic

A free lesson plan with a teacher’s guide that can be used in a group setting or as a family! Topics covered include entrepreneurship basics, writing an effective business plan, crafting persuasive pitches for investment presentations, and how to find a great business mentor. The target age group is grades 6 to 12.

Shark Tank Marketing Plan

A worksheet template that focuses on the target demographic for your business and the motivation that that demographic would have to buy a product or service that you are offering so you can establish the best way to market to them. Games are encouraged with this marketing package because this helps draw out ideas in fun ways that promote creativity and growth. Business is about finding creative solutions to problems and pivoting the company into new arenas when it becomes necessary for growth. Keeping an active marketing plan up to date as the business grows is key to expanding when necessary or finding innovative ways to keep customers engaged with your brand. 

Shark Tank Analysis Worksheet

Use this worksheet when evaluating businesses to learn what investors are looking for when assessing whether or not to invest in a business. Understanding what investors are looking for in a management team, mission, vision, product/service, research and development, and strategic implementation will help you create that within your own business to make your foundation strong.

A strong business plan that is well defined will take even the novice entrepreneur to the expert level of business in no time with the proper preparation. Using a business plan template in areas of planning, marketing, product development, and strategy will assist in building a business that can be bootstrapped and stood up quickly to test the business out in ways that require little startup capital.

Related Reading

• Entrepreneurship for teens
• How to earn money for teens

MSU Extension 4-H Youth Entrepreneurship

Business plan template.

December 19, 2019 - Katherine Jamieson <[email protected]>

Fill in the blank business plan template to help young entrepreneurs explore:

• where and when  to set up their business
• who their potential customers are
• what is their competition
• how to market their product or service
• how much they should charge for their product or service
• how to create a business budget 

Business Plan Template 

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Tags: 4-h careers & entrepreneurship , 4-h youth entrepreneurship , business , careers & entrepreneurship

Katherine Jamieson [email protected]

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Meet 10 Successful Young Entrepreneurs

Kamaria warren, ryan hickman, kiki hardee.

• Michael 'Mikey' Wren

Moziah Bridges

Mia Monzidelis

Fraser Doherty

The bottom line.

• Business Leaders
• Entrepreneurs

10 Successful Young Entrepreneurs

Michelle Lodge is a contributor to Investopedia, who is also a writer, editor, and podcaster.

Every generation has had its share of successful young entrepreneurs, from agriculturalist Eliza Lucas Pinckney (1800s) to Apple founder Steve Jobs (1900s). Now, it's Generation Z's turn. Born between 1997 and 2012, this generation is finding innovative ways to make their own income. For many of these bright stars, that means starting early to pursue entrepreneurship as a means to leave their mark on the world. Read about the latest generation of entrepreneurs from the U.S., India, and the U.K.

Key Takeaways

• A young entrepreneur is a child or young adult who finds opportunities to start and operate a business.
• Kamaria Warren created a line of products for Brown and Black girls—stationary, vegan bags, and accessories—after finding no party products that represented girls of color. 
• Ryan Hickman realized at age three he didn’t like the sight of discarded bottles lying on the ground, so he started collecting his family’s and his neighbor’s recyclables, which later became his business. 
• Mikey Wren teaches financial literacy to kids in his community and has written two books on the subject.
• Vinusha MK found her love of baking at a young age and is now the force behind Four Seasons Pastry, whose aim is to set up a cooking school for the underprivileged.

According to  The 2022 Investopedia Financial Literacy Survey , Generation Z adults (i.e., those between 18 and 25 years old) are more financially sophisticated than any previous generation was at their age. Some successful young entrepreneurs start really young. Whether inspired by family, events, or a desire to have fun, these young entrepreneurs set out to tackle the world of business.

At age 13, Hart Main came up with the idea of manly scented candles after teasing his sister about the girly scented ones she was selling for a school fundraiser. It wasn't until Hart set out to purchase a $1,500 bike that he reconsidered what he suggested in jest.

Hart and his parents contributed nominal amounts to begin the business and worked together to develop the candles, cleverly named ManCans. They are now handmade by the Beaver Creek Candle Company in Lisbon, Ohio, by a workforce consisting of people diagnosed with developmental challenges.

Adopting a simple and masculine theme, ManCans candles—with available scents including Campfire, Bacon, Sawdust, Fresh Cut Grass, and Grandpa's Pipe—are made using soup cans. As of 2016, Hart's candles are sold in every state, with sales exceeding six figures annually. Giving back to the community, Hart donates part of each sale to soup kitchens in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Michigan.

At age seven, Kamaria Warren and her mom—graphic designer Shaunice Sasser—went shopping for birthday invitations for her upcoming party. What they found was no product that represented Brown and Black girls. That necessity hatched an invention, and Brown Girls Stationery was born.

That set the McDonough, Georgia, native on the route to creating party and school supplies, stationery, vegan purses, and accessories for girls. Most products bear a cheery illustration of a Black or Brown girl, and Warren also sells dolls.

“Because of our unique images and offerings, we are able to make money while having an impact,” Warren says of the business, which has five employees and five volunteers. She sells her products on Shopify, Faire Marketplace, wholesale, and at local events. On average, Warren sells some 10,000 notebooks, 2,500 notepads, and 1,500 backpacks each year.

What motivates her, Warren says, is “seeing other girls wear my stuff and being proud of who they are.” Her motto is: Dear Brown girl, you have the ability to change the world.

Failure and the fear of failure should not be the end of your entrepreneurial journey. Rather, allow failure to motivate you and use it as a catalyst to refine your strategy.

Ryan Hickman realized at age three that he didn't like seeing discarded bottles and cans lying on the ground, so he did something about it. Hickman started collecting his family's recyclables and then went with his dad to the local recycling center, where he got $5 for the haul. He was so inspired by that exercise that he started collecting his neighbor's recyclables by going door-to-door with a bag attached to his bike. By age seven, the Orange County, Calif., boy was running his own business, Ryan's Recycling Company.

Hickman has been lauded through the years by news organizations, including CNN Kid Wonder in 2017. He has also appeared on many national TV shows, including "Ellen" and "Today," talking about his mission. On his site, he sells T-shirts bearing the message, "Make the Sea Trash Free." All profits from selling his merchandise and recycling go to the rescue organization Pacific Marine Mammal Center. By April 2022, it had raised more than $14,000 and helped recycle 1.5 million cans and bottles.

Hickman has also started a new nonprofit, Project 3R, whose mission is to educate and stress the importance of recycling to kids and adults worldwide, as well as to organize and manage community clean-up efforts.

" If a kid like me can make a difference, anyone can, too," explains Hickman. "When we all do just a little bit, it adds up to a huge difference. Thanks for helping me clean up our planet."

The best way to deal with a spill is to avoid it. That's what inventor Lily Born had in mind when, at age eight, she noticed that her grandfather, who had Parkinson's disease, was frequently spilling his drinks, often leaving her grandmother to clear up the mess.

Born invented the three-legged cup, known as the Kangaroo cup, that won't tip and started her company called Imagiroo LLC. To perfect her design, Born and her dad traveled across the world to the ceramics capital of China, JingDeZhen. There, they were able to refine the models, find a manufacturer, and prepare for a production run of ceramic cups, which come in plastic, too. They also got financial support from the crowdfunding platforms Kickstarter and Indiegogo.

Today, Born has sold tens of thousands of Kangaroo cups worldwide and serves as an inspiration to children like her who don't see the problem, but the solution.

It was a good heart that led Vista, Calif.'s Katelynn "Kiki" Hardee at age five to make sure that neither her schoolmates' families nor local schools incurred debt for school meals. She had learned that her school in the Vista Unified School District had more than $600 in school lunch debt and that some kids had to skip lunch because their parents couldn't afford to pay for it. All of that was unacceptable to Hardee.

To raise money, Hardee began selling cookies and hot cocoa, as well as running other fundraisers, in what became known as Kiki's Kindness Project. Eventually, Hardee raised enough money to pay off the entire district's lunch debt to the tune of more than $7,000. Hardee's ongoing efforts have raised more than $22,000 with the goal of collecting $250,000—and encouraging other children to find ways to help those less fortunate.

Michael 'Mikey' Wren

Michael "Mikey" Wren definitely has a head for business.

At the tender age of eight, this St. Louis, Mo., boy started Mikey's Munchies Vending, a collection of vending machines. That was just the beginning.

Wren believes in helping the community by volunteering his time to teach financial literacy and hosts an annual drive to donate new toys to local kids. He has also written two children's books, Mikey Learns About Business , which covers writing a business plan, marketing strategies, and networking, and Biz Is a Whiz for children pre-K to 3. He regularly books speaking engagements to talk about his work.

Wren is also a member of two national kids' boards. He gave away $10,000 worth of brand-new clothing to youth in his community.

Mo's Bows

If style is important to you, then sometimes there's nothing for sale that suits your stringent sartorial standards. Enter Moziah Bridges, a Memphis native who at age nine couldn't find a suitable bowtie. So he started Mo's Bows—by first learning to sew and then making the colorful bowties with leftovers from his grandmother's sewing projects. Eventually, he hired tailors while he handled the creative and business sides.

Bridges, who has appeared on "Shark Tank," has sold more than $700,000 in handmade men's ties and accessories. He once gave then-President Barack Obama a custom-made tie in "Obama Blue," and his company also produced bowties and neckties for all 30 National Basketball Association teams.

Cole Haan, Bloomingdale's, and Neiman Marcus carry his products. In 2012, Moziah started the Go Mo Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, a charity focused on sending Memphis children to summer camp. To date, the organization has sent more than 50 kids to summer camp.

It was her mother's upcoming birthday that motivated Vinusha MK to bake a cake. The first time out, the cake tasted good but wasn't the right consistency. She vowed never to bake again—an oath that was short-lived. In subsequent tries, her cakes turned out great, and a baker was born.

"I started Four Seasons Pastry in September 2019," writes Vinusha MK of Chennai, India. "The name denotes seasonal colors and flavors used in cupcakes."

Vinusha also envisions setting up a culinary institute in India for low-income people. Until then, the industrious baker sells her signature cupcakes and a baking kit to help kids bake cakes without using the Internet or a smartphone. In the meantime, she is an intern under famous chefs at top hotels in India and sells pastries, cakes, chocolates, and sandwiches online through her business.

Lots of little kids want ponies. That's fine if they live in the country, but for urban and suburban dwellers, fulfilling that dream is nearly impossible.

That's what Mia Monzidelis' parents said to her when, at five, she asked for a pony to keep at her suburban home in Bellmore, Long Island, N.Y., but she was undeterred. She thought creatively about her dream and came up with the idea for Power Pony, a mechanical pony or unicorn made with a furry surface and mechanisms within that are interactive and have an iOS app.

The four-legged toys can travel around the room with the child riding in the saddle. The toy's dimensions are 20 inches from the ground to the saddle and 16 inches from the footpads to the saddle. It is 24 inches long from the handle to the tail.

Monzidelis said it was her dad who believed in her idea of creating the ponies and unicorns and helped her bring it to fruition. They sampled many pony toys before they struck the right one. "At times, it was frustrating, but we kept going until we got it perfect," stated Mia.

The company expanded to 15 employees and 12 volunteers, and during the 2021 holiday season, her company sold 5,000 units. In 2021, her company donated $5,000 to Garden City, L.I.'s Family & Children's Association. "I have always helped kids and families that are in need in whatever way I could, and now with Power Pony, I can help so many kids that are sick or need help," she says.

At the age of 14, Doherty began making jams from his grandmother's recipes. The teen started out selling the sweet treats door-to-door in his neighborhood in Edinburgh, Scotland. Then, he set up a stand at an Edinburgh farmer's market and biked to customers to deliver orders. However, as the word got out, he received more orders than he had time to fill. He dropped out of school and rented a factory for a few days each month to meet demand.

In 2007, the high-end U.K. supermarket Waitrose approached Doherty about selling his SuperJam products made from 100% fruit, leading to his jams gaining shelf space in many stores in the U.K. and Europe.  Five years later, Doherty launched his products in Korea and Japan, selling £1 million worth of merchandise in an hour on a Korean shopping network.

Even Queen Elizabeth II got into the act when she awarded Doherty an MBE medal for service to business in the U.K. By 2019, Doherty had sold his five-millionth jar of jam. He also runs hundreds of free tea parties for older people and has set up community beekeeping projects.

What Is a Young Entrepreneur?

A young entrepreneur is a child or young adult who assumes risks to start and operate a business or finds new ways to do business better. They are the type of person who identifies and pursues opportunities without allowing risks to become barriers.

How Do You Become a Young Entrepreneur?

If you are a child or young adult, think about a problem or issue you or someone you know have encountered and think of a solution. You could also think of how you can repurpose something that already exists. Create a plan, assemble resources, such as money, labor, and supplies, or seek help from an adult who can gather these resources for you. Don't be afraid to ask for help or learn from others who have been successful . Most of all, don't be afraid of failure. Use it as a learning lesson and continue toward your mission.

Who Are Some of Today’s Most Successful Young Entrepreneurs?

Possibly one of the most famous and accomplished young entrepreneurs is Mark Zuckerberg, who, at 19, co-founded Facebook (now Meta). Also topping the charts are Dustin Moskovitz, co-founder of Facebook, and Evan Spiegel and Bobby Murphy, co-founders of Snapchat. Not all young entrepreneurs will reach Facebook or Snapchat status, but success is definitely possible, as these 10 examples show.

Can a 12-Year-Old Own a Business?

There is no age limit on being an entrepreneur; a 12-year-old can become one. However, there may be an age requirement to legally form a business entity, depending on the jurisdiction. Some countries may allow a minor to own a legal business, but special legal rules could cause complications regarding the enforceability of contracts. Fortunately, in many areas, parents and guardians can file on behalf of minors.

Who Is the Youngest Major Company Owner?

On Feb. 3, 2024, Hong Kong's Hillary Yip, born in 2005, was likely still the youngest CEO in the world. She founded and runs MinorMynas, an online education platform for children. She began her journey into entrepreneurship at age 10, dabbling in the tech sector, and today sits at the table with some of the world's most renowned tech geniuses.

It's evident from these young peoples' stories that entrepreneurship is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It involves believing in the potential of ideas and pursuing them past ideation and concept development. These young entrepreneurs, inspired by family, academics, social trends, and events, have one thing in common: They found an opportunity and seized it—which is the true essence of entrepreneurship.

Times Reporter. " Young Entrepreneur Hart Main, 17, Owns Successful Candle Business ."

Beaver Creek. " Mancans ."

NFIB. " NFIB 's 2015 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award Winner: ManCans LLC ."

Brown Girls. " Brown Girls Stationery ."

Ryan's Recycling Company. " Shop ."

Pacific Marine Mammal Center. " Pacific Marine Mammal Center ."

Ryan's Recycling Company. " About ."

Ryan's Recycling Company. " Rep. Mike Levin Celebrates Earth Day by Honoring Local Environmental Ryan Hickman as April Constituent of the Month ."

Ryan's Recycling Company. " Project 3R ."

Imagiroo. " Lily Had an Idea ."

Imagiroo. " About ."

Fundly. " KikisKindnessProject ."

Mikey Knows Biz. " The Kid Who Knows the Biz ."

Mo's Bows. " Dial Up Your Debonair ."

Mo's Bows. " Meet Moziah ."

LinkedIn. " Moziah Bridges ."

The New Indian Express. " At 10, This Chennai Girl Is a Chef and an Entrepeneur. Here's Her Story ."

Four Seasons Pastry. " Four Seasons Pastry by Vinusha MK ."

Power Pony. " Order Your Power Pony Today ."

LinkedIn. " Epoch 5 Public Relations ."

SuperJam. " The SuperJam Story ."

Forbes. " The First Million: Fraser Doherty ."

SuperJam. " SuperJam Home Page ."

Fraser Doherty. " Fraser Doherty, The Adventures of Jam Boy ."

Nolo. " Do LLC Members Need to Be 18 Years Old (Or Older)? "

Gent. " Meet Hong Kong's Youngest Entrepreneur ."

Latin American Post. " Hillary Yip, at 15 years old, is the youngest CEO in the world ."

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Nonprofit Youth Services Business Plan

Start your own nonprofit youth services business plan

Unite For Youth

Executive summary executive summary is a brief introduction to your business plan. it describes your business, the problem that it solves, your target market, and financial highlights.">.

Unite for Youth is a nonprofit agency providing mentoring programs for middle and high school youth in the Greater Claremont area. Unite for Youth’s goal is to foster a commitment to young people that will promote pro-social friendships, strong interpersonal skills, and reassert a sense of hope in the future. 

Unite for Youth is a nonprofit agency providing mentoring programs for middle and high school youth in the Greater Claremont area. The program will form partnerships with local school districts and the juvenile court system. Unite for Youth’s goal is to foster a commitment to young people that will promote pro-social friendships, strong interpersonal skills, and reassert a sense of hope in the future. Only through personal relationships can a sense of individual responsibility be reestablished that will give youth the commitment to follow through on path to adulthood with a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Through repeated failures in the classroom and the development of destructive habits, at-risk young people have lost faith in the possibilities that await them if they are successful in putting their lives together. To accomplish this goal, young people must be in a caring, inclusive learning environment that promotes their best effort and reinforces personal respect.

Unite for Youth is a program that is in direct response to the growing number of young people that are either falling through the cracks at school or are already entangled with the juvenile court system. The goal of the program is to identify youths who are going to have a turbulent transition to adulthood and offer positive support system to avoid the pitfalls that can derail their lives. The focus is slightly different at each level but the goal remains the same; empower the young person to make positive changes in his/her life. 

Unite for Youth will focus primarily on middle school youths. It is projected that within three years, 50% of the system’s students will be in middle school. This age group is particularly problematic and a perfect time for mentoring to be effective.

Unite for Youth’s mentoring programs will pair a youth with mentor for 12 months. During that time the two will participate in weekly planned activities to strengthen the relationship between the two and improve the young person’s confidence and hopefulness.  Mentors will receive continuous training throughout the year and will participate in monthly meeting to report the young person’s progress.

Over time, Unite for Youth will create a learning environment that will be an invaluable resource to young people, aspiring mentors and the community at large.

Expectations

• We expect to raise enough money through regular ongoing donations to support the needed activities offerings to make this work. 
• We project total donations to run at approximately half a million dollars annually 

Financial Highlights by Year

Financing needed.

We’re assuming a $25K grant from the city to get us started. 

And regular ongoing donations which are the equivalent to our revenue line for the financials. 

Opportunity

It's about the kids.

The mission of Unite for Youth is the pursuit of the following principles:

• Commitment : Unite for Youth wants to inspire pro-social friendships, strong interpersonal skills, and instill a sense of hope in the future.
• Responsibility : The focus of Unite for Youth is to empower youth in establishing goals and following through on commitments.
• Possibility : Unite for Youth wants to expand the perspective of young people to make them aware of life’s possibilities.
• Support : An individual is dramatically influenced by their support system. Unite for Youth wants to surround young people in a caring, inclusive learning environment.

Specific Objectives

Unite for Youth is being established to provide mentoring for at risk middle and high school youth in the Greater Claremont area. The program will create partnerships with the local school districts and the juvenile court system. Unite for Youth matches a caring adult volunteer with a referred youth. Unite for Youth will setup four distinct mentoring programs:

• Trailblazers : Trailblazers is the central program of Unite for Youth. At risk middle school students and their mentors participate in a structured program of support.
• Turnaround : Turnaround focuses on students who are chronically suspended from middle and high schools.
• Higher Ground : Higher Ground engages youth involved in the juvenile court system.
• Lunch Friends : Lunch Friends works with children from local elementary schools.

Our Solution

The goal of the program is to identify youths who are going have a turbulent transition to adulthood and offer positive support system to avoid the pitfalls that can derail their lives.  The focus is slightly different at each level.  At the elementary school level, mentors strive to guide the young person back into the mainstream of class activity in order to destroy the negative reinforcers that can turn a student off to school.  With middle school students, Unite for Youth provides mentors that serve as developmental role models for young people looking for direction.  Sometimes it is as easy as a young person identifying with his mentor rather than a person involved in criminal or destructive activities.  Once a student has entered high school with a history of classroom disturbances and poor academic skills, it takes a tremendous proactive effort to assist a student in redirecting their lives.  Unite for Youth has found that group activities can service as a powerful reinforcer of hopeful behavior.

Target Market

Market size & segments.

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The target market for Unite for Youth are young people ages eight to 16 that  have developed destructive habits that will lead down a path of hopelessness.  Unite for Youth has created a series of mentoring programs that pair the young person with a trained mentor who will assist him or her in developing the habits and perspective that will lead to success and hopefulness in the future.

Unite for Youth has a number of market focuses that are key to the program’s success.

• Youth who are overcoming stressors in their lives, such as poverty, discrimination, abusive situations, addictions, unstable homes, and academic life, are the primary marketing focus of Unite for Youth. Mentoring programs foster positive changes through goal setting, self-discipline, skill development, and friendship. 
• Families are also the marketing focus when adult mentors are able to help youth work on solutions for their family stresses, and provide an objective but caring sounding board. As a result, many youth and their families report improved relations at home. Families must buy into the benefit from our United Parenting program, a 10-month series of custom-designed information and discussion groups that enrich parenting effectiveness, especially in the area of cognitive skills associated with family management practices. 
• Marketing also attracts mentors to Unite for Youth because they care about kids and their community. The typical mentor-youth relationship demands a commitment that must be sold to the potential mentor. For most mentors, this experience changes their lives, taps their inner resources, and challenges their convictions and beliefs. 
• Ultimately, Unite for Youth is marketed to Claremont as a critical social support system young people. Unite for Youth impacts how many other city services will be called in to respond to destructive behavior in the community.

Competition

Our advantages, keys to success.

• Establish a strong network of support with the school systems and the juvenile court system.
• Launch a series of fundraising activities that will successfully fund the expanding program.
• Establish an effective training program for mentors that will increase their ability to be successful communicators.
• Establish an effective monitoring system to protect both the youth and the mentor.

Fundraising

Marketing plan.

Unite for  Youth believes in the goal of leaving no child behind.  The goal is to raise the visibility of program to assure that:

• Referral sources will use the service;
• Funding sources will support the program;
• Adults will volunteer to be mentors.

The marketing strategy will be to successfully sell this new resource to the schools and the juvenile court system.  This will be accomplished by a referral coordinator who will create and maintain a network of contacts that will serve as the referral source for the program.

Brochures will be developed to sell the benefits of the program to both potential referrers and participants. The referral coordinator will provide progress reports for the referring program, school, or agency.  The goal will be to build an effective marketing program on the success of the mentoring relationships.

A marketing effort will also be implemented to attract and retain quality mentors for the program.  The program’s mentor recruiter/trainer will make presentations to Claremont civic and social group, selling the benefits of participating in Unite for Youth.  Reward activities will be planned for mentors.  These activities will be used to recruit new mentors from the friends and associates of current mentors.

The core of the marketing strategy will be the creation of the program’s Board of Directors who will be chartered with the responsibility of selling the benefits of the program to the community.

Unite for Youth’s funding sources include private donations, federal and state contracts, grants from private foundations, school districts and business sponsorship. The program’s fundraising Coordinator has established a number of contribution options that a supporter can select from.

• Cash Donation : From $1,000 to sponsor a youth for a year to $30 to fund the Outdoor Challenge course that all participants take part in.
• Gift of Appreciated Stock : a gift of appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds can both support the program and provide tax saving to the donor.
• Legacy Gifts : a planned gift in a will, trust, or other estate plan.
• Corporate Giving and Sponsorship : Businesses can provide cash or grants. Businesses are also encouraged to participate in the Unite for Youth fundraising events that take place throughout the year. These events include Fun Runs, Wine Tasting, Bike Races, and Raffles.
• Food Store Community Partnership Program : Unite for Youth receives a portion of what is spent in local food stores when the shopper uses the program card when making purchases. The card will be scanned at the checkout and the program will receive credit for the sale.

Activities and offerings

Main programs.

Unite for Youth offers youth, that have already been identified as at-risk, an opportunity to work with a caring mentor to improve their ability to develop a positive attitude towards their future. The long-term goal of Unite for Youth is to empower the young person to break the habits that are leading to trouble in school and in the streets.

Unite for Youth has four mentoring programs. They are as follows:

• Trailblazers : Trailblazers is the central program of Unite for Youth. At-risk middle school students and their mentors participate in a structured program of support. At-risk middle school students and their mentors participate in an energizing retreat, followed by a seven month structured program that includes monthly team-building and group activities. The program ends with a graduation but the mentor and youth remain together for the following five months.
• Turnaround : Turnaround focuses on students who are chronically suspended from middle and high schools. The goal of the program is to rekindle the youth’s commitment to learning and being successful in the classroom. By empowering young people to finish school, mentors are improving the student’s success in the work world as adults.
• Higher Ground : Higher Ground engages youth involved in the juvenile court system. The mentoring relationship is utilized to establish a program of change in the young person’s life. The mentor encourages goal-setting, self discipline, and skill development that improves the young person’s sense of hopefulness. Mentors and youth work one-on-one for a year and are also offered opportunities to participate in monthly group activities and outings.
• Lunch Friends : Lunch Friends works with children from local elementary schools. Adult mentors come to school each week to have lunch with their "friend." The program lasts for the duration of the school year.

Milestones & Metrics

Key metrics.

• Obvious metrics are money raised, money spent, and, specifically, money spent on activities as a percent of total money raised. We need that to be as high as possible. In the projections it’s about 70%
• Children served.
• Hours spent per child, on average.
• Children served staying in school.
• Children served graduating from school.
• Children served going on to compete in sports in school programs
• Comparison of average delinquency rates in the served population demographic in general, vs. average delinquency rates for children who have participated in our programs. 

Milestones Table

Ownership & structure.

Unite for Youth is a tax-exempt not-for-profit mentoring organization that pairs volunteers with at-risk youth.

Management Team

The following table summarizes our personnel expenditures for the first three years. Unite for Youth will have the following staff.

• Fundraising/grant coordinator;
• Mentor recruitment/training coordinator;
• Youth referral coordinator;
• Office manager.

Personnel Table

Financial plan investor-ready personnel plan .">, key assumptions.

The financial plan depends on important assumptions, most of which are shown in the following table. The key underlying assumptions are:

• We assume a slow-growth economy, without major recession.
• We assume that there are no unforeseen changes in federal grant funding availability.
• We assume a continued need for services by at-risk youths.
• We assume broad community support for mentoring.

Revenue by Month

Expenses by month, surplus or deficit, projected surplus or deficit, projected balance sheet, projected cash flow statement.

Tax Season Savings

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Ten Steps to Building a Successful Young Adult Ministry

Reaching this generation with the message of christ.

Josiah Kennealy on February 28, 2018

D uring the past four years, I’ve been on staff at a church as the young adult pastor. From my vantage point, more churches are making intentional efforts to reach 18- to 30-year-olds. Across the nation, a variety of models are working to engage and equip young adults to become a part of the lifeblood of the local church.

When it comes to young adult ministry, I haven’t invented anything. The focus is to go make disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples. However, there are some things most successful young adult ministries do. Here are 10 steps to building an effective young adult ministry:

1. Find Someone to Champion the Ministry

Someone needs to step up and be the leader. This could be a volunteer or a part-time or full-time staff member. I’ve seen churches where the youth or worship pastor also serves in the young adult capacity. I know of one church where the lead pastor and his wife host the young adult small group in their home, personally discipling this age group.

Maybe God is nudging you to be a champion for this cause in a leadership or support role. If so, start a conversation with your pastor.

2. Start With Prayer

Nehemiah, the King of Persia’s cupbearer, cried, prayed and fasted when he heard that Jerusalem was in ruins. When I started, I felt like Nehemiah, not knowing what to do. I couldn’t bear the thought of America’s young adults becoming a forgotten and unchurched generation.

A few people at our church gathered one night to pray. After the prayer meeting, we decided to get together over the next few weeks. After a few times of just praying, we began meeting as a small group — to regularly pray, read God’s Word, eat, and engage in open discussion just like the Early Church did in Acts 2:42-47.

Individual and corporate prayer times are the birthplace of burdens, dreams, visions and promises from God for our lives. Our group began with a few young adults on our knees, calling out to the God of heaven and asking Him for wisdom on what to do and whom to invite.

Since that time, the group has grown exponentially. I can trace everything back to our starting point — on our knees. There’s something about two or more gathering together before God, asking Him what He wants.

3. Build a Team

You’re on the winning team — God’s team! It comforts me to know that I’m never alone. At the end of the Great Commission, Jesus makes a great promise: “I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

What if you could build a dream team to reach the next generation of young adults in your community for Christ? What positions would you need to fill? Business writer Jim Collins calls these “the right seats on the bus.” Who from your church would fit best in each seat on your bus?

This is where you pray the right people onto your team, asking God to send workers for the harvest (Luke 10:2). As you pray and God puts people on your heart, begin conversations with them. Share a compelling vision, starting with why: Why would someone want to volunteer?  

4. Serve a Vision

So, you feel called to pioneer a new young adult ministry. That is awesome! It’s time to think and pray about what this ministry could and should look like. Is there a picture you can see or imagine of the ministry’s future? That is your vision. Visions are visual.

If you’re in a local church ministry, you’re there to support the existing vision of the lead pastor. Even if God gave you a vision, you’ll want to run it by the leader of the church. As a support staff or volunteer, your vision should always complement the church’s vision —  not compete with it.  

5. Find Mentors

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise.” There’s value in seeking counsel from more experienced people. Don’t settle for just any person who’s older than you. Find someone who has been where you want to go and can offer advice to help you get there.

Find the experts. Read their books. Reach out to them. Call, email, and chat over a meal if you can. That’s what mentoring is all about. Ask as many questions as possible. Learn from their successes, failures and observations.

I couldn’t bear the thought of America’s young adults becoming a forgotten and unchurched generation.

These mentors don’t have to be people you know personally. Paul — yes, that Paul — is one of my favorite mentors.

Go find your own mentor who has been where you want to go. Ask questions. Learn from that person’s successes and failures. His or her wisdom is more valuable than you realize.

6. Create Regular Small Groups

Consistency is an important part of creating a successful young adult ministry. The lives of college students, 20-somethings and young couples are transient. That means ministry leaders who focus on this age group need to be pillars of consistency in the midst of a changing culture. One way you can do this is by setting up small groups.

My ministry uses small groups — communities of people who meet weekly to support one another, study and discuss the Bible, and pray. Consistency matters because having a stable group of people builds trust and brings confidence to your life, despite an uncertain life stage.

Discipleship results happen best when groups meet consistently and intentionally, just like fitness results are most effective with scheduled, frequent gym visits.

For more information about building great small groups, check out Small Group University by Brad Lewis, the Chi Alpha director at North Dakota State University.  

7. Identify and Equip Natural Leaders

I love to watch people magnets — you know, those who naturally attract and engage others. Every ministry has natural-born “people people.” They may not have official titles or roles on your team, but you can bet they’re inviting dozens of people over for a bonfire or movie tomorrow. They’re the thermostats who change the temperature in a room.

The person leading a young adult ministry can’t do it alone, and these people magnets are an essential part of ministry to young adults. If you recognize them in your own ministry, encourage them! Call out their leadership skills, and ask them to keep engaging others.

If your ministry needs some of these people, pray for God to send them. He can use them to expand the influence of your young adult ministry and raise up and empower other leaders in your ministry. They will turn your ministry into a community. 

8. Bring Everyone Together

As your group outgrows a living room or table in a restaurant, it’s time to consider a space for larger gatherings. A large gathering is an on-ramp and invitation into deeper community. Some meet weekly or monthly, and others quarterly. Find the model that works for you; there are so many thriving young adult ministries.

I don’t know what’s best for your ministry. It may be formal or informal, programmed down to every detail, or more unplugged. As long as you start with prayer, God will lead you to pastor and care for people’s souls, no matter the format. That’s what matters most.

9. Partner With Youth Ministry

Within your church, think beyond just your department. As a college pastor or young adult ministry leader, you should develop a great working relationship with the youth pastor. You can work together to help and sharpen one another.

Think strategically about transitions: youth to college to young adults. Team up with your youth leaders to facilitate these transitions. The students they currently lead will one day become young adults.

As a church body, are we helping equip young people to thrive spiritually when they get to college? Do we know where they are going after high school, whether to college, a branch of the military, or a workplace? If so, can we connect them with campus ministries and churches in those places?  

10. Develop Key Relationships

Get to know other people who are passionate about reaching young adults. Build bridges of connection with local college pastors and ministries. Chi Alpha and other campus ministries exist to reach students on college and university campuses.

Young adult ministry leaders should help students make ministry connections so they can successfully transition into the local church during and after college.

Think of a few people locally who share your passion for young adult ministry. They might be campus ministers or young adult pastors. Get together with them for coffee, and partner in prayer for a move of God in your city. This is so much bigger than you, your ministry or your community. It is about the kingdom of God.

Can you imagine what would happen if every church in America had a successful young adult ministry? What would our world look like if every church had at least one young adult small group, where young people could find hope in Jesus and encounter life-changing, Christ-centered community?

As today’s young people begin their adult lives, we can influence them for eternity. How will your church respond to this opportunity?

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An Essential Guide to Business Casual Attire for Young Adults

In today’s competitive business world, dressing for success is more important than ever. The way you present yourself can significantly impact how others perceive you and can even influence your professional growth. When it comes to dressing for success in the workplace, business casual attire plays a vital role. It strikes the perfect balance between professionalism and personal style, allowing young professionals to make a lasting impression.

First impressions matter, and the way you dress can create a positive or negative impact on your colleagues, clients, and superiors. When you dress professionally, you demonstrate respect for yourself and others. It shows that you take your work seriously and are committed to presenting yourself in a manner that aligns with the values of the organization. Dressing for success also boosts your confidence, which can have a significant impact on your overall performance and interactions with others.

What is Business Casual Attire?

Business casual attire is a dress code that is less formal than traditional business attire but still maintains a professional appearance. It allows for more flexibility in terms of clothing choices while maintaining a level of sophistication. For young professionals, understanding the nuances of business casual attire is crucial to ensure they are appropriately dressed for the workplace.

In general, business casual attire for men includes dress pants or khakis, a button-down shirt or polo, and dress shoes. Ties are optional but can be added for a more polished look. For women, business casual attire typically consists of dress pants or skirts paired with blouses or sweaters. Dresses are also appropriate as long as they are not too revealing and reach an appropriate length. Closed-toe shoes or dressy flats complete the ensemble.

Dress Code Expectations for Young Professionals

As a young professional, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the dress code expectations of your workplace. Every organization may have slightly different guidelines, so it is crucial to observe and adhere to the specific requirements. Some companies may have a more relaxed approach to business casual attire, while others may have stricter guidelines.

If you are unsure about the dress code expectations, it is always better to err on the side of caution and dress slightly more formal than necessary. It is easier to dress down if needed than to appear underdressed. Pay attention to how your superiors and colleagues dress and use that as a guide for your own attire.

Tips for Selecting Business Casual Attire

Choosing the right business casual attire can be overwhelming, especially for young professionals who are new to the corporate world. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process and select the appropriate attire for the workplace:

• Know the dress code: Familiarize yourself with the specific dress code expectations of your workplace. Understanding the guidelines will help you make informed decisions when selecting your attire.
• Invest in quality basics: Build a foundation of essential pieces that can be mixed and matched to create various business casual outfits. Invest in high-quality dress pants, skirts, blouses, and shirts that fit you well and are versatile. The zac and rachel clothing collection has tons of high quality pieces that are sure to spice up your business casual wardrobe. 
• Pay attention to fit: Ill-fitting clothing can undermine your professional image. Ensure that your business casual attire is tailored to fit your body shape properly. Consider getting alterations if needed to achieve the perfect fit.
• Choose appropriate colors and patterns: Stick to neutral colors like black, navy, gray, and white for a more professional look. Avoid bold and flashy patterns that might distract or overshadow your professionalism.
• Consider the season: Dressing for the appropriate season shows attention to detail and adaptability. Opt for lightweight fabrics and brighter colors in the summer and layer up with sweaters or blazers in the colder months.

By following these tips, you can create a business casual wardrobe that reflects your personal style while meeting the expectations of your workplace.

Essential Pieces for a Business Casual Wardrobe

Building a business casual wardrobe as a young professional requires careful consideration of essential pieces that can be mixed and matched to create a variety of outfits. Here are some key items that should be a part of your wardrobe:

• Dress pants: Invest in a pair of well-fitting dress pants in neutral colors like black, navy, or gray. These versatile pants can be paired with different tops and shoes to create a polished business casual look.
• Blouses and shirts: Stock your wardrobe with a variety of blouses and shirts in different colors and patterns. Opt for fabrics that are comfortable and easy to care for, such as cotton or silk blends.
• Skirts: A few knee-length skirts in classic styles can be a great addition to your business casual wardrobe. Choose skirts that can be paired with a variety of tops and blouses for maximum versatility.
• Dresses: Select a few dresses that are appropriate for the workplace. Look for styles that are not too revealing and have a professional cut. Consider different lengths and sleeve options to suit your personal style.
• Blazers and cardigans: Layering is key in business casual attire. Invest in a well-fitting blazer and a few cardigans that can be worn over your tops or dresses to add a touch of professionalism and warmth when needed.

By having these essential pieces in your wardrobe, you can easily create stylish and appropriate business casual outfits for any occasion.

Styling Tips for Business Casual Outfits

Creating polished and professional outfits with your business casual attire requires some styling know-how. Here are some tips to help you put together stylish and appropriate ensembles:

• Mix and match: Take advantage of the versatility of your essential pieces by mixing and matching them to create different outfits. Pair dress pants with different blouses or shirts, or wear a skirt with various tops to create a fresh look every time.
• Layer strategically: Use blazers, cardigans, or sweaters to add layers to your outfits. This not only adds warmth but also elevates the overall look. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
• Accessorize thoughtfully: Accessories can elevate a simple business casual outfit. Choose accessories that complement your attire without being too flashy or distracting. Opt for classic pieces like a watch, simple necklace, or a tasteful pair of earrings.
• Pay attention to grooming: Your overall appearance goes beyond just the clothes you wear. Pay attention to your grooming habits, including well-maintained hair, clean and polished shoes, and minimal visible tattoos or piercings that may not align with your workplace’s expectations.

Remember, the goal is to maintain a professional appearance while showcasing your personal style in a tasteful and appropriate manner.

Accessorizing for a Professional Look

Accessories can play a crucial role in completing a professional and polished business casual look. Here are some tips for accessorizing in a way that enhances your overall appearance:

• Choose quality over quantity: Invest in a few high-quality accessories that are versatile and timeless. Avoid cheap and trendy pieces that may not withstand the test of time.
• Consider the occasion: Different workplaces may have different expectations when it comes to accessories. Pay attention to the norms of your workplace and choose accessories accordingly. For example, a more conservative workplace may require minimal and subtle accessories, while a creative industry may allow for more expression.
• Keep it simple: When in doubt, it is better to keep your accessories simple and understated. Opt for classic pieces like a watch, a delicate necklace, or stud earrings that add a touch of elegance without overpowering your overall look.
• Coordinate with your outfit: Choose accessories that complement your outfit rather than compete with it. Consider the colors and style of your attire when selecting accessories. For example, if you are wearing a patterned blouse, opt for simpler accessories that won’t clash with the pattern.

Remember, accessories should enhance your professional image, not distract from it. Choose wisely and ensure that your accessories contribute to a polished and put-together look.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Business Casual Dressing

While it is essential to know what to do when dressing in business casual attire, it is equally important to be aware of common mistakes to avoid. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Being too casual: Business casual does not mean dressing as if you are going to a social gathering or running errands. Avoid overly casual clothing like jeans, t-shirts, or sneakers. Instead, opt for pieces that are more polished and professional.
• Being too formal: On the other end of the spectrum, avoid dressing in overly formal attire that may be more suitable for a traditional business setting. Business casual allows for more flexibility, so embrace the opportunity to showcase your personal style while maintaining professionalism.
• Wearing inappropriate clothing: Avoid clothing that is too revealing, tight-fitting, or ill-suited for the workplace. Skirts or dresses should be an appropriate length, and tops should not show too much cleavage or bare shoulders.
• Neglecting grooming: Pay attention to your grooming habits, including well-maintained hair, clean and polished shoes, and neat and tidy clothing. Avoid wrinkled or stained clothing, as it can detract from your professional image.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can ensure that you are presenting yourself in the best possible way and projecting a professional image in the workplace.

Dressing for Success in Different Industries

While business casual attire is generally accepted across various industries, it is essential to consider the specific expectations of your industry. Different industries may have different dress codes or cultural norms that should be respected. Here are a few examples:

• Corporate: In more traditional corporate settings, a more formal business casual attire may be expected. Opt for tailored suits , classic dresses, and conservative accessories.
• Creative: Creative industries often allow for more self-expression. Embrace the opportunity to showcase your personal style through bold colors, unique patterns, and statement accessories, while still maintaining a professional appearance.
• Tech/Startup: The tech and startup industries tend to have a more relaxed dress code. However, it is still important to present yourself in a professional manner. Opt for well-fitting jeans or chinos paired with a button-down shirt or a casual blazer.
• Hospitality: In the hospitality industry, a polished and put-together appearance is crucial. Dress slacks or skirts, paired with button-down shirts or blouses, are generally expected. Avoid overly casual clothing like shorts or flip flops.

Understanding the expectations of your industry and adjusting your business casual attire accordingly will help you make the best impression and fit in seamlessly with your colleagues.

Conclusion: Embracing Your Personal Style While Maintaining a Professional Image

Dressing for success as a young professional is a balancing act between embracing your personal style and maintaining a professional image. Business casual attire provides the perfect platform to showcase your personality while adhering to workplace expectations.

By understanding the importance of dressing for success, familiarizing yourself with the business casual dress code, and following the tips and guidelines provided, you can create a business casual wardrobe that reflects your individuality and professionalism.

Remember, dressing for success goes beyond just the clothes you wear. Pay attention to grooming, select appropriate accessories, and be mindful of common mistakes to avoid. By doing so, you will project a confident and professional image that will undoubtedly contribute to your success in the workplace.

So go ahead, embrace the world of business casual attire, and dress for success!

Now that you have the ultimate business casual attire guide, it’s time to put it into practice. Take inventory of your wardrobe, make necessary additions or adjustments, and start dressing for success in your professional life. Remember, confidence and professionalism go hand in hand.

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A third of Gen Z and millennial homebuyers plan to use family money for a down payment amid sky-high housing costs

• More than a third of Gen Z and millennial homebuyers anticipate their families to help with the cost, Redfin says. 
• Younger Americans face bigger financial hurdles to buying a home compared to their parents' generation.

A new group of nepo babies is emerging through the country's housing affordability crisis. 

Over one-third of prospective Gen Z and millennial homebuyers expect their families to help cover the down payment for a home purchase, according to a Redfin-commissioned survey of 3,000 people in the US.  

Taking a closer look, roughly one in six people under the age of 43 said they'd tap into their family inheritance to pay the up-front cost, and 13% said they planned to live under their parents' or other family members' roof. 

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It's worth noting that only 18% of millennials leveraged a family cash gift for their down payment in 2019, though this number jumped to 23% by 2023 as the country grappled with all-time high median home prices as well as multi-decade highs in the 30-year mortgage rate. 

Nearly half of Gen Zers and millennials say they aren't keen on buying homes soon due to sky-high prices. About a third struggle to save for a down payment, while others blame steep mortgage rates for keeping them sidelined. 

"Nepo-homebuyers have a growing advantage over first-generation homebuyers. Because housing costs have soared so much, many young adults with family money get help from Mom and Dad even when they have jobs and earn a perfectly respectable income," said Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather. 

Even though lots of young Americans are pulling in decent income, with 60% able to stash money away for a house and 39% eyeing side hustles, they're still spooked by the whopping 40% spike in home prices since before the pandemic. 

"The bigger problem is that young Americans who don't have family money are often shut out of homeownership. Many of them earn a perfectly good income, too, but they aren't able to afford a home because they're at a generational disadvantage; they don't have a pot of family money to dip into," Fairweather said. 

The housing crisis also widens wealth gaps in America, leaving many younger people struggling to keep pace with more privileged peers and shutting them out of a significant source of wealth accumulation. 

"The American Dream is just as much about class mobility as it is the home with a white-picket fence, and the housing affordability crisis has made both elements of the dream harder to attain," she added. 

These days, in order to afford the median-priced home in the US, buyers need to earn $114,000 annually , 35% more than the median household income of $84,072, Redfin said in a separate report this week. 

Watch: Millions of homes could flood the US housing market thanks to boomers

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Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem

The former republican national committee chairwoman was hired by nbc and then let go after an outcry..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.”

[MUSIC PLAYING]

Today, the saga of Ronna McDaniel and NBC and what it reveals about the state of television news headed into the 2024 presidential race. Jim Rutenberg, a “Times” writer at large, is our guest.

It’s Monday, April 1.

Jim, NBC News just went through a very public, a very searing drama over the past week, that we wanted you to make sense of in your unique capacity as a longtime media and political reporter at “The Times.” This is your sweet spot. You were, I believe, born to dissect this story for us.

Oh, brother.

Well, on the one hand, this is a very small moment for a major network like NBC. They hire, as a contributor, not an anchor, not a correspondent, as a contributor, Ronna McDaniel, the former RNC chairwoman. It blows up in a mini scandal at the network.

But to me, it represents a much larger issue that’s been there since that moment Donald J. Trump took his shiny gold escalator down to announce his presidential run in 2015. This struggle by the news media to figure out, especially on television, how do we capture him, cover him for all of his lies, all the challenges he poses to Democratic norms, yet not alienate some 74, 75 million American voters who still follow him, still believe in him, and still want to hear his reality reflected in the news that they’re listening to?

Right. Which is about as gnarly a conundrum as anyone has ever dealt with in the news media.

Well, it’s proven so far unsolvable.

Well, let’s use the story of what actually happened with Ronna McDaniel and NBC to illustrate your point. And I think that means describing precisely what happened in this situation.

The story starts out so simply. It’s such a basic thing that television networks do. As elections get underway, they want people who will reflect the two parties.

They want talking heads. They want insiders. They want them on their payroll so they can rely on them whenever they need them. And they want them to be high level so they can speak with great knowledge about the two major candidates.

Right. And rather than needing to beg these people to come on their show at 6 o’clock, when they might be busy and it’s not their full-time job, they go off and they basically put them on retainer for a bunch of money.

Yeah. And in this case, here’s this perfect scenario because quite recently, Ronna McDaniel, the chairwoman of the Republican National Committee through the Trump era, most of it, is now out on the market. She’s actually recently been forced out of the party. And all the networks are interested because here’s the consummate insider from Trump world ready to get snatched up under contract for the next election and can really represent this movement that they’ve been trying to capture.

So NBC’S key news executives move pretty aggressively, pretty swiftly, and they sign her up for a $300,000 a year contributor’s contract.

Nice money if you can get it.

Not at millions of dollars that they pay their anchors, but a very nice contract. I’ll take it. You’ll take it. In the eyes of NBC execs she was perfect because she can be on “Meet the Press” as a panelist. She can help as they figure out some of their coverage. They have 24 hours a day to fill and here’s an official from the RNC. You can almost imagine the question that would be asked to her. It’s 10:00 PM on election night. Ronna, what are the Trump people thinking right now? They’re looking at the same numbers you are.

That was good, but that’s exactly it. And we all know it, right? This is television in our current era.

So last Friday, NBC makes what should be a routine announcement, but one they’re very proud of, that they’ve hired Ronna McDaniel. And in a statement, they say it couldn’t be a more important moment to have a voice like Ronna’s on the team. So all’s good, right? Except for there’s a fly in the ointment.

Because it turns out that Ronna McDaniel has been slated to appear on “Meet the Press,” not as a paid NBC contributor, but as a former recently ousted RNC chair with the “Meet The Press” host, Kristen Welker, who’s preparing to have a real tough interview with Ronna McDaniel. Because of course, Ronna McDaniel was chair of the party and at Trump’s side as he tried to refuse his election loss. So this was supposed to be a showdown interview.

From NBC News in Washington, the longest-running show in television history. This is “Meet The Press” with Kristen Welker.

And here, all of a sudden, Kristin Welker is thrown for a loop.

In full disclosure to our viewers, this interview was scheduled weeks before it was announced that McDaniel would become a paid NBC News contributor.

Because now, she’s actually interviewing a member of the family who’s on the same payroll.

Right. Suddenly, she’s interviewing a colleague.

This will be a news interview, and I was not involved in her hiring.

So what happens during the interview?

So Welker is prepared for a tough interview, and that’s exactly what she does.

Can you say, as you sit here today, did Joe Biden win the election fair and square?

He won. He’s the legitimate president.

Did he win fair and square?

Fair and square, he won. It’s certified. It’s done.

She presses her on the key question that a lot of Republicans get asked these days — do you accept Joe Biden was the winner of the election?

But, I do think, Kristen —

Ronna, why has it taken you until now to say that? Why has it taken you until now to be able to say that?

I’m going to push back a little.

McDaniel gets defensive at times.

Because I do think it’s fair to say there were problems in 2020. And to say that does not mean he’s not the legitimate president.

But, Ronna, when you say that, it suggests that there was something wrong with the election. And you know that the election was the most heavily scrutinized. Chris Krebs —

It’s a really combative interview.

I want to turn now to your actions in the aftermath of the 2020 election.

And Welker actually really does go deeply into McDaniel’s record in those weeks before January 6.

On November 17, you and Donald Trump were recorded pushing two Republican Michigan election officials not to certify the results of the election. And on the call —

For instance, she presses McDaniel on McDaniel’s role in an attempt to convince a couple county commissioner level canvassers in Michigan to not certify Biden’s victory.

Our call that night was to say, are you OK? Vote your conscience. Not pushing them to do anything.

McDaniel says, look, I was just telling them to vote their conscience. They should do whatever they think is right.

But you said, do not sign it. If you can go home tonight, do not sign it. How can people read that as anything other than a pressure campaign?

And Welker’s not going to just let her off the hook. Welker presses her on Trump’s own comments about January 6 and Trump’s efforts recently to gloss over some of the violence, and to say that those who have been arrested, he’ll free them.

Do you support that?

I want to be very clear. The violence that happened on January 6 is unacceptable.

And this is a frankly fascinating moment because you can hear McDaniel starting to, if not quite reverse some of her positions, though in some cases she does that, at least really soften her language. It’s almost as if she’s switching uniforms from the RNC one to an NBC one or almost like breaking from a role she was playing.

Ronna, why not speak out earlier? Why just speak out about that now?

When you’re the RNC chair, you kind of take one for the whole team, right? Now, I get to be a little bit more myself.

She says, hey, you know what? Sometimes as RNC chair, you just have to take it for the team sometimes.

Right. What she’s really saying is I did things as chairwoman of the Republican National committee that now that I no longer have that job, I can candidly say, I wished I hadn’t done, which is very honest. But it’s also another way of saying I’m two faced, or I was playing a part.

Ronna McDaniel, thank you very much for being here this morning.

Then something extraordinary happens. And I have to say, I’ve never seen a moment like this in decades of watching television news and covering television news.

Welcome back. The panel is here. Chuck Todd, NBC News chief political analyst.

Welker brings her regular panel on, including Chuck Todd, now the senior NBC political analyst.

Chuck, let’s dive right in. What were your takeaways?

And he launches right into what he calls —

Look, let me deal with the elephant in the room.

The elephant being this hiring of McDaniel.

I think our bosses owe you an apology for putting you in this situation.

And he proceeds, on NBC’S air, to lace into management for, as he describes it, putting Welker in this crazy awkward position.

Because I don’t know what to believe. She is now a paid contributor by NBC News. I have no idea whether any answer she gave to you was because she didn’t want to mess up her contract.

And Todd is very hung up on this idea that when she was speaking for the party, she would say one thing. And now that she’s on the payroll at NBC, she’s saying another thing.

She has credibility issues that she still has to deal with. Is she speaking for herself, or is she speaking on behalf of who’s paying her?

Todd is basically saying, how are we supposed to know which one to believe.

What can we believe?

It is important for this network and for always to have a wide aperture. Having ideological diversity on this panel is something I prided myself on.

And what he’s effectively saying is that his bosses should have never hired her in this capacity.

I understand the motivation, but this execution, I think, was poor.

Someone said to me last night we live in complicated times. Thank you guys for being here. I really appreciate it.

Now, let’s just note here, this isn’t just any player at NBC. Chuck Todd is obviously a major news name at the network. And him doing this appears to just open the floodgates across the entire NBC News brand, especially on its sister cable network, MSNBC.

And where I said I’d never seen anything like what I saw on “Meet the Press” that morning, I’d never seen anything like this either. Because now, the entire MSNBC lineup is in open rebellion. I mean, from the minute that the sun comes up. There is Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.

We weren’t asked our opinion of the hiring. But if we were, we would have strongly objected to it.

They’re on fire over this.

believe NBC News should seek out conservative Republican voices, but it should be conservative Republicans, not a person who used her position of power to be an anti-democracy election denier.

But it rolls out across the entire schedule.

Because Ronna McDaniel has been a major peddler of the big lie.

The fact that Ms. McDaniel is on the payroll at NBC News, to me that is inexplicable. I mean, you wouldn’t hire a mobster to work at a DA’s office.

Rachel Maddow devotes an entire half hour.

It’s not about just being associated with Donald Trump and his time in the Republican Party. It’s not even about lying or not lying. It’s about our system of government.

Thumbing their noses at our bosses and basically accusing them of abetting a traitorous figure in American history. I mean, just extraordinary stuff. It’s television history.

And let’s face it, we journalists, our bosses, we can be seen as crybabies, and we’re paid complaining. Yeah, that’s what we’re paid to do. But in this case, the NBC executives cannot ignore this, because in the outcry, there’s a very clear point that they’re all making. Ronna McDaniel is not just a voice from the other side. She was a fundamental part of Trump’s efforts to deny his election loss.

This is not inviting the other side. This is someone who’s on the wrong side —

Of history.

Of history, of these moments that we’ve covered and are still covering.

And I think it’s fair to say that at this point, everyone understands that Ronna McDaniel’s time at NBC News is going to be very short lived. Yeah, basically, after all this, the executives at NBC have to face facts it’s over. And on Tuesday night, they release a statement to the staff saying as much.

They don’t cite the questions about red lines or what Ronna McDaniel represented or didn’t represent. They just say we need to have a unified newsroom. We want cohesion. This isn’t working.

I think in the end, she was a paid contributor for four days.

Yeah, one of the shortest tenures in television news history. And look, in one respect, by their standards, this is kind of a pretty small contract, a few hundred thousand dollars they may have to pay out. But it was way more costly because they hired her. They brought her on board because they wanted to appeal to these tens of millions of Americans who still love Donald J. Trump.

And what happens now is that this entire thing is blown up in their face, and those very same people now see a network that, in their view, in the view of Republicans across the country, this network will not accept any Republicans. So it becomes more about that. And Fox News, NBC’S longtime rival, goes wall to wall with this.

Now, NBC News just caved to the breathless demands from their far left, frankly, emotionally unhinged host.

I mean, I had it on my desk all day. And every minute I looked at that screen, it was pounding on these liberals at NBC News driving this Republican out.

It’s the shortest tenure in TV history, I think. But why? Well, because she supports Donald Trump, period.

So in a way, this leaves NBC worse off with that Trump Republican audience they had wanted to court than maybe even they were before. It’s like a boomerang with a grenade on it.

Yeah, it completely explodes in their face. And that’s why to me, the whole episode is so representative of this eight-year conundrum for the news media, especially on television. They still haven’t been able to crack the code for how to handle the Trump movement, the Trump candidacy, and what it has wrought on the American political system and American journalism.

We’ll be right back.

Jim, put into context this painful episode of NBC into that larger conundrum you just diagnosed that the media has faced when it comes to Trump.

Well, Michael, it’s been there from the very beginning, from the very beginning of his political rise. The media was on this kind of seesaw. They go back and forth over how to cover him. Sometimes they want to cover him quite aggressively because he’s such a challenging candidate. He was bursting so many norms.

But at other times, there was this instinct to understand his appeal, for the same reason. He’s such an unusual candidate. So there was a great desire to really understand his voters. And frankly, to speak to his voters, because they’re part of the audience. And we all lived it, right?

But just let me take you back anyway because everything’s fresh again with perspective. And so if you go back, let’s look at when he first ran. The networks, if you recall, saw him as almost like a novelty candidate.

He was going to spice up what was expected to be a boring campaign between the usual suspects. And he was a ratings magnet. And the networks, they just couldn’t get enough of it. And they allowed him, at times, to really shatter their own norms.

Welcome back to “Meet the Press,” sir.

Good morning, Chuck.

Good morning. Let me start —

He was able to just call into the studio and riff with the likes of George Stephanopoulos and Chuck Todd.

What does it have to do with Hillary?

She can’t talk about me because nobody respects women more than Donald Trump.

And CNN gave him a lot of unmitigated airtime, if you recall during the campaign. They would run the press conferences.

It’s the largest winery on the East Coast. I own it 100 percent.

And let him promote his Trump steaks and his Trump wine.

Trump steaks. Where are the steaks? Do we have steaks?

I mean, it got that crazy. But again, the ratings were huge. And then he wins. And because they had previously given him all that airtime, they’ve, in retrospect, sort of given him a political gift, and more than that now have a journalistic imperative to really address him in a different way, to cover him as they would have covered any other candidate, which, let’s face it, they weren’t doing initially. So there’s this extra motivation to make up for lost ground and maybe for some journalistic omissions.

Right. Kind of correct for the lack of a rigorous journalistic filter in the campaign.

Exactly. And the big thing that this will be remembered for is we’re going to call a lie a lie.

I don’t want to sugarcoat this because facts matter, and the fact is President Trump lies.

Trump lies. We’re going to say it’s a lie.

And I think we can’t just mince around it because they are lies. And so we need to call them what they are.

We’re no longer going to use euphemisms or looser language we’re. Going to call it for what it is.

Trump lies in tweets. He spreads false information at rallies. He lies when he doesn’t need to. He lies when the truth is more than enough for him.

CNN was running chyrons. They would fact check Trump and call lies lies on the screen while Trump is talking. They were challenging Trump to his face —

One of the statements that you made in the tail end of the campaign in the midterms that —

Here we go.

That — well, if you don’t mind, Mr. President, that this caravan was an invasion.

— in these crazy press conferences —

They’re are hundreds of miles away, though. They’re hundreds and hundreds of miles away. That’s not an invasion.

Honestly, I think you should let me run the country. You run CNN. And if you did it well, your ratings —

Well, let me ask — if I may ask one other question. Mr. President, if I may ask another question. Are you worried —

That’s enough. That’s enough.

And Trump is giving it right back.

I tell you what, CNN should be ashamed of itself having you working for them. You are a rude, terrible person. You shouldn’t be working for CNN.

Very combative.

So this was this incredibly fraught moment for the American press. You’ve got tens of millions of Trump supporters seeing what’s really basic fact checking. These look like attacks to Trump supporters. Trump, in turn, is calling the press, the reporters are enemies of the people. So it’s a terrible dynamic.

And when January 6 happens, it’s so obviously out of control. And what the traditional press that follows, traditional journalistic rules has to do is make it clear that the claims that Trump is making about a stolen election are just so abjectly false that they don’t warrant a single minute of real consideration once the reporting has been done to show how false they are. And I think that American journalism really emerged from that feeling strongly about its own values and its own place in society.

But then there’s still tens of millions of Trump voters, and they don’t feel so good about the coverage. And they don’t agree that January 6 was an insurrection. And so we enter yet another period, where the press is going to have to now maybe rethink some things.

In what way?

Well, there’s a kind of quiet period after January 6. Trump is off of social media. The smoke is literally dissipating from the air in Washington. And news executives are kind of standing there on the proverbial battlefield, taking a new look at their situation.

And they’re seeing that in this clearer light, they’ve got some new problems, perhaps none more important for their entire business models than that their ratings are quickly crashing. And part of that diminishment is that a huge part of the country, that Trump-loving part of the audience, is really now severed from him from their coverage.

They see the press as actually, in some cases, being complicit in stealing an election. And so these news executives, again, especially on television, which is so ratings dependent, they’ve got a problem. So after presumably learning all these lessons about journalism and how to confront power, there’s a first subtle and then much less subtle rethinking.

Maybe we need to pull back from that approach. And maybe we need to take some new lessons and switch it up a little bit and reverse some of what we did. And one of the best examples of this is none other than CNN.

It had come under new management, was being led by a guy named Chris Licht, a veteran of cable news, but also Stephen Colbert’s late night show in his last job. And his new job under this new management is we’re going to recalibrate a little bit. So Chris Licht proceeds to try to bring the network back to the center.

And how does he do that?

Well, we see some key personalities who represented the Trump combat era start losing air time and some of them lose their jobs. There’s talk of, we want more Republicans on the air. There was a famous magazine article about Chris Licht’s balancing act here.

And Chris Licht says to a reporter, Tim Alberta of the “Atlantic” magazine, look, a lot in the media, including at his own network, quote unquote, “put on a jersey, took a side.” They took a side. And he says, I think we understand that jersey cannot go back on him. Because he says in the end of the day, by the way, it didn’t even work. We didn’t change anyone’s mind.

He’s saying that confrontational approach that defined the four years Trump was in office, that was a reaction to the feeling that TV news had failed to properly treat Trump with sufficient skepticism, that that actually was a failure both of journalism and of the TV news business. Is that what he’s saying?

Yeah. On the business side, it’s easier call, right? You want a bigger audience, and you’re not getting the bigger audience. But he’s making a journalistic argument as well that if the job is to convey the truth and take it to the people, and they take that into account as they make their own voting decisions and formulate their own opinions about American politics, if tens of millions of people who do believe that election was stolen are completely tuning you out because now they see you as a political combatant, you’re not achieving your ultimate goal as a journalist.

And what does Licht’s “don’t put a jersey back on” approach look like on CNN for its viewers?

Well, It didn’t look good. People might remember this, but the most glaring example —

Please welcome, the front runner for the Republican nomination for president, Donald Trump.

— was when he held a town hall meeting featuring Donald J. Trump, now candidate Trump, before an audience packed with Trump’s fans.

You look at what happened during that election. Unless you’re a very stupid person, you see what happens. A lot of the people —

Trump let loose a string of falsehoods.

Most people understand what happened. It was a rigged election.

The audience is pro-Trump audience, was cheering him on.

Are you ready? Are you ready? Can I talk?

Yeah, what’s your answer?

Can I? Do you mind?

I would like for you to answer the question.

OK. It’s very simple to answer.

That’s why I asked it.

It’s very simple. You’re a nasty person, I’ll tell you that.

And during, the CNN anchor hosting this, Kaitlan Collins, on CNN’s own air, it was a disaster.

It felt like a callback to the unlearned lessons of 2016.

Yeah. And in this case, CNN’s staff was up in arms.

Big shakeup in the cable news industry as CNN makes another change at the top.

Chris Licht is officially out at CNN after a chaotic run as chairman and CEO.

And Chris Licht didn’t survive it.

The chief executive’s departure comes as he faced criticism in recent weeks after the network hosted a town hall with Donald Trump and the network’s ratings started to drop.

But I want to say that the CNN leadership still, even after that, as they brought new leadership in, said, this is still the path we’re going to go on. Maybe that didn’t work out, but we’re still here. This is still what we have to do.

Right. And this idea is very much in the water of TV news, that this is the right overall direction.

Yeah. This is, by no means, isolated to CNN. This is throughout the traditional news business. These conversations are happening everywhere. But CNN was living it at that point.

And this, of course, is how we get to NBC deciding to hire Ronna McDaniel.

Right. Because they’re picking up — right where that conversation leaves off, they’re having the same conversation. But for NBC, you could argue this tension between journalistic values and audience. It’s even more pressing. Because even though MSNBC is a niche cable network, NBC News is part of an old-fashioned broadcast network. It’s on television stations throughout the country.

And in fact, those networks, they still have 6:30 newscasts. And believe it or not, millions of people still watch those every night. Maybe not as many as they used to, but there’s still some six or seven million people tuning in to nightly news. That’s important.

Right. We should say that kind of number is sometimes double or triple that of the cable news prime time shows that get all the attention.

On their best nights. So this is big business still. And that business is based on broad — it’s called broadcast for a reason. That’s based on broad audiences. So NBC had a business imperative, and they argue they had a journalistic imperative.

So given all of that, Jim, I think the big messy question here is, when it comes to NBC, did they make a tactical error around hiring the wrong Republican which blew up? Or did they make an even larger error in thinking that the way you handle Trump and his supporters is to work this hard to reach them, when they might not even be reachable?

The best way to answer that question is to tell you what they’re saying right now, NBC management. What the management saying is, yes, this was a tactical error. This was clearly the wrong Republican. We get it.

But they’re saying, we are going to — and they said this in their statement, announcing that they were severing ties with McDaniel. They said, we’re going to redouble our efforts to represent a broad spectrum of the American votership. And that’s what they meant was that we’re going to still try to reach these Trump voters with people who can relate to them and they can relate to.

But the question is, how do you even do that when so many of his supporters believe a lie? How is NBC, how is CNN, how are any of these TV networks, if they have decided that this is their mission, how are they supposed to speak to people who believe something fundamentally untrue as a core part of their political identity?

That’s the catch-22. How do you get that Trump movement person who’s also an insider, when the litmus test to be an insider in the Trump movement is to believe in the denialism or at least say you do? So that’s a real journalistic problem. And the thing that we haven’t really touched here is, what are these networks doing day in and day out?

They’re not producing reported pieces, which I think it’s a little easier. You just report the news. You go out into the world. You talk to people, and then you present it to the world as a nuanced portrait of the country. This thing is true. This thing is false. Again, in many cases, pretty straightforward. But their bread and butter is talking heads. It’s live. It’s not edited. It’s not that much reported.

So their whole business model especially, again, on cable, which has 24 hours to fill, is talking heads. And if you want the perspective from the Trump movement, journalistically, especially when it comes to denialism, but when it comes to some other major subjects in American life, you’re walking into a place where they’re going to say things that aren’t true, that don’t pass your journalistic standards, the most basic standards of journalism.

Right. So you’re saying if TV sticks with this model, the kind of low cost, lots of talk approach to news, then they are going to have to solve the riddle of who to bring on, who represents Trump’s America if they want that audience. And now they’ve got this red line that they’ve established, that that person can’t be someone who denies the 2020 election reality. But like you just said, that’s the litmus test for being in Trump’s orbit.

So this doesn’t really look like a conundrum. This looks like a bit of a crisis for TV news because it may end up meaning that they can’t hire that person that they need for this model, which means that perhaps a network like NBC does need to wave goodbye to a big segment of these viewers and these eyeballs who support Trump.

I mean, on the one hand, they are not ready to do that, and they would never concede that that’s something they’re ready to do. The problem is barring some kind of change in their news model, there’s no solution to this.

But why bar changes to their news model, I guess, is the question. Because over the years, it’s gotten more and more expensive to produce news, the news that I’m talking about, like recorded packages and what we refer to as reporting. Just go out and report the news.

Don’t gab about it. Just what’s going on, what’s true, what’s false. That’s actually very expensive in television. And they don’t have the kind of money they used to have. So the talking heads is their way to do programming at a level where they can afford it.

They do some packages. “60 Minutes” still does incredible work. NBC does packages, but the lion’s share of what they do is what we’re talking about. And that’s not going to change because the economics aren’t there.

So then a final option, of course, to borrow something Chris Licht said, is that a network like NBC perhaps doesn’t put a jersey on, but accepts the reality that a lot of the world sees them wearing a jersey.

Yeah. I mean, nobody wants to be seen as wearing a jersey in our business. No one wants to be wearing a jersey on our business. But maybe what they really have to accept is that we’re just sticking to the true facts, and that may look like we’re wearing a jersey, but we’re not. And that may, at times, look like it’s lining up more with the Democrats, but we’re not.

If Trump is lying about a stolen election, that’s not siding against him. That’s siding for the truth, and that’s what we’re doing. Easier said than done. And I don’t think any of these concepts are new.

I think there have been attempts to do that, but it’s the world they’re in. And it’s the only option they really have. We’re going to tell you the truth, even if it means that we’re going to lose a big part of the country.

Well, Jim, thank you very much.

Thank you, Michael.

Here’s what else you need to know today.

[PROTESTERS CHANTING]

Over the weekend, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in some of the largest domestic demonstrations against the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu since Israel invaded Gaza in the fall.

[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

Some of the protesters called on Netanyahu to reach a cease fire deal that would free the hostages taken by Hamas on October 7. Others called for early elections that would remove Netanyahu from office.

During a news conference on Sunday, Netanyahu rejected calls for early elections, saying they would paralyze his government at a crucial moment in the war.

Today’s episode was produced by Rob Szypko, Rikki Novetsky, and Alex Stern, with help from Stella Tan.

It was edited by Brendan Klinkenberg with help from Rachel Quester and Paige Cowett. Contains original music by Marion Lozano, Dan Powell, and Rowan Niemisto and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

• April 2, 2024   •   29:32 Kids Are Missing School at an Alarming Rate
• April 1, 2024   •   36:14 Ronna McDaniel, TV News and the Trump Problem
• March 29, 2024   •   48:42 Hamas Took Her, and Still Has Her Husband
• March 28, 2024   •   33:40 The Newest Tech Start-Up Billionaire? Donald Trump.
• March 27, 2024   •   28:06 Democrats’ Plan to Save the Republican House Speaker
• March 26, 2024   •   29:13 The United States vs. the iPhone
• March 25, 2024   •   25:59 A Terrorist Attack in Russia
• March 24, 2024   •   21:39 The Sunday Read: ‘My Goldendoodle Spent a Week at Some Luxury Dog ‘Hotels.’ I Tagged Along.’
• March 22, 2024   •   35:30 Chuck Schumer on His Campaign to Oust Israel’s Leader
• March 21, 2024   •   27:18 The Caitlin Clark Phenomenon
• March 20, 2024   •   25:58 The Bombshell Case That Will Transform the Housing Market
• March 19, 2024   •   27:29 Trump’s Plan to Take Away Biden’s Biggest Advantage

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jim Rutenberg

Produced by Rob Szypko ,  Rikki Novetsky and Alex Stern

With Stella Tan

Edited by Brendan Klinkenberg ,  Rachel Quester and Paige Cowett

Original music by Marion Lozano ,  Dan Powell and Rowan Niemisto

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Ronna McDaniel’s time at NBC was short. The former Republican National Committee chairwoman was hired as an on-air political commentator but released just days later after an on-air revolt by the network’s leading stars.

Jim Rutenberg, a writer at large for The Times, discusses the saga and what it might reveal about the state of television news heading into the 2024 presidential race.

On today’s episode

Jim Rutenberg , a writer at large for The New York Times.

Background reading

Ms. McDaniel’s appointment had been immediately criticized by reporters at the network and by viewers on social media.

The former Republican Party leader tried to downplay her role in efforts to overturn the 2020 election. A review of the record shows she was involved in some key episodes .

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We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jim Rutenberg is a writer at large for The Times and The New York Times Magazine and writes most often about media and politics. More about Jim Rutenberg

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