21 Small Business Ideas for Kids That Actually Work

I believe we deeply and profoundly underestimate how ideas, especially the ones coming from kids, are changing the world in real-time. All over the world, there are dozens of small business ideas for kids being realized in real time with the most incredible success stories you likely never even heard of.

Ever heard of Nina Devani who developed her first app when she was 14? The app allows users to set reminders for all their important passwords and her inspiration for this innovation comes from her father who got his Facebook account hacked. Or did you ever hear about Ben, aka ‘The Smartest Kid on the Planet’, who started building company websites as early as age eleven?

That’s right, there is much to learn from kid entrepreneurs around the world and we barely even scratched the surface of what’s possible to do. However, not all kids’ small business ideas are created equal, and some are easier to start and manage than others. What I will try to do in this article is to list the best small business ideas for kids for both online and offline ventures, showcasing how young entrepreneurs are making a real impact.

Kid Businesses That Make Money: Success Stories Worth Sharing

Exploring the stories of successful entrepreneurship for kids can be incredibly inspiring. These young entrepreneurs have turned simple ideas into profitable ventures, proving that age is no barrier to success. 

To understand the fundamentals that drive these young entrepreneurs, exploring resources like a business plan for kids can be incredibly beneficial. 

Before we proceed with the list of best small business ideas for kids, here are three remarkable examples of kid entrepreneurs who have made a remarkable impact.

Riley Kinnane-Petersen, Age 13

Riley’s journey began with an interest in jewelry and dress-up. Her creative spirit led her to dismantle old necklaces and create her own designs, which she sold at lemonade stands. Today, her business, Gunner & Lux, sells jewelry to high-profile customers like Nordstrom and J.Crew. Riley’s business promotes girl power with empowering t-shirts, and she dreams of continuing her business or pursuing a career as a chemist or vet.

Jahkil Jackson, Age 15

Jahkil’s empathy and dedication shine through his project, Project I Am, which he started at just five years old. This organization provides necessities to the homeless community. Jahkil is also a published author, runs an online merch store, and frequently speaks at events nationwide. His efforts even caught the attention of President Obama, whom he had the opportunity to meet.

Sophia Fairweather, Age 14

Sophia’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged at five when she created a product to hold phones in place. She now advocates for youth entrepreneurship globally and lobbies for more opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Sophia enjoys presenting, traveling, and occasionally bragging to her brother about her achievements.

List of Small Business Ideas for Kids to Start

Here are the fun, creative, and effective small business ideas for kids to start.

For parents looking to encourage their children’s entrepreneurial spirit, it’s essential to start with tips for teaching kids business to provide a solid foundation.

Lemonade Stand

A lemonade stand is a timeless small business idea for kids. Setting up a stand is simple and requires minimal investment—just some lemons, sugar, water, and a bit of creativity. Kids can learn essential skills like budgeting, customer service, and marketing. They can also experiment with different recipes and pricing strategies to attract more customers. 

For parents interested in providing a solid foundation, using entrepreneurship lessons for kids can help deepen understanding and make learning more enjoyable. This way, kids gain both hands-on experience and background knowledge.

The lemonade stand can be set up in a neighborhood, at local events, or even in the backyard during a family gathering. 

It’s a fun way for kids to engage with the community, make money, and learn the basics of running a business, all while enjoying the process of creating and selling a refreshing product. Kids who start with a lemonade stand often gain important business lessons for kids that can be applied to other ventures as they grow.

Key Benefits

• Teaches financial management through budgeting and pricing.
• Develops social skills by interacting with customers.
• Encourages creativity in marketing and recipe experimentation.

Dog Walking

Dog walking is an ideal business for kids who love animals and enjoy being outdoors. This business requires minimal investment—just a leash and a love for pets. Kids can offer their services to neighbors, friends, or family members who need help exercising their dogs. 

It provides an excellent opportunity to learn about responsibility and time management, as regular walking schedules need to be maintained. Additionally, kids get to stay active and healthy while enjoying the companionship of different dogs. This business can be easily expanded through word-of-mouth recommendations and flyers around the neighborhood.

Key Benefits

• Teaches responsibility through regular pet care.
• Encourages physical activity and outdoor time.
• Builds trust and reliability within the community.

Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is great for kids who are animal lovers and responsible. This job involves taking care of pets while their owners are away, ensuring they are fed, exercised, and comfortable. It requires little to no initial investment, just a good understanding of pet care and perhaps some basic supplies like food bowls and leashes. 

Kids can start by offering their services to friends and neighbors, gradually expanding their client base. Pet sitting not only teaches responsibility but also helps kids develop empathy and nurturing skills. It’s a rewarding way for kids to spend time with animals while earning money.

Key Benefits

• Teaches responsibility and time management through regular pet care routines.
• Develops empathy and nurturing skills by caring for animals.
• Builds trust and reliability in the community.

Babysitting

Babysitting is a popular business idea for older kids and teens who are responsible and enjoy working with children. This job involves looking after younger kids, playing with them, preparing simple meals, and ensuring their safety. Babysitters often work for family friends, neighbors, or through referrals, and can earn a good hourly wage.

This babysitting service teaches essential life skills like patience, problem-solving, and emergency response. It also helps kids develop communication skills and build trust with both parents and children.

Babysitting can be a flexible and rewarding way for teens to earn extra cash while making a positive impact on families in their community.

Key Benefits

• Develops patience and problem-solving skills.
• Enhances communication and interpersonal skills.
• Builds trust and responsibility with families.

Lawn Mowing

Lawn mowing is a practical and profitable business idea for kids, especially during the warmer months. This business requires some initial investment in a lawn mower and other gardening tools, but it offers substantial earning potential. Kids can offer their services to neighbors, family friends, or through community bulletins. 

Lawn mowing helps kids learn the importance of hard work, time management, and customer satisfaction. They gain physical fitness benefits from the manual labor involved and can take pride in seeing the immediate results of their efforts. 

This business can also be expanded by offering additional services like gardening, leaf raking, or snow shoveling in different seasons.

Key Benefits

• Teaches the value of hard work and time management.
• Promotes physical fitness and outdoor activity.
• Builds a sense of accomplishment and customer service skills.

Car Washing

Car washing is a straightforward and effective business model, particularly in the summer months. This business requires basic supplies such as soap, sponges, buckets, and a hose, making the initial investment minimal. Kids can offer car washing services to neighbors, friends, and family, setting up in driveways or offering a mobile service. 

Car washing teaches kids the importance of attention to detail, hard work, and customer satisfaction. It’s also a great way to stay cool and have fun while earning money. 

By providing excellent service, kids can build a loyal customer base and even expand their offerings to include services like interior cleaning.

Key Benefits

• Develops attention to detail and thoroughness.
• Encourages hard work and physical activity.
• Builds customer service and entrepreneurial skills.

Online Gaming Streamer

Becoming an online gaming streamer is a fantastic business idea for kids who love playing video games and engaging with an audience. This business requires a computer or gaming console, a good internet connection, and streaming software. Kids can create their own channels on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, streaming their gameplay and interacting with viewers in real-time. 

To manage the finances and understand the investment needed, checking out how much money do you need to start a business can provide valuable insights.

Becoming a gaming streamer teaches kids about digital content creation, audience engagement, and potentially, revenue generation through ads, donations, and sponsorships. It also helps them develop communication and presentation skills. With dedication and consistency, kids can build a loyal following and turn their gaming hobby into a profitable business.

Key Benefits

• Teaches digital content creation and audience engagement.
• Develops communication and presentation skills.
• Offers potential for revenue through ads, donations, and sponsorships.

Selling Stock Photos

Selling stock photos is excellent for those with a passion for photography. This venture involves taking high-quality photos and uploading them to stock photography websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or Getty Images. Kids can start with a basic camera or even a smartphone, focusing on subjects they find interesting, such as nature, animals, or everyday objects. 

This business teaches kids about the technical aspects of photography, digital marketing, and passive income generation. By consistently uploading photos, they can earn money each time their images are downloaded or purchased, making it a sustainable and rewarding business.

Key Benefits

• Enhances photography and technical skills.
• Teaches digital marketing and passive income strategies.
• Encourages creativity and attention to detail.

Online Content Creator

Becoming an online content creator is a versatile business idea for kids interested in sharing their passions and creativity. 

This business involves creating and posting content on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, or a personal blog. Content can range from videos, tutorials, and reviews to written articles or photography. Kids can start with a basic camera or smartphone and free editing software. This venture teaches skills in digital content creation, marketing, and audience engagement.

It also helps develop communication and technical skills. By consistently producing quality content, kids can grow their audience and potentially monetize their platform through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise sales.

Key Benefits

• Develops digital content creation and marketing skills.
• Enhances communication and technical abilities.
• Offers potential for monetization through ads, sponsorships, and merchandise.

Online Store

Starting an online store is a great business for those who enjoy creating or curating products. It involves setting up a shop on platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Shopify to sell handmade crafts, vintage items, or other goods. Kids can start with a small inventory and expand as they learn more about their market. 

This business teaches essential skills in inventory management, marketing, and customer service. It also helps kids understand the basics of e-commerce, including setting prices, handling transactions, and shipping products. Running an online store can be a fun and educational way for kids to turn their hobbies into a profitable business.

Key Benefits

• Teaches inventory management and e-commerce basics.
• Develops marketing and customer service skills.
• Encourages creativity and entrepreneurship.

Craft Sales

Selling crafts is a fantastic business idea for kids who enjoy making things with their hands. This business involves creating handmade items such as jewelry, candles, artwork, or decorations and selling them at local markets, fairs, or online platforms like Etsy. Kids can start with simple projects and gradually expand their range of products as they gain confidence and skill. 

It will teach them essential skills in creativity, time management, and business operations. It also helps kids understand pricing, marketing, and customer interaction. Selling crafts allows kids to express their creativity while earning money and learning valuable business lessons.

Key Benefits

• Enhances creativity and craftsmanship skills.
• Teaches pricing, marketing, and customer interaction.
• Develops time management and business operations knowledge.

Baking Sales

Baking sales involves baking cookies, cakes, muffins, and other treats to sell to family, friends, or at local events. Kids can start with simple recipes and gradually experiment with more complex creations as they become more confident. This business teaches kids about following instructions, measuring ingredients, and the importance of food safety. 

Additionally, it helps them develop marketing skills by packaging their baked goods attractively and setting competitive prices. Baking sales provide a fun way for kids to share their culinary talents while learning about entrepreneurship and making a profit.

Key Benefits

• Teaches culinary skills and food safety.
• Develops marketing and pricing strategies.
• Encourages creativity and precision in baking.

Tutoring

Tutoring is perfect for those who excel in specific subjects and enjoy helping others. This venture involves offering a tutoring service to peers or younger students in subjects like math, science, reading, or languages. Kids can advertise their services through school bulletin boards, community centers, or online platforms.

Tutoring helps kids reinforce their own knowledge while developing teaching and communication skills. It also teaches them how to manage their time effectively and develop lesson plans tailored to individual needs.

By helping others succeed academically, kids can earn money and gain a sense of accomplishment.

Key Benefits

• Reinforces academic knowledge and understanding.
• Develops teaching and communication skills.
• Teaches time management and lesson planning.

Errand Running

Errand running is ideal for those who are organized and responsible. This service involves helping busy neighbors or family members with tasks such as grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or delivering packages. Kids can start by offering their services to people they know and expand through word-of-mouth recommendations. 

This business teaches kids about time management, responsibility, and customer service. It also helps them understand the importance of reliability and punctuality. Errand running allows kids to provide a valuable service to their community while earning money and developing important life skills.

Key Benefits

• Teaches time management and organizational skills.
• Develops a sense of responsibility and reliability.
• Enhances customer service and communication abilities.

Recycling Collection

Recycling collection is an environmentally friendly business idea for kids. It involves collecting recyclable materials like cans, bottles, and paper from neighbors and community members, then taking them to recycling centers. Kids can start by providing collection bins and scheduling regular pickups. 

Recycling teaches responsibility, environmental awareness, and the basics of business operations. It also helps kids understand the importance of sustainability and community service. Recycling collection allows kids to earn money while contributing positively to the environment and learning valuable lessons about waste management.

Key Benefits

• Promotes environmental awareness and sustainability.
• Teaches responsibility and business operations.
• Encourages community service and involvement.

Plant Care

Plant care involves watering, pruning, and tending to plants for neighbors or family members who may not have the time. Kids can start by offering their services to people they know and expand through recommendations. 

This business teaches responsibility, patience, and the basics of horticulture. It also helps kids develop a sense of accomplishment as they see plants thrive under their care. Plant care provides a peaceful and rewarding way for kids to earn money while learning about the natural world.

Key Benefits

• Teaches responsibility and patience.
• Enhances knowledge of horticulture and plant care.
• Develops a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.

Photography

Photography is ideal for kids with a passion for capturing moments. Photography involves taking photos of events, nature, or portraits and selling them to family, friends, or online platforms. Kids can start with a basic camera or smartphone and improve their skills through practice and online tutorials. 

This business teaches kids about composition, lighting, and editing. It also helps them develop marketing skills by showcasing their work through social media or a personal website. Photography allows kids to express their creativity while earning money and learning valuable business skills.

Key Benefits

• Enhances creativity and technical photography skills.
• Teaches marketing and self-promotion.
• Develops attention to detail and artistic expression.

Tech Help

Tech help is perfect for tech-savvy kids who enjoy problem-solving. This service involves assisting neighbors or family members with tech-related issues, such as setting up devices, troubleshooting software problems, or teaching basic computer skills. 

Kids can offer their services locally, starting with people they know. It will teach kids about customer service, technical skills, and patience. It also helps them stay updated with the latest technology trends.

Key Benefits

• Develops technical and troubleshooting skills.
• Enhances customer service and communication abilities.
• Keeps kids updated with the latest technology trends.

Customized Art

Customized art is a creative business idea for kids who enjoy drawing, painting, or crafting. This venture involves creating personalized art pieces based on customer requests, such as portraits, custom illustrations, or decorated items. Kids can market their services through social media, local events, or by word-of-mouth. 

This business teaches kids about artistic techniques, client interaction, and time management. It also helps them develop a portfolio and gain experience in handling custom orders. 

Customized art allows kids to express their creativity while earning money and bringing unique, personalized items to their customers.

Key Benefits

• Enhances artistic skills and creativity.
• Develops client interaction and communication abilities.
• Teaches time management and handling custom orders.

Gift Wrapping Service

A gift wrapping service involves wrapping gifts for neighbors, friends, and family members who may not have the time or skill to do it themselves. Kids can offer their services by setting up a small booth at local markets or advertising through community boards. This business model teaches kids about presentation, precision, and customer satisfaction. 

It also helps them develop creativity in designing beautiful and appealing gift packages. A gift wrapping service allows kids to enhance their artistic skills while also earning some pocket money on the side.

Key Benefits

• Teaches precision and attention to detail.
• Develops creativity in presentation and design.
• Enhances customer satisfaction and service skills.

Bike Repair

Bike repair is a fantastic business idea for kids who are mechanically inclined and enjoy working with their hands. This venture involves fixing and maintaining bicycles for friends, family, and neighbors. Kids can start with basic repairs like fixing flat tires, adjusting brakes, and lubricating chains, gradually expanding their skills with more complex tasks. 

The bike repair business model teaches kids about mechanics, problem-solving, and customer service. Additionally, it helps them develop a sense of responsibility and reliability.

Key Benefits

• Develops mechanical and problem-solving skills.
• Teaches responsibility and reliability.
• Enhances customer service and interaction skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up

Kids have the potential to bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the business world. From lemonade stands and pet sitting to online content creation and customized art, there are numerous business ideas for kids that can teach them valuable life skills and promote an entrepreneurial spirit.

For more structured guidance, parents and kids can explore books on entrepreneurship for kids to deepen their understanding and inspiration.

By exploring various small business ideas, kids can learn essential skills such as financial literacy and money management that will serve them well throughout their lives. They can start small, gain experience, and gradually expand their ventures as they grow. The success stories of young entrepreneurs like Riley Kinnane-Petersen, Jahkil Jackson, and Sophia Fairweather show that with determination and support, kids can achieve remarkable success at any age.

Whether kids decide to pursue entrepreneurship full-time or use it as a stepping stone to other careers, the lessons they learn will be invaluable. So, let’s support our young entrepreneurs and help them turn their ideas into reality, shaping a brighter future for themselves and the world around them.