The best business ideas for kids start with what they already love doing. For Riley Kinnane-Petersen, her entrepreneurial journey started, like a lot of kids, with a lemonade stand.
When she was five years old, Riley set up her annual stand and decided to add necklaces she had been making from cast-off jewelry parts. When her dad John posted the baubles on his Instagram account, his followers were smitten and wanted to buy Riley’s creations.
“Then Dad created a little website and put them on there,” Riley tells Shopify about the origins of her brand, Gunner & Lux. Her creations were a hit with her newfound customers. “Then, Barney’s called.” Riley has since collaborated with J. Crew and West Elm Kids, and sold her jewelry in more than 500 stores—all while juggling homework.
Entrepreneurship is a fun family activity that has learning built in. It’s a way for kids to make money to save for college (or Nerf Blasters) and discover new passions.
Empower your little ones to start their own business with 22 unique business ideas for kids.
Benefits of helping kids start their own business
When kids start a business before they graduate high school, they can gain advantages on college and job applications. Starting a business early also benefits children in several other important ways, including:
Fostering their interests
Introducing children to entrepreneurship early is an age-appropriate way to connect their interests to countless career options.
Take Simone Hufana, the young entrepreneur behind coloring book brand Color Herstory. Simone channeled her desire for representation into a series of coloring books celebrating influential women of color. She still runs Color Herstory as she balances her career.
Building soft skills
Kid-run businesses can fill in gaps in formal education with business and life skills that help children succeed. Through entrepreneurship, kids can develop valuable skills like communication, problem-solving, budgeting, marketing, and web design.
Finding a learning style that sticks
Entrepreneurship gives kids a hands-on way to learn. A child who struggles with workbook exercises might connect with math and reading through building a website or managing inventory. In this way, exploring business ideas for kids can reveal a young person’s abilities or interests.
When Lily Harper left school due to bullying, her mom struggled to get her to learn the curriculum through homeschooling. “We realized that studying from a book was really hard for her,” Lily’s mom, Chloe, tells Shopify.
“She wanted to just get up and run around and do things. I called my mom and she said to me, ‘Build boxes. Make a pretend store. Just learn through play.’ So we did.” The two launched a candle business, World of LLA, helping Lily thrive with a learning style that suited her energetic personality.
22 creative business ideas for kids
From service-based businesses to endeavors that let their artistic side shine, discover business ideas tailored to your kid’s interests, skills, and personality. Each kid-friendly business idea includes skills your child can develop through their entrepreneurial journey:
- Inventor of the next big thing
- Magnificent maker
- Online content creator
- Peer-to-peer tutor
- Costume designer
- Pop-up shop owner
- Plant or pet sitter
- Entertainer extraordinaire
- Budding artist
- Tiny tech support
- Social impact champion
- Park or beach vendor
- Skateboard repair tech
- Neighborhood helper
- Recycling collector
- Kids’ book author and illustrator
- Baking boss
- Summer camp CEO
- Reseller
- Professional gamer
- Greeting card designer
- Babysitting boss
1. Inventor of the Next Big Thing
With some guidance, kids can invent products they make by hand or have manufactured to sell online. The best inventions often start by identifying a problem they’re experiencing and developing a creative product to solve them.
Gabby Goodwin’s business, GaBBY Bows, began when she wanted better hair barrettes—ones that wouldn’t constantly slide off. Teaming up with her mother, she created a double-snap barrette that securely holds hair in place, whether she’s at dance practice or playing soccer.
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Great for
- Kids interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or design
- Problem-solvers
Skills it offers
- Design thinking
- Problem-solving
- Research
2. Magnificent maker
Kids can sell handcrafted goods like beaded jewelry, soaps, and bath bombs through online marketplaces with parental support. There are countless kid-friendly crafts to make and sell. Letting them choose something that sparks their interest can be a great business idea for kids.
Nic Bianchi launched his business after receiving a candle-making kit for his 12th birthday. Fascinated by the science behind it, he started Bianchi Candle Co., which he continues to operate as a young adult.
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Many crafts require initial investment for supplies, but older kids can often manage production independently. With proper supervision, kids can learn to build a simple website and online store to sell their creations.
Great for
- Crafty kids
- Older kids
Skills it offers
- Creativity and design
- Basic marketing
- Fine motor skills
3. Online content creator
Does your kid have a big personality and strong interest in a specific hobby? Whether they’re excited about gaming, fashion, or cooking, kids can build audiences by creating video reviews, demonstrations, or unboxings. These videos are well suited for platforms like YouTube, Twitch, TikTok, or podcast networks. Content creation can evolve into a business, monetized through advertising, sponsorships, or merchandise.
Aspiring content creators gain confidence and technical skills that prepare them for high school, college, and creative careers. Parents should be sure to monitor social channels for safety, especially for younger children.
Great for
- Outgoing kids
- Kids who love performing
Skills it offers
- Video editing and production
- Community building
- Storytelling
4. Peer-to-peer tutor
Studious kids can help classmates and younger students by starting a tutoring business online or in person. This business requires strong communication skills and expertise in specific academic subjects.
Parents can help their children understand different learning styles to better serve their students. With parental guidance, kids can create a simple booking website for scheduling sessions.
Great for
- Kids who love learning
- Aspiring teachers
Skills it offers
- Empathy and patience
- Subject expertise
- Communication techniques
5. Costume designer
Looking for a business idea for kids who love Halloween and dressing up? Young people who have skills in sewing, sculpting, painting, or 3D printing might enjoy starting a costume business. Young costume designers can use social media to showcase their creations. With the help of their parents, they can set up an Instagram shop, eBay account, or dedicated ecommerce store.
Take for example Max Alexander, who began his career at age four. Max’s clothing line is focused on dramatic dresses for celebrities. As the youngest person to host a runway show, Max occasionally creates costumes for friends, too.
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Great for
- Kids interested in fashion and performing arts
- Aspiring designers
Skills it offers
- Attention to detail
- Fine motor coordination
- Social media marketing
6. Pop-up shop owner
Children can start with a classic lemonade stand as a pop-up shop, a market booth, or a front-yard business. This venture helps young entrepreneurs develop people skills and sales experience—and sometimes leads to bigger opportunities.
Mikaila Ulmer’s lemonade stand, which she started at age four, grew into Me & the Bees Lemonade, a national brand now available in Target, Whole Foods, Kroger, and other major retailers.
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This flexible business model can be adapted easily. Kids can experiment with unique lemonade flavors or expand to include homemade treats or plant seedlings.
Great for
- Kids who enjoy face-to-face interactions
- Young people who love cooking
Skills it offers
- Communication
- Sales techniques
- Money management
7. Plant or pet sitter
Plant care, dog walking, and pet sitting have long been popular business ideas for kids looking to earn extra cash. Kids who enjoy taking care of furry family members can turn these skills into a small pet business.
Kids can care for neighborhood pets and walk dogs in low-traffic areas to keep everyone safe. A dog-walking business works well for kids who can schedule clients before and after school.
Parents can help create a simple website highlighting services and prices, even accepting online bookings and payments.
Great for
- Active kids
- Kids who love plants and animals
Skills it offers
- Time management
- Responsibility
- Customer service
8. Entertainer extraordinaire
Creative talents like playing an instrument, performing magic shows, or cosplay can become the foundation of a kid’s first business. Even younger kids can find customers through school, the neighborhood, or word of mouth to perform at parties and special events.
This business idea pairs well with online content creation. With parental supervision, kids can start a YouTube or TikTok channel to grow an audience.
Great for
- Kids with an interest in music or performance
- Outgoing young people
Skills it offers
- Creativity
- Public speaking
- Confidence
9. Budding artist
Parents can nurture a love of art, craft, or design by introducing kids to the business potential of their creative pursuits.
Help them run a sidewalk pop-up, set up a simple online store, or explore print-on-demand, which lets kids sell their art on t-shirts, mugs, or stickers without paying for inventory upfront. That way, they can launch an online store with no initial investment. Another option for budding young artists is to host in-person or online art lessons.
Great for
- Artistic kids
Skills it offers
- Website building
- Creative expression
- Customer service
10. Tiny tech support
Gen Alpha—kids born roughly between 2010 and 2024—have grown up more immersed in technology from a young age than any generation before. When it comes to business ideas for kids, they can use these digital skills to help others who are less tech-savvy.
“Technology is such a big influence on the way they see the world, the kind of opportunities, the kind of skills they want to develop,” says Abdaal Mazhar Shafi, an entrepreneur who started creating businesses as a child.
Parents can help their kids start a business by advertising tech support services to neighbors and the local community. This business idea works well for kids because it taps into young people’s natural strengths and gives them experience interacting with older people.
Great for
- Tech-savvy kids
Skills it offers
- Technical proficiency
- Working with older adults
- Communication
11. Social impact champion
Social causes can inspire great business ideas for kids. A social impact venture teaches valuable lessons in compassion and giving back to communities. For example, Gen Alpha is particularly aware of climate change, so kids may want to start climate-positive ventures like neighborhood composting services.
A nonprofit model is another option for making a social impact. Kids can, with an adult’s help, donate proceeds from any type of business to a cause they care about. They might also use technical skills for good, offering free services to nonprofits.
Great for
- Compassionate kids
- Young activists
Skills it offers
- Commitment to a cause
- Fundraising
- Activism
12. Park or beach vendor
Parents looking to fill long summers with fun and educational experiences can help their kids start a vending business. Kids can buy products in bulk (with funding from parent “investors”) and sell items like water, Popsicles, or sunscreen at local events, parks, or beaches. Think of it as a mobile version of the classic lemonade stand.
Some venues and city parks require permits or vendor fees, and parents should expect to be hands-on. Give kids ownership by letting them design signage or create a unique cart or booth.
Great for
- Social kids
Skills it offers
- Visual design
- Money handling
- Customer service
13. Skateboard repair tech
If your child is into skateboarding, they already have a built-in audience: other kids at the skate park. With affordable tools and YouTube tutorials, an enterprising kid can set up a local skateboard repair service. Using a mobile approach, they can offer on-the-spot repairs like tightening or changing wheels.
Great for
- Handy kids
Skills it offers
- Fine motor skills
- Customer service
- Money handling
14. Neighborhood helper
Kids can launch a small business to provide services right in their own neighborhood, like lawn care, leaf raking, snow removal, or car washing.
To market their business, kids can design flyers and find clients by visiting neighbors and asking for referrals. Or, with parental help, they can set up a simple Shopify store and sell time slots using an appointment-booking app.
Great for
- Active kids
Skills it offers
- Physical work skills
- Time management
- Interpersonal interactions
15. Recycling collector or upcycler
Don’t wait for Earth Day to teach your kids about sustainability. If your city has a recycling program, collecting recyclables is a great way for kids to make money while helping the environment. In many regions, bottles and cans can even be exchanged for cash.
Kids can also collect specific types of waste to transform into new products, like turning used plastic bags into stylish totes. Riley Kinnane-Petersen of Gunner & Lux started her jewelry business by upcycling old jewelry parts.
Great for
- Environmentally conscious kids
- Crafty kids
Skills it offers
- Activism
- Conscious consumerism
- Organization
16. Kids’ book author and illustrator
Raising a natural storyteller? Little ones with big imaginations will love this kid-friendly business idea that’s easy to execute with print-on-demand technology.
There’s no need to find a publisher to produce a children’s book to sell. Find a print-on-demand company that can help you self-publish and bring your child’s stories to life. If your child decides to sell their book digitally, they can also unlock a passive income stream.
Great for
- Young writers
- Young illustrators
Skills it offers
- Writing skills
- Creative expressing
- Publishing knowledge
17. Baking boss
Does your little one always want to help in the kitchen? This business idea for kids lets them explore cooking while learning basic math skills through scaling recipes. Help your kid turn their hobby into a business by baking cakes for birthday parties, or selling treats at the local farmers market.
Great for
- Young chefs
- Kids who love hands-on projects
- Detail-oriented kids
Skills it offers
- Creative thinking
- Money management
- Communication skills
18. Summer camp CEO
Older children and teens can provide a valuable service to local parents during summer months. Parents can help their kids develop a summer camp program they run right from their own backyard.
Theater camp, art camp, or gardening camp—help kids choose a theme that plays to their strengths. Young entrepreneurs can earn money while developing valuable life and business skills.
Great for
- Organized kids
- Social kids
- Young leaders
Skills it offers
- Childcare
- Teaching skills
- Scheduling and planning
.
19. Reseller
Reselling is a low-investment business idea for kids interested in fashion, trends, décor, and vintage clothing. Kids can earn spending money by searching local thrift stores or yard sales for unique finds and reselling them through online marketplaces or their own online store.
Many resellers use Instagram to reveal new “drops” in their stores. With parental supervision, this is a great way for kids to learn social media for business.
Great for
- Kids with an eye for design
- Budding stylists
Skills it offers
- Photography
- Web design
- Social media marketing
20. Professional gamer
Professional gaming is often better suited for older kids. Many young teens have become expert gamers and earned money doing it. Kids who excel at video games can enter tournaments or stream their gameplay on platforms like Twitch (with parental supervision).
There are several ways to monetize a gaming audience, like running ads on a YouTube channel or becoming a game tester.
Great for
- Young gamers
Skills it offers
- Social media and streaming
- Fine motor skills
- Social skills
21. Greeting card designer
For children interested in art and graphic design, parents can help them start a greeting card business. Kids can learn to use digital programs like Canva or Adobe Illustrator, or scan handmade cards and use print-on-demand services to sell them online.
This business idea also helps kids grow their social skills. Parents can print a batch of cards for their kids to sell at a local market.
Great for
- Creative kids
- Budding designers
Skills it offers
- Knowledge of digital content tools
- Interpersonal skills
- Writing skills
22. Babysitting boss
Taking care of younger children is a classic business idea for older kids and teens. To earn their credentials, young people can take babysitting and first aid courses. Then, they might use word-of-mouth marketing to let families in the neighborhood know about their services.
Once they have a few happy customers, they can use their good reputation to grow their business. Your child can find new clients by asking the families they work with to recommend them to others, or featuring reviews online.
Great for
- Organized kids
- Natural nurturers
Skills it offers
- First aid and safety
- Communication skills
- Child development
Tips for parents and educators starting a kid-friendly business
There are plenty of business ideas for kids that require little upfront investment or experience. Some business models, such as print on demand, allow your child to start a business without money. Other businesses can be started right from home for maximum convenience. Whatever your business idea is, kids can learn necessary skills through free online resources, gaining valuable research experience along the way.
Parents should provide guidance and consider factors like time commitment, startup costs, and risk. Follow these guidelines to help young people safely enjoy and succeed at entrepreneurship:
- Make it fun. The best business ideas for kids focus on their interests and strengths, so it doesn’t feel like another chore.
- Help kids validate their idea. Young entrepreneurs should test their business idea through market research to learn if there is an audience for their product.
- Plan together. Help your child find potential customers to speak with, then process their learnings into a simple business plan.
- Give them ownership. Choose a small business kids can run with minimal supervision. You may need to oversee aspects that require parental sign-off for minors or monitor safety (especially on social media).
- Create a budget. If you’re investing funds into your child’s venture, help with budgeting to direct spending and project potential returns. Through the process, your child will learn valuable financial management skills.
- Start small. Keep your child’s business simple and flexible, so it fits into their school and activity schedules.
- Involve the whole family. Making entrepreneurship a family activity boosts motivation and teaches kids to work as a team.
- Introduce them to potential role models. Teach your kids about successful entrepreneurs—especially those with similar backgrounds they can identify with.
- Set boundaries. Businesses that involve internet use or interacting with others should come with rules that protect children. Parents should always review content and manage accounts.
Help your kid bring their business idea to life
Creator and commerce tools make it easy for kids to experience entrepreneurship and earn extra money. Starting a business is a meaningful way for parents and educators to connect with kids’ interests, create fun learning moments, and develop their independence. Think outside the box for an experience unique to your child’s personality—the list of business ideas for kids is endless.
Illustrations by Sjoerd van Leeuwen
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Business ideas for kids FAQ
What’s a good business for a kid to start?
A few good business ideas for kids include:
- Provide startup funds. A small financial boost—one you can afford—can help little ones get the essentials to kickstart their venture.
- Share accessible advice. Offer guidance on key business elements like budget management, customer interactions, and marketing strategies.
- Be a cheerleader. Keep morale high by celebrating progress, no matter how small.
- Ensure their safety. Monitor kids’ activities, especially online, to keep business practices safe.
What is the best age to start a business?
The best age to start a business is a personal choice. As kids grow up, they’ll benefit from more experience, money, and a network. They can explore their business idea at any age. Remember that if a business doesn’t succeed, kids can consider it a learning opportunity for their next venture.
How can you support your child starting a business?
- Provide startup funds. A small financial boost—one you can afford—can help little ones get the essentials to kickstart their venture.
- Share accessible advice. Offer guidance on key business elements like budget management, customer interactions, and marketing strategies.
- Be a cheerleader. Keep morale high by celebrating progress, no matter how small.
- Ensure their safety. Monitor kids’ activities, especially online, to keep business practices safe.
What is the best business for a pre-teen?
A good business for a 10- or 11-year-old is one that appeals to their interests and helps them build useful skills. Kids this age might enjoy making and selling upcycled crafts or providing neighborhood services like garden care.
What legal considerations should I look out for with my child’s business?
- Permits and business licenses. Check if their business needs any official permissions to operate legally.
- Understanding taxes. Help kids learn the importance of managing finances responsibly and the basics of taxation.
- Employment laws. If your child is thinking of hiring friends, you may need to check local labor laws to stay compliant.
- Terms of use. If your child is using any technology platforms, read the terms carefully to ensure they remain compliant.
