To inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, we asked eight business leaders and founders the question: “What is one business idea that you think is suitable for kid entrepreneurs?” From aquarium maintenance to home baked delights, discover the diverse range of business ideas these experts believe are suitable for young, budding entrepreneurs.
- Aquarium Maintenance
- Business Ideas Based on the Child’s Interests
- Lawn Mowing and Lemonade Stands
- Recycling Collection
- Neighborhood Mystery Tour
- Online Store
- Tutoring Services
- Home Baked Delights
Aquarium Maintenance
Fish tank/aquarium maintenance presents an excellent opportunity for young fish hobbyists. They can begin by offering water changes on smaller, simple tanks, gradually building their experience and expertise as they progress to larger tanks and more complicated aquariums. The demand for help with small tanks is popular and requires very few tools.
Jay Silber, Partner, Aqua Creations
Business Ideas Based on the Child’s Interests
I mean, the sky’s the limit, really! I’d recommend focusing on your child’s interest and ability. For example, if they like to sew, maybe a scrunchie-making business would be a great place to start. If they love to bake, a bake sale could be a good idea. And if your kid is more tech-savvy, there’s nothing saying they can’t create a new app.
Azmaira Maker, Ph.D., Founding Director, Aspiring Families
Lawn Mowing and Lemonade Stands
The best business ideas are those that teach a child to follow through.
Mowing lawns as a teen helped me learn to be responsible, to deal with customers who needed help, and even to pay attention to the weather. As I grew through high school, my costs increased—and forced me to expand my operation to earn more.
Ideas are a dime a dozen. Following through is the key.
Helping my young daughter this weekend create a lemonade stand was a pain—but seeing her push refreshing drinks on passersby, watching her calculate her gross profit, and witnessing her clean up when the day was done were not just “proud parent” moments—they were building blocks for her sense of responsibility and of what’s possible when you put your ideas to work.
Dan Ketterick, Growth Manager, FleetNow
Recycling Collection
Kids can start a recycling-collection business by collecting and sorting recyclable items from their neighborhood. They can then sell these items to recycling centers, promoting environmental responsibility and sustainability. This business idea allows kids to learn about waste reduction and contribute to their community’s green initiatives.
For example, a young entrepreneur named Emma sets up collection bins in her neighborhood and educates residents on the importance of recycling. She then collects items like bottles, cans, and newspapers from the bins and sorts them for proper disposal. Emma sells these items to local recycling centers, earning money while making a positive impact on the environment.
Ben Lau, Founder, Featured SEO Company
Neighborhood Mystery Tour
How about a Neighborhood Mystery Tour? Kids have an uncanny knack for turning ordinary places into enchanted realms. They could design a local treasure hunt, complete with maps, clues, and small prizes.
Parents pay a fee, kids hand over a creatively designed map, and off families go on a weekend adventure, discovering local wonders right under their noses! Not only does it promise outdoor fun, but it also gives our young entrepreneurs a lesson in event planning and storytelling. And who knows? The next Indiana Jones might just be living next door!
Alex Stasiak, CEO and Founder, Startup House
Online Store
I think the best business idea for kid entrepreneurs is an online business that sells products related to their interests. For example, if a kid is really into video games, they could start an online store that sells video games and accessories. This is a great business idea for kids because it requires very little start-up capital and can be done from anywhere in the world.
Additionally, kids are very tech-savvy these days, so they will have no problem setting up a website and managing the online store.
Matthew Ramirez, Founder, USMLE Test Prep
Tutoring Services
Kids with strong academic skills can offer personalized tutoring services to younger students who need academic support. This business idea promotes knowledge sharing, mentorship, and peer-to-peer learning. Young entrepreneurs can assist younger students with subjects they excel in, providing tailored education and helping them succeed.
For example, a kid entrepreneur who excels in math can offer one-on-one tutoring sessions, helping a struggling student understand complex concepts and improve their grades. This business allows kids to leverage their strengths, develop teaching skills, and make a positive impact on their peers’ academic journey.
Yoana Wong, Co-Founder, Secret Florists
Home Baked Delights
A unique idea for kid entrepreneurs would be a Home Baked Delights Shop. Kids who enjoy baking can create a storefront, either online or physical, to sell their home-baked goodies like cookies, muffins, or cakes. It encourages the art of culinary skills while also imparting lessons in running a business, like pricing, customer service, and marketing.
In a world constantly seeking comforting, homemade goods, such a venture can very well prove successful even amidst strong competition.
Abid Salahi, Co-Founder and CEO, FinlyWealth