Sarah Jacobson 
Picture this: You’re sitting at your kitchen table, counting out your allowance, and you realize you want more. Not just more money, but more freedom, more fun, and maybe even a little more respect from adults. If you’ve ever wondered how to start a business as a kid, you’re not alone. Kids everywhere are turning their ideas into real businesses—sometimes with nothing more than a lemonade stand and a dream. Here’s the part nobody tells you: You don’t need to wait until you’re older. You can start right now, and you might even surprise yourself.
Why Kids Make Great Entrepreneurs
Let’s break it down. Kids have something adults often lose: curiosity and guts. You’re not afraid to ask “why not?” or to try something new, even if it seems weird. Adults get stuck worrying about what could go wrong. Kids? You just go for it. That’s a superpower in business.
Take Mikaila Ulmer, who started selling lemonade at age four. She turned her grandma’s recipe into a company called Me & the Bees Lemonade. By age 11, she’d landed a deal on Shark Tank and her drinks were in Whole Foods. She didn’t wait for permission. She just started.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Start a Business as a Kid
If you love solving problems, making things, or helping people, you’re in the right place. If you want to buy the latest video game or save for college, starting a business as a kid can help. But if you hate talking to people or get bored easily, you might struggle. That’s okay. Not every kid needs to be an entrepreneur. But if you’re curious, keep reading.
How to Start a Business as a Kid: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to start a business as a kid, even if you’ve never sold anything before. No business degree required.
1. Find Your Big Idea
Start with what you love. Do you draw cartoons? Bake cookies? Fix bikes? Your business should be something you actually enjoy. Ask yourself:
- What do my friends ask me for help with?
- What do I do for fun that others might pay for?
- What problems do I see at school or in my neighborhood?
Here’s why this matters: If you pick something boring, you’ll quit. If you pick something fun, you’ll stick with it—even when it gets tough.
2. Test Your Idea (Without Spending Money)
Before you buy supplies, see if people want what you’re selling. Make a few samples and give them to friends or neighbors. Ask for honest feedback. Did they like it? Would they pay for it? What would they change?
Don’t be afraid of criticism. Every business owner hears “no” sometimes. The trick is to listen, learn, and try again.
3. Set a Simple Goal
Decide what you want to achieve. Maybe you want to earn $50 for a new skateboard. Maybe you want to save $500 for a trip. Write your goal down and keep it where you can see it. This keeps you motivated when things get hard.
4. Make a Plan (But Keep It Simple)
You don’t need a 20-page business plan. Just answer these questions:
- What will I sell?
- Who will buy it?
- How much will I charge?
- How will I tell people about it?
For example, if you’re selling homemade dog treats, your plan might be: “I’ll sell treats to dog owners in my neighborhood for $5 a bag. I’ll make flyers and ask my parents to post on Facebook.” That’s enough to get started.
5. Get Permission (and Help) from Adults
Here’s the part nobody tells you: Some businesses need adult help. You might need a ride to the store, help with money, or permission to sell in certain places. Talk to your parents or another adult you trust. They can help you avoid mistakes and keep you safe.
6. Start Small and Learn as You Go
Don’t wait for everything to be perfect. Start with what you have. If you want to mow lawns, borrow a mower and knock on a few doors. If you want to sell art, post your drawings online or at school. Every business starts small. The important thing is to start.
7. Keep Track of Your Money
Use a notebook or a free app to track what you earn and spend. This helps you see if you’re making a profit. If you spend $10 on supplies and make $20, you’ve earned $10. If you spend more than you make, it’s time to adjust your prices or find cheaper supplies.
8. Tell Your Story
People love to support kid businesses, but they want to know your story. Why did you start? What makes your product special? Share your story on flyers, social media, or when you talk to customers. Be honest. If you mess up, admit it and fix it. People remember honesty.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Every kid who starts a business makes mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Trying to do everything alone: Ask for help when you need it.
- Spending too much money up front: Start small and grow as you earn.
- Giving up after one failure: Every “no” gets you closer to a “yes.”
- Forgetting to have fun: If you’re not enjoying it, change something.
If you’ve ever felt embarrassed by a mistake, you’re not alone. The best entrepreneurs mess up all the time. The difference is, they keep going.
Unique Ways Kids Can Start a Business
Let’s get specific. Here are a few ideas you might not have thought of:
- Custom slime kits for birthday parties
- Pet-sitting for neighbors on vacation
- Recycling old electronics for cash
- Personalized greeting cards for holidays
- Online tutoring for younger students
Pick something that fits your skills and your schedule. If you’re busy with school, try a weekend-only business. If you love being outside, offer yard work or dog walking.
What to Do When You Hit a Roadblock
Every business hits a wall. Maybe nobody buys your cookies. Maybe your flyers get rained on. Here’s what most people won’t say: That’s normal. The trick is to ask for feedback, try something new, and keep going. If you’re stuck, talk to another kid who’s started a business or ask an adult for advice. You’ll be surprised how many people want to help.
Next Steps: Turning Your Kid Business into Something Bigger
If your business takes off, you might want to grow. Maybe you hire a friend to help. Maybe you start selling online. Some kid businesses even turn into full-time companies. But don’t rush. Focus on learning, having fun, and making a little money. The rest will come.
So, if you’ve ever wondered how to start a business as a kid, now you know: Start with what you love, keep it simple, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The world needs your ideas—and you don’t have to wait until you’re grown up to get started.
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