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Looking for easy business ideas at home that might sound like something only adults can do? Children have incredible potential to become young entrepreneurs. Many successful business owners started small, right from their own homes, learning valuable skills along the way.
The issue many parents face today is finding simple business ventures that won’t require a significant investment or complex operations. While lemonade stands and car washing are classic choices, today’s young entrepreneurs have so many more possibilities – and most don’t require much money to begin.
The ideas below cost less than $50 to start, teach essential life skills, and can be adapted for different age levels. Parents can guide younger children through the process, while teens can take more independent ownership of their business ventures.
Simple Business Ideas for Young Entrepreneurs
1. Custom Bracelet Making
Handmade jewelry creation allows children to express their creativity while building a small business. Starting with basic materials like embroidery floss, beads, charms, and simple tools, young crafters can design unique pieces that appeal to friends and family.
Beyond the creative aspect, this business introduces children to inventory management as they track their supplies and finished products. They’ll learn to price their items by calculating material costs and time invested. Simple packaging like organza bags and cardstock for display cards elevates the presentation while staying within budget.
2. Pet Sitting Service
For animal-loving children, pet sitting offers a structured introduction to business responsibility. This service includes daily visits to feed, water, and play with pets while their owners are away. Success requires clear communication, time management, and genuine care for animals.
Creating a simple service agreement outlines responsibilities and expectations. Children should maintain a schedule book, write detailed notes about each pet’s needs, and collect emergency contact information. A basic pet care kit includes treats, waste bags, and cleaning supplies, allowing young entrepreneurs to provide professional-level service.
3. Garden Plant Sales
Starting a plant nursery business teaches children about agriculture and economics simultaneously. Beginning with easy-to-grow varieties like herbs, succulents, or seasonal flowers allows for quick success. Basic supplies include seeds, soil, small pots, and plant markers.
This venture introduces children to production planning as they learn to stagger planting times for continuous inventory. They’ll understand growth cycles, basic plant care, and the importance of proper labeling. Creating care instruction cards for each plant type adds value to their products while teaching written communication skills.
4. Digital Art Prints
Young artists can turn their digital creations into a profitable business using basic computer equipment and art supplies. Creating original artwork digitally allows for easy reproduction and minimal waste. Essential materials include quality paper, proper printer ink, and presentation materials.
Children will develop skills in digital design, color theory, and file management. Offering custom designs teaches client communication and project management. Packaging prints professionally with backing boards and clear sleeves creates a polished final product that commands higher prices.
5. Homemade Dog Treats
Creating healthy pet snacks combines baking skills with business acumen. Using pet-safe ingredients like peanut butter, pumpkin, and whole wheat flour, children can bake appealing treats for neighborhood pets. Initial supplies include cookie cutters, storage containers, and ingredient basics.
This business introduces food safety practices and recipe development. Children learn about proper ingredient storage, portion control, and package labeling. Creating ingredient cards and storage instructions adds professionalism while educating pet owners about the natural treats they’re purchasing.
6. Reading Buddy Service
Older students can support younger children’s literacy development through one-on-one reading sessions. This service helps build confidence in both the teacher and student. Basic supplies include age-appropriate books, reading progress charts, and simple rewards for achievements.
Running this service develops leadership abilities and teaching skills. Students learn to assess reading levels, track progress, and adjust teaching methods based on individual needs. Creating weekly progress reports for parents adds structure and accountability to the program.
7. Gift Wrapping Station
Seasonal gift-wrapping services fill a need during busy holiday periods. Starting with basic supplies like paper, ribbons, tape, and scissors, young entrepreneurs can create beautiful packages for time-pressed customers.
This business teaches spatial awareness and customer service skills. Children learn to estimate materials needed, handle delicate items carefully, and manage multiple orders efficiently. Offering different wrapping styles and keeping a photo album of completed works helps showcase their capabilities.
8. Tech Helper
Technology-minded young people can assist others with basic digital tasks. Services might include organizing digital photos, setting up new devices, or explaining social media basics. This business requires minimal supplies beyond basic office materials.
Building this service develops patience and clear communication abilities. Young tech helpers learn to explain complex concepts simply, document processes for clients, and maintain professional boundaries. Creating simple instruction guides for common questions provides additional value.
9. Customized Study Guides
Academic-minded students can create effective study materials for their peers. This service transforms class notes and textbook information into easy-to-understand formats. Materials needed include printing supplies and organizational tools.
This business strengthens both teaching and subject matter expertise. Students learn to identify key concepts, organize information clearly, and adapt materials for different learning styles. Including practice questions and answer keys increases the value of their study guides.
10. Yard Card Displays
Creating celebratory yard displays turns creativity into a business opportunity. Using weather-resistant materials like corrugated plastic and outdoor paint, children can design custom birthday, graduation, or holiday displays. Basic supplies include cutting tools, paint, and stakes.
This venture teaches design principles and event planning skills. Children learn to create weather-resistant designs, manage installation schedules, and handle seasonal demand. Photographing completed displays builds a portfolio for future customers.
11. Social Media Assistant
Young people with digital skills can help small businesses maintain their online presence. This role includes creating basic posts, organizing photo libraries, and suggesting content ideas. Supplies needed include basic planning materials and scheduling tools.
This position develops professional communication and content creation abilities. Students learn to maintain brand consistency, plan content calendars, and measure engagement. Creating content templates streamlines their workflow while ensuring quality.
12. Eco-Friendly Gift Packages
Environmentally conscious young entrepreneurs can create sustainable gift collections. Using recyclable materials, natural products, and minimal packaging, they can offer earth-friendly alternatives to traditional gift sets. Supplies include recycled containers, natural wrapping materials, and eco-friendly products.
This business introduces sustainability principles and creative packaging solutions. Children learn about sourcing environmentally responsible materials, reducing waste, and educating customers about environmental impact. Including care instructions and environmental impact information adds educational value to each package.
Building Future Success
Starting a small business teaches children valuable life lessons about money management, responsibility, and perseverance. These experiences form the foundation for understanding business basics, customer service, and the satisfaction of earning money through their own efforts.
As your child explores these business opportunities, encourage them to maintain simple records of their earnings and expenses. This practical experience with money management, combined with the confidence gained from running their own business, creates lasting benefits that extend far beyond the initial $50 investment.
