List of 37 Easy Small Business Ideas for Teens

Starting a Business as a teenager can be challenging, especially with many business ideas feeling out of reach or requiring significant upfront costs. A recent survey found that about 40% of teens express interest in entrepreneurship but often struggle to find feasible options.

To help you navigate this landscape, I’ve compiled a list of 37 easy part-time business ideas for teens that are realistic and manageable. These ideas will allow you to build valuable skills while generating part-time income. Enjoy!

1. Tutoring Services

Tutoring is a great way to use your academic skills to help fellow students. You can specialize in subjects like math, science, or even test prep.

Getting started can be as simple as promoting your services to family friends or classmates.

Platforms like Wyzant can help, but finding clients directly allows you to keep all your earnings.

Average Salary: $20,000 – $40,000

2. Social Media Management

With many small businesses needing help managing their online presence, you can offer social media management services to help them grow on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

While social media management tools can assist with scheduling and analytics, the real value is your creativity and understanding of trends.

Average Salary: $25,000 – $50,000

3. Online Content Creation

Creating engaging content through a YouTube channel, podcast, or blog allows you to explore your passions while building an audience.

Monetization comes from ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing. It may take time to build up, but success can lead to significant earnings and opportunities.

Average Salary: $1000 – $100,000

4. Pet Sitting/Dog Walking

Another growing area in the pet care industry is pet sitting or dog walking.

Apps like Rover make it easy to connect with clients, but finding your customers can increase profit margins.

This service is particularly in demand in cities where pet owners are often at work or traveling.

Average Salary: $20,000 – $40,000

 5. Lawn Care or Gardening

Offering lawn care services like mowing, raking, and gardening to homeowners in your area can be a lucrative seasonal business.

No special skills are required, and you can start with basic equipment.

Building a steady list of clients can lead to recurring work throughout the year.

Average Salary: $10,000 – $30,000

6. Handmade Crafts or Jewelry

If you enjoy creating things, making and selling handmade crafts or jewelry is a creative way to earn money.

Platforms like Etsy provide a global marketplace, but you can also sell locally at craft fairs.

This business allows you to set your prices and showcase your creativity.

Average Salary: $5,000 – $30,000

7. Car Washing and Detailing

Offering car washing or detailing services is a straightforward way to make money, especially in neighborhoods where people may not have time to do it themselves.

You can start with basic equipment and offer services like waxing and vacuuming to differentiate you from competitors.

Average Salary: $15,000 – $25,000

8. Candle Making

With the popularity of home décor and personalized gifts, starting a candle-making business can be a profitable and creative venture.

You can create unique scents and designs, selling them online or at local markets.

Homemade candles are often in high demand for gifts and special occasions.

Average Salary: $10,000 – $40,000

9. Gift Wrapping Service

During holidays and special occasions, offering a gift-wrapping service can be a fun and creative business. You can set up at malls or promote your services locally.

This seasonal business idea requires minimal materials and can cater to people who want beautifully wrapped gifts without the hassle.

Average Salary: $3,000 – $15,000 (seasonal business)

10. Holiday Decorator

Holiday decorating services for homes and businesses can be highly profitable during the holiday season.

If you enjoy festive décor, you can offer services for setting up Christmas lights, Halloween decorations, or other seasonal setups.

It’s a seasonal business, but high demand in peak periods.

Average Salary: $5,000 – $20,000

11. Sewing Business

If you are passionate about sewing skills, you can convert your passion into a profitable business by offering alterations or custom clothing.

You can specialize in creating custom pieces, repairing garments, or even teaching sewing classes.

There’s always a need for tailored clothing, especially for special events like prom.

Average Salary: $10,000 – $30,000

12. Pet Cleanup Service

Pet cleanup services, such as yard waste removal or cleaning pet cages, offer a needed solution for busy pet owners.

It’s a simple and niche service, but one that can gain loyal clients who appreciate the convenience.

Starting with local advertising is a great way to build up your client base.

Average Salary: $5,000 – $15,000

13. Plant Sitter

If you are passionate about gardening and plant care this is for you. A plant sitter is someone who will take care of plants while owners are on vacation or busy.

This job is a simple service business for teens with a green thumb, and it’s often needed for both homes and offices.

You can advertise your services locally and build a loyal customer base.

Average Salary: $5,000 – $12,000

14. Errand Running

Many people, especially elderly individuals or busy families, need help running errands like grocery shopping, picking up prescriptions, or delivering items.

Offering errand-running services can be a flexible, part-time business that allows you to set your schedule.

Average Salary: $5,000 – $15,000

15. Sewing Business

If you’re good with a needle and thread, a sewing business could involve doing clothing repairs, alterations, or creating custom garments.

You can offer your services to friends, family, and local clients. As your skills improve, you can even take on larger projects like tailoring or costume design.

Average Salary: $10,000 – $30,000

16. Retail Arbitrage

Retail arbitrage is the process of purchasing items on sale or clearance and reselling them for a profit online.

You can start small by scouting local stores for discounted products and flipping them on platforms like Amazon or eBay.

It requires research but can turn a nice profit with the right strategy.

Average Salary: $10,000 – $40,000

17. Music Lessons

If you play a musical instrument, you can consider offering lessons to beginners. It is a great way to share your skills and make money.

Whether it’s teaching piano, guitar, or another instrument, you can offer your services locally or online. With consistent students, this can turn into a steady side income.

You can charge at least $100 per student. If you can gather 100 students per batch you could be easily making $20000 per month.

You can promote your services through YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook.

Average Salary: $20,000 – $40,000

18. Car Washing and Detailing

Offering car washing or detailing services is a straightforward way to make money, especially in neighborhoods where people may not have time to do it themselves.

You can start with basic equipment and offer services like waxing and vacuuming to differentiate you from competitors.

Average Salary: $15,000 – $25,000

Car detailing Business Names and Slogans to start branding your business

19. Freelance Graphic Designer

If you have a passion for design, offering freelance graphic design services to small businesses, local events, or online platforms can be a lucrative venture.

From logos to social media graphics, businesses are always in need of good design work. You can start by building a portfolio on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.

Average Salary: $20,000 – $60,000

30 Passive Income Ideas for Freelancers

20. Create an App or Online Game

If you have programming skills or are willing to learn, creating an app or online game can be a highly rewarding business.

There are countless opportunities to create apps that solve everyday problems or develop games that entertain.

You can monetize your apps with in-app purchases or ads.

Average Salary: Varies widely, from $0 – $100,000

21. Photographer

For teens interested in photography, offering event or portrait photography services can be a creative way to make money.

Whether it’s for birthday parties, graduations, or social media content, there’s a demand for skilled photographers.

You can start by offering services to friends and family to build a portfolio.

Average Salary: $15,000 – $50,000

22. Snow Removal

During the winter, offering snow removal services for driveways and sidewalks can be a profitable seasonal business.

This job requires some physical effort but minimal equipment—just a snow shovel or blower.

Local advertising and reliable service can lead to regular clients during the winter months.

Average Salary: $3,000 – $10,000

23. Copywriting

If you have strong writing skills, offering copywriting services to businesses can be a flexible job.

You can write blog posts, website copy, or product descriptions.

Copywriting is a service that’s always in demand, and you can find clients through freelance platforms or local networking.

Average Salary: $25,000 – $60,000

24. eBay Store Owner

Starting an eBay store to sell used items, collectibles, or new products is a great business idea for teens. It allows you to tap into a global market with minimal upfront investment.

You can sell anything from vintage clothes to electronics, depending on your interest.

Average Salary: $15,000 – $50,000

25. Cake Maker

Teens with a passion for baking can start a cake-making business, offering custom cakes for birthdays, weddings, and events.

With social media platforms like Instagram, you can showcase your work and attract new clients. Starting locally can help you build a client base quickly.

Average Salary: $10,000 – $30,000

Cake Business Names to Start Your Business

26. Video Game Streaming

If you’re good at gaming and enjoy entertaining others, streaming your gameplay on platforms like Twitch can lead to monetization through ads, donations, and sponsorships.

Building a loyal audience takes time, but it can turn into a profitable venture as your follower count grows.

Average Salary: $0 – $100,000

27. House Cleaning

Offering house cleaning services in your local community is an easy business to start with minimal upfront costs.

You can offer basic cleaning services or specialize in deep cleaning, and many people are willing to pay for the convenience. It’s a flexible business idea that allows for part-time work.

Average Salary: $20,000 – $35,000

Cleaning Company Names and Slogans Ideas to Start with

28. Leaf Removal

During the fall season, offering leaf removal services to neighbors can be an easy and profitable business.

It requires minimal equipment—just a rake and bags—and can be advertised locally. Homeowners are often willing to pay for help with yard work.

Average Salary: $3,000 – $10,000

29. Print on Demand (trending)

Print on Demand (POD) allows you to design custom products like t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and more without holding inventory.

Services like Printful or Redbubble handle the printing, packaging, and shipping for you.

All you need to do is create unique designs and market them online. It’s a low-risk business model since products are only created when a sale is made.

Average Salary: $5,000 – $30,000

30. Podcaster (trending)

Podcasting is a great way to share your knowledge, interests, or stories with a wide audience.

You can cover any topic you’re passionate about—whether it’s gaming, lifestyle, business, or entertainment.

Monetization comes from sponsorships, affiliate marketing, or listener donations via platforms like Patreon.

With minimal equipment (a microphone and recording software), you can start building a loyal audience and growing your brand.

Average Salary: $0 – $50,000+

31. Makeup Artist

If you have a talent for makeup, offering makeup services for events like weddings, proms, or photoshoots can be a profitable business.

You can start by offering services to friends and family, building a portfolio, and promoting your work on social media.

Specializing in bridal or special effects makeup can help you stand out in the market. As your skills and reputation grow, so will your client base.

Average Salary: $25,000 – $60,000

32. Data Entry

Data entry involves inputting, updating, and maintaining data for businesses or organizations. Many companies seek freelancers or part-time workers for tasks like entering customer information, managing spreadsheets, or organizing data.

This role requires attention to detail and proficiency with software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets.

You can find opportunities on freelance platforms or job boards, allowing for flexible work hours.

Average Salary: $20,000 – $40,000

33. Customized Stationery Business

Designing and selling personalized stationery, such as invitations, thank-you cards, or planners, can be a creative business.

You can offer digital downloads or physical products, marketing them through social media and online platforms like Etsy.

Average Salary: $5,000 – $30,000

34. Personalized Pet Products

Create personalized pet products like collars, bowls, or toys.

Pet owners love unique items for their furry friends, and you can market your products online through social media or local craft fairs.

Average Salary: $10,000 – $35,000

35. Home Organization Services

If you have a knack for tidying up, consider offering home organization services.

Helping clients declutter and organize their spaces can be a rewarding business, especially for busy families.

Average Salary: $15,000 – $40,000

36. Local Tourism Guide

If you live in an area with tourist attractions, consider offering guided tours or experiences. You can highlight local history, culture, or activities, creating a unique experience for visitors.

Average Salary: $10,000 – $40,000

37. Virtual Assistant Services

If you have strong organizational and communication skills, starting a virtual assistant business can be a great option.

As a virtual assistant, you provide remote support to businesses or individuals by managing tasks such as email correspondence, scheduling, social media management, and data entry.

You can begin by offering your services to friends or local businesses to build experience and a portfolio.

Average Salary: $15,000 – $50,000

Dos and Donts for Teens Starting a Business

Dos

• Do Your Research that understand your market and competitors.
• Create a Business Plan that outlines your goals and strategies.
• Start small with manageable projects or services.
• Leverage Social Media to promote your business.
• Seek Support from friends, family, or mentors for advice.
• Keep Learning to Stay updated on trends and develop your skills.

Don’ts

• Don’t Rush Into It by taking time to evaluate your options.
• Don’t Ignore Legal Requirements that involve permits and regulations.
• Don’t Overcommit and balance business with school and personal life.
• Don’t Neglect Finances by tracking your income and expenses.
• Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help when facing challenges.
• Don’t Be Discouraged by Setbacks and learn from obstacles to keep going.

FAQs about Teen Business Ideas

What types of businesses are suitable for teens?

Teens can explore various businesses, including online services (like social media management or virtual assistance), creative endeavors (like graphic design or handmade crafts), and local services (like pet sitting or lawn care). The key is to choose something that aligns with your interests and skills.

How can I market my business?

You can market your business through social media platforms, word of mouth, flyers, and local community events. Building a website or using platforms like Instagram or Facebook can help showcase your products or services effectively.

How do I handle finances for my business?

Keep track of all income and expenses using simple spreadsheets or accounting software. It’s crucial to set a budget, understand pricing strategies, and possibly consult with a parent or guardian for guidance on managing finances.

Can I run a business while balancing schoolwork?

Yes! Many teens successfully manage their businesses alongside school. It’s important to set a schedule, prioritize tasks, and find a balance that works for you. Consider starting with small commitments that won’t overwhelm your school responsibilities.

What if I don’t know what business to start?

Consider your hobbies, interests, and skills. Think about problems you can solve for others or areas where you have expertise. Conducting surveys or talking to peers can help you find the most demanding businesses.

Conclusion

Starting a business as a teen can be an exciting and rewarding journey. With a variety of options available, you can find something that aligns with your interests and skills.

Whether you choose to be a virtual assistant, a makeup artist, or explore any of the other unique ideas discussed, the key is to take that first step and start building your entrepreneurial path.

I hope this list has helped you brainstorm some business ideas you can kick off as a teen. Which one are you going to try first? Did I miss anything? Either way, let me know your thoughts in the comment section below! Your feedback is always welcome!