The growing trend of kids starting businesses is nothing new. In fact, according to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), roughly 36 percent of businesses launched in the United States were started by someone under the age of 32 in 2007.
While many start-ups are bedazzled with big ideas and flashy logos, kids have been creating businesses that solve real-world problems for years. And there are plenty of safe and profitable ventures that young entrepreneurs can pursue.
So, let’s explore the world of kid business ideas and help your child embark on their own exciting entrepreneurial journey.
Service-Based Business Ideas:
1. Lawn mowing and gardening services: Offer lawn maintenance and gardening services to neighbors and local businesses.
2. Babysitting. Babysitting is a classic kid business idea that never goes out of style. Parents often need a reliable and responsible person to look after their children, and you can be that person. Make sure to get certified in CPR and first aid to assure parents of your competence. Babysitting can be a rewarding and enjoyable way to earn money.
3. House Sitting – Kids can offer house sitting services for people who are going out of town and want someone to keep an eye on their home. This can be a great way for them to learn about responsibility and develop their independence.
4. Tutoring and academic support: Share your knowledge and provide tutoring services in subjects you excel in to help other students succeed academically.
5. Pet sitting. Many pet owners need someone to take care of their furry friends while they are away. As a kid, you can start a pet-sitting business and offer your services to neighbors and friends. Whether it’s feeding, walking, or playing with pets, you can earn money while enjoying the company of adorable animals.
6. Dog Walking. If you’re an animal lover, consider starting a dog-walking business. Many busy pet owners are unable to give their dogs the exercise they need, so they rely on dog walkers. You can offer to take dogs on regular walks or even provide services like dog park visits. Make sure to learn about different dog breeds and their exercise requirements to offer the best care possible.
7. Errand running. Many people, especially busy professionals or elderly individuals, need help running errands. You can offer your services to pick up groceries, deliver packages, or even walk pets. This business idea allows you to help others while earning money, and it can be flexible to fit around your school schedule.
8. House cleaning. If you are a meticulous and organized person, starting a house cleaning business can be a lucrative venture. Many homeowners are willing to pay for someone to clean their houses on a regular basis. You can offer general cleaning services or specialize in specific areas like organizing closets or deep cleaning kitchens. Invest in quality cleaning supplies and market your services to potential clients.
Creative Business Ideas
If you have a knack for creativity and enjoy making things with your hands, starting a business selling homemade crafts can be a great option. Whether it’s
9. Arts and crafts sales: Create and sell handmade crafts, such as jewelry, paintings, or home decor items.
10. Jewelry making and selling: Design and sell unique and personalized jewelry pieces.
11. Customized t-shirt printing: Start a custom t-shirt printing business, offering personalized designs for individuals, groups, or events.
12. Face painting and temporary tattoos: Offer face painting and temporary tattoo services for parties, events, or festivals.
13. Photography services: Capture special moments by offering photography services for birthdays, weddings, or family portraits.
14. Personalized Stationery – Encourage your child to create personalized stationery, such as customized notebooks, journals, or greeting cards, and sell them online or at local events. This can be a great way for them to develop their artistic skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
15. Handmade greeting cards. In the age of digital communication, receiving a handmade greeting card can be extra special. If you have artistic skills or enjoy crafting, consider making and selling handmade greeting cards. You can create cards for various occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, and offer customization options. Sell your cards at local gift shops, craft fairs, or online platforms.
Technology-Based Business Ideas:
16. Computer repair and troubleshooting: Help others with computer-related issues by offering repair and troubleshooting services.
17. Website design and development: Create and design websites for individuals or small businesses.
18. App development: Develop mobile applications that solve specific problems or cater to a niche market.
19. Social media management: Assist businesses in managing their social media presence and growing their online following.
20. YouTube Channel for Kids: Create and manage a kid-friendly YouTube channel.
Food and Beverage Business Ideas
21. Baking and selling homemade cookies: Bake delicious homemade cookies and sell them to friends, family, or at local events.
22. Lemonade stand: Set up a refreshing lemonade stand during the summer months.
23. Cupcake baking and selling: Bake and sell cupcakes for special occasions or as a sweet treat for local customers.
24. Cake decorating services: Use your creativity to decorate cakes for birthdays, weddings, or other celebrations.
25. Healthy snack delivery service: Prepare and deliver healthy snacks to schools or local businesses.
Outdoor Business Ideas
26. Car washing and detailing: Offer car washing and detailing services to keep vehicles looking clean and shiny.
27. Bicycle repair and maintenance: Help bike enthusiasts with repairs, maintenance, and customization of their bicycles.
28. Plant and flower sales: You can grow a variety of flowers, including seasonal blooms, and sell them as bouquets or potted plants.
29. Outdoor event planning: Assist in planning and organizing outdoor events such as parties, picnics, or fundraisers.
30. Farmers market booth: Sell fresh produce, homemade products, or crafts at local farmers markets.
Eco-Friendly Business Ideas:
31. Recycling services. Kids can offer recycling collection services to their neighbors or local businesses. They can pick up recyclable items and ensure they are properly disposed of.
32. Composting services: Offer composting services to help individuals or businesses reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil.
33. Upcycling and repurposing products: Create unique products by repurposing old items or materials that would otherwise be discarded.
34. Organic gardening and farming: Start an organic garden or farm and sell fresh produce to local markets or restaurants.
35. Eco-friendly product sales: Sell eco-friendly and sustainable products, such as reusable straws or bamboo toothbrushes.
Personal Services Business Ideas:
36. Personal shopping and errand running: Offer personal shopping and errand running services for busy individuals or elderly people.
37. Gift wrapping services: Provide professional gift wrapping services during holidays or special occasions.
38. Party planning and event coordination: Help plan and organize parties or events, ensuring every detail is taken care of.
39. Personal fitness training for kids: Offer fitness training sessions tailored specifically for children to promote a healthy and active lifestyle.
Online Business Ideas:
40. Blogging and content creation: Start a blog and create valuable content on a subject you are passionate about.
41. E-commerce store: Open an online store and sell products that align with your interests or hobbies.
42. Digital marketing services: Help businesses with their online marketing strategies, including social media management and content creation.
43. Virtual assistant services: Provide administrative and organizational support to busy professionals remotely.
44. Online tutoring: Offer tutoring services online, connecting with students from different locations.
45. Language Translation: If your child is fluent in multiple languages, they can offer translation services to individuals or businesses that need language assistance.
46. Social Media Management: As social media becomes a vital part of every business, kids can offer social media management services, including creating posts, managing accounts, and engaging with followers.
47. Voice Over Work. If your child has a good speaking voice, they could offer voice-over services for videos, audiobooks, or commercials. This can be a great way for them to develop their communication skills and learn about the entertainment industry.
Seasonal Business Ideas
Seasonal business ideas allow kids to take advantage of specific times of the year and offer services or products that align with the season. Here are some seasonal business ideas for kids:
48. Snow shoveling. During the winter months, kids can offer snow shoveling services to help clear driveways or sidewalks for their neighbors. This can be a great way to earn money while staying active.
49. Raking leaves. In the autumn, kids can offer leaf-raking services to help homeowners tidy up their yards. They can gather and bag leaves, making the task easier for busy individuals.
50. Holiday decoration services. During the holiday season, kids can offer their services to help decorate homes or businesses. They can hang lights, set up Christmas trees, or create festive displays.
51. Selling homemade holiday ornaments. If your child enjoys crafts, they can create and sell homemade holiday ornaments. They can offer unique designs or personalized ornaments for customers to decorate their trees.
52. Setting up a lemonade stand at local events. During community events or fairs, kids can set up a lemonade stand to quench the thirst of attendees. This can be a great way to attract a larger customer base.
53. Selling homemade popsicles during summer. With hot summer days, kids can offer refreshing homemade popsicles to cool down their customers. They can experiment with different flavors and even offer healthier options made from fresh fruits.
Community Service-Based Business Ideas
Engaging in community service activities not only helps others but also provides a valuable learning experience for kids. Here are some community service-based business ideas:
54. Hosting charity bake sales. Kids can organize bake sales and donate the proceeds to a charitable cause of their choice. They can engage their community and raise awareness for important issues.
55. Planting trees. For kids who are passionate about the environment, they can offer tree planting services. They can work with local organizations or homeowners to plant trees and contribute to a greener community.
56. Organizing neighborhood clean-ups. Kids can organize and lead neighborhood clean-ups, encouraging community members to come together to keep their streets and parks clean and litter-free.
Tutoring and academic support
Tutoring and academic support services can be a great business idea for kids who excel in certain subjects or have a passion for teaching others. Many students struggle with specific subjects and could benefit from one-on-one tutoring or study assistance. Here are some ideas for tutoring and academic support businesses that kids can start:
57. Math tutoring: If you have a strong math skills, you can offer tutoring services to help other students improve their math abilities. You can focus on specific grade levels or topics, such as algebra or geometry.
58. Reading or language tutoring: If you have a love for reading or are fluent in a second language, you can offer tutoring services to help students improve their reading comprehension or language skills.
59. Science tutoring: If you have a passion for science, you can offer tutoring services to help students understand scientific concepts and improve their performance in science classes.
60. Study skills coaching: Many students struggle with effective study habits and time management. You can provide coaching and guidance to help students develop better study skills and improve their academic performance.
61. Test preparation: Many students need help preparing for standardized tests like the SAT or ACT. If you have experience with these tests, you can offer test preparation services to help students improve their scores.
When starting a tutoring business, it’s important to create a structured lesson plan, set reasonable rates, and market your services to potential clients. You can offer your tutoring services in person or even online through video chat platforms.
Art and Craft-Based Business Ideas for Kids
Crafting Business Encourage your child to turn their favorite hobby into a business. For example, if they love to knit, they could make scarves, hats, or blankets to sell. This can be a great way for them to develop their creativity and entrepreneurial skills.
62. Selling Homemade Goods Encourage your child to make homemade goods like jam, cookies, or candles and sell them at local markets or online. This can be a great way for them to develop their culinary skills and learn about marketing and sales.
63. Personalized Gifts – Encourage your child to create personalized gifts, such as customized mugs, t-shirts, or tote bags, and sell them online or at local markets. This can be a great way for them to develop their creativity and entrepreneurial skills.
64. DIY Home Decor – Encourage your child to create DIY home decor items like throw pillows, wall art, or blankets with unique patterns, colors, or textures. They can sell these online or at local markets. This can be a great way for them to develop their creativity and entrepreneurial skills.
65. Upcycled Fashion – Your child can create upcycled fashion items like handbags, wallets, or accessories using recycled materials like old t-shirts, jeans, or cardboard. They can sell these online or at local markets. This can be a great way for them to develop their creativity and learn about sustainability.
66. Personalized Gifts – Encourage your child to create personalized gifts, such as photo albums, picture frames, or customized mugs, and sell them online or at local markets. This can be a great way for them to develop their creativity and entrepreneurial skills.
67. Customized Candles – Encourage your child to create customized candles with unique scents, colors, or designs. They can sell these online or at local markets. This can be a great way for them to develop their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Music Services
68. Music Lessons (Piano, Guitar, etc.): Teach musical instruments to beginners.
69. Karaoke Party Hosting: Host karaoke parties for kids’ events.
70. Songwriting Workshops: Teach kids how to write their own songs.
71. Instrument Repair Service: Offer basic instrument repair services.
Event Services
72. Party Planning: Help plan and organize kids’ parties.
73. Face Painting: Provide face painting services for events.
74. Balloon Animals: Twist balloons into fun shapes at parties.
75. Event Photography: Capture memories at special events.
76. DJ Services for Kid Parties: DJ at children’s parties.
77. Magic Shows: Perform magic tricks at parties and events.
78. Event Decoration Services: Decorate event venues.
Pet Services
Provide pet care services for busy families or individuals who need help taking care of their furry friends.
79. Dog Walking Service: Help neighbors with dog walking.
80. Pet Sitting Service: Care for pets when their owners are away.
81. Pet Grooming Service: Offer pet grooming services like brushing and nail trimming.
82. Dog Poop Cleanup Service: Help keep yards clean.
83. Homemade Dog Treats: Bake and sell homemade dog treats.
84. Pet Photography Service: Capture adorable pet photos.
85. Pet Portrait Drawing: Create custom pet portraits.
Photography
86. Pet Photography: Specialize in pet photography sessions.
87. Family Portraits: Offer family portrait photography.
88. Nature Photography: Capture the beauty of nature.
89. Photo Booth Rental: Rent out a photo booth for events.
90. Event Photography: Document special events.
Health and Fitness
91. Personal Training for Kids: Offer fitness training for kids.
92. Healthy Snack Sales: Sell healthy snacks at school or local events.
93. Dance Classes: Teach dance classes for children.
94. Exercise Equipment Cleaning Service: Clean and maintain exercise equipment.
Baking and Cooking
95. Homemade Brownies: Bake and sell delicious brownies.
96. Cookie Decorating Kits: Sell kits with cookies and decorating supplies.
97. Cake Pops: Create and sell cake pops in various flavors.
98. Pizza-Making Workshops: Teach kids how to make their own pizzas.
99. Cupcake Delivery Service: Deliver cupcakes to local customers.
100. Mini Chef Cooking Classes: Offer cooking classes for kids.
Fashion
101. Hair Accessories: Create and sell hair accessories.
102. Fashion Consultation Service: Offer fashion advice and styling tips.
Final thoughts
By exploring these 101 business ideas, kids can develop their entrepreneurial skills, learn about money management, and gain valuable life experience. Encourage your child to explore their interests, think outside the box, and embrace the world of entrepreneurship. Who knows, their childhood business venture might just be the start of something incredible!