55+ Business Ideas For Teens & Young Entrepreneurs in 2022

Are you a teen looking for a way to make some money? Check out these business ideas for teens and get started today!

And rightly so.

Being a teenager, many people would have advised you to focus on your studies or school, or just be a kid, when you know in your heart that you will be successful in your business.

Next time someone tells you that you’re “too young” to start a business, tell them about Mark Cuban, who started selling garbage bags from the age of 12 and eventually became a billionaire or remind them about Warren Buffett, who started selling chewing gum from the very young age of 6!

If people had told them that they were “too young”, they might not have been where they are now.

But before you jump at the ideas listed below, have a look at the advantages and disadvantages of starting a business in your teenage years.

Small Business Ideas for Teens in 2022

With the above criteria in mind, let’s take a look at small business ideas for teens.

1. Start dropshipping

Yeah, yeah, I know, this is too mainstream, but this is one trend that has not become boring yet. Most of the trading done online is under the dropshipping model of business only.

In fact, you can start many of the ideas listed later in this article under this model and make the online business even easier for yourself.

2. Sell handmade products

Why gift your handmade things for free, when you can earn from them?

These products can range from jewelry, accessories, pottery, and furniture, to artifacts, art, etc. If you have deft hands and want to make use of them.

3. Garage sale organizing business

You can work as a garage sales organizer for people who are, well, too lazy to do it on their own. Running a successful garage sale is no small feat. You need to know which items to showcase in the front, which ones in the back, how to price them, and how to catch people’s attention.

Put your natural organizational and sales skills to use for this side hustle. You can also sell some of those garage sale items in your online store.

4. Gift basket service business

Well, these are Sheldon’s words, but if you don’t agree with them and absolutely love gift shopping, have a go at this option. With more and more options available in the market, giving gifts has become increasingly difficult and tiresome for some people.

If you are one of those people who always seem to know exactly what to give to someone, use your “gift”, to pick the perfect present for your customers.

5. Videographer/photographer

Pictures are forever. If you can find a way to make every moment special with your lens, use that skill to earn some cash. You can either freelance as a photographer or videographer for events, or click and upload your original work on your website where people can buy them to use good quality images.

Product photography is a good line of the photography profession to try out, and you can make a swift buck with it.

6. Proofreading business

If you know the difference between except, accept, and expect, or you can correctly use then and than, you’re better than many native English speakers.

Use that expertise and start a proofreading business to channel your inner “grammar nazi” and help other businesses, writers, and professionals perfect their content online.

7. Scrunchies store

These days, Instagram is crawling with beautiful scrunchies that adorn people’s luscious hair. People absolutely love these hair tie-cum-accessory which they can wear on their hair and wrists, and look stunning either way.

8. Digital art store

If you are skilled at digital art, be it digital photography, computer-generated media, or darkroom and digital installation art.

9. Graphic Designing

If you have the required skill set, you can start a graphic designing business and do freelance work.

You can work on a contractual basis or even be the exclusive partner for brands where you provide them with their logos, branding elements, and other requirements.

9. Skincare store

With the life we lead today, our bodies are exposed to so many harmful elements that affect us negatively, inside and out. That’s why healthy eating and skincare have become extremely important these days.

10. Haircare store

Just like skincare, haircare has also become very necessary among one and all. All the pollution, exposure to the sun, and lack of nutrition have adverse effects on people’s hair just as much as their skin. With natural products being introduced in the market every day, you can open your very own all-natural online haircare store.

These products can be things that your customers use on their scalp or eat/drink to enable healthy hair growth.

11. Candles store/home decor store

Home decor was always popular and is one thing that always keeps changing with time. You can open your own candle & home decor store where you can sell candles, aroma diffusers, and other decor products all in one place.

And because of its fickle nature, you will always have a steady flow of customers provided you keep up the quality of your products and customer experience.

12. Handmade jewelry store

Jewelry is used on so many occasions, to mark important events, to show our love and appreciation for the special people in our lives, and also to mark things that are forever.

If you have an eye for classy jewelry or can make quirky pieces yourself, think about starting a jewelry store online as your teen adventure in the business world!

13. Recycling services

If you want to run an environment-friendly business and earn profits for yourself, start a recycling business. The basic idea here is to collect redeemable things from people who generally throw them away, and make something useful out of them.

Then, you can sell those recycled, sustainable products to your customers through your online store, just like these!

14. Thrift store

While we are on the matter of sustainability, let’s discuss the apparel industry, which collectively contributes heavily to the waste generated by industries. In fact, if this trend continues, by 2050, over 150 million tonnes of clothing waste will block landfills.

Fleeting trends, ever-changing styles, and low-quality products are the main reason for this waste, but there are things that can be done about this problem. Through a thrift store, you can sell these old clothes that are trash for someone, but a treasure for another.

15. T-shirt designing business

T-shirt designing is a whole new subsection of the t-shirt industry that has arisen in the past few years. This business is amazingly lucrative and although it requires some investment, it runs a very low risk of loss. What’s even better is that teens are the best choice to run this kind of business as they are the ones who set these trends that go on a t-shirt.

You can design as well as sell your t-shirts in your online store directly to customers.

16. Social media influencer

Social media influencer is a word that did not even exist a decade ago, before the launch of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, but now, it is a mainstream career option. Many people have made full-time careers out of this and lead fun life as well.

If you have the talent to promote other businesses, influence (in a positive and genuine manner) your followers to hang on to your every word, and of course, a huge following on social media, you can be a social media influencer.

17. Become a reseller

Reselling businesses have been in existence since long ago, but with everything going online, reselling more or less started to be associated with fraud and got a bad name.

18. Podcast business

Podcasts are very popular these days, and most audio streaming platforms are proudly hosting multiple podcasts on various topics on their platforms. If you feel that you are a talented orator, and can capture your audience’s attention just with your voice, start a podcast.

You can talk about anything that interests you and your listeners, and remember to engage with them as much as possible to maintain that connection.

19. Conduct online courses

Businesses on online courses are among the best trade models for teens and young entrepreneurs. If you have a skill you think you can use to train others, you can quickly capitalize on that skill by creating and selling an online course.

You must search for the right platform and invest in the necessary resources to develop your program.

20. Be a personal gym or fitness trainer

Today, most people strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle by exercising daily. Since personal fitness training is a booming market, you can take this opportunity and share your passion for fitness with others by becoming a trainer.

You can join a gym as a fitness instructor or give fitness sessions from home. You can even sell your fitness mantras online by conducting virtual fitness classes.

If you want to advertise your online fitness class, use social media to promote your offering. Try running a fitness challenge or quiz and offer rewards. Work with influencers in the niche to ensure your business is visible online.

21. Language translation service

Although AI translation is seeing massive advancements every year, the demand for human language translators is still high these days. If you are fluent in a language other than your native language, you can teach it to others and earn a lot of money.

Open a freelance language translation service business and search for clients online. You can even work on offline legal contracts and other documents that need to be translated into another language.

22. Website designing

In today’s era, where everything has gone digital, businesses are looking for ways to sell their products online. There are a plethora of companies and brands that are in constant need of a high-end and user-friendly website.

As a programmer and website developer, you can kick start your journey as an entrepreneur by developing websites for businesses. You can use platforms like WordPress to earn six figures every month.

23. Door-to-door delivery services

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, everything is being sold online and delivered to homes, from groceries to apparel and even medicines.

That’s where you can come in. Start a door-to-door delivery service business, deliver products to the customers, and earn high returns.

24. Wedding/event planner

If you have a knack for organizing events, you can turn this opportunity to your advantage. Why not look after the arrangements for the events in your area? Start small by organizing birthdays, weddings, and retirements in your locality, then expand your services by taking your event planning business online.

Get in touch with your neighbors, restaurants, hotels, and other physical venues that can drive more customers through the door. To make your event planning business a class apart, build connections that last. Create interactive events and partner with affiliates and influencers to spread the word about your business.

Also, optimize your website (if any) and create promotional content. Do not forget to use social media platforms to promote your brand.

25. Start a food truck

A research analysis of the Global Food Truck Market states that the market is estimated to reach USD 5.78 billion by 2028. In India, the future of food trucks also seems bright in the coming years.

Food trucks are a much cheaper alternative to restaurants and roadside eateries. If you are a cook and love serving food, opening a food truck can be a lucrative move for you.

To make your food truck stand out from the crowd, your vehicle should be visually appealing. Take catering work for clubs, hotels, restaurants, and other venues. Create a brand and promote it on social media. Furthermore, get a gist of what is trending in the market and experiment with famous recipes accordingly.

Lastly, keep adding exciting options to your menu from time to time.

26. Become a language teacher

If you have already graduated and have foreign language skills, you can teach languages to high-school or university students. You can also learn a language first and then teach others from the comfort of your home using Skype and social media.

Apart from English, some of the languages in great demand today include Mandarin, Chinese, Spanish, German, and French. Get skilled in a language of interest and share your knowledge with others by conducting teaching sessions online.

27. Become an MUA (makeup artist)

You can start a makeup service business if you have makeup skills down pat. You can even start a makeup channel on YouTube and share your tricks with others. Monetize your social media platforms by being a makeup influencer and earning significantly.

If you are a newbie, get certified before becoming an entrepreneur. Your unique style, great makeup skills, and positive personality will bring customers to your door in the beginning.

Once you are on track, you can promote your business with business cards, influencer collaborations, and by attending makeup artistry fairs. Make sure you create a great portfolio showcasing your work and clients.

28. Be an affiliate marketing partner

Today, a separate world of affiliate marketing online is extremely profitable. Even if you are a beginner, you can generate a good income by becoming an affiliate marketing partner for brands and businesses.

You just need to partner with online companies, create good content for them, and promote their products or services. In return, you will earn commissions on the sales.

29. Consulting services

You can start your own consulting agency if you are skilled in a particular niche or area, such as technology, data analysis, law, etc. Generally, consulting services fall under B2B and can be extremely profitable if you land some large corporate clients. You can even open an online consulting firm and hire experts to service more clients.

An online consulting business must invest in advertising for long-term success. Leverage Google and social media ads to gain visibility online. Host events, get referrals, and reach out to potential customers directly. You can also launch email newsletters and reach your target audience.

30. Social media manager

The social media space is full of marketers that use their time on the internet to help meet business objectives for their clients. You can handle social media accounts for different companies simultaneously and help them reach a larger audience by strengthening communications from their end.

Advertise your ability to drive sales by building your portfolio. Include your expertise in handling different social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and more.

31. Organic food catering

If you are interested in the organic food catering niche, you can specialize in different cuisines and sell your organic food to restaurants, clubs, hotels, and other clients.

To open an organic food store, find a suitable location and secure it. Obtain the required permits. Choose the organic food items you want to sell and set their prices. For selling, management, and logistics of your store, hire manpower. Finally, market your organic food store offline and online.

32. Become a freelance writer

Have great writing skills? Leverage the opportunity of selling your writing services by becoming a freelance writer. Ditch your 9-5 grind and start working from home as a writer. You can write for multiple clients and businesses and help them promote their products/services online.

Read and write daily to improve your writing skills. Decide on a niche and specialize in it. Do not forget to build your portfolio and market your writing.

33. Open a gluten-free bakery

According to statistics, the Indian gluten-free food and beverage market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.92% from 2022 to 2027. Since the bakery is an evergreen business, you can start a gluten-free bakery with a low investment.

Start with gluten-free cakes and bread, and then add more items to your menu to scale up and sell more. The best way to make a name for yourself is to use Instagram and Pinterest to market your baked goods. Post high-resolution pictures of your products and ask your followers to share them. Use relevant and trending hashtags. For Pinterest, you can even share your bakery tutorials and baking recipes.

34. PR or image consultant

Many companies and big-wigs in multiple industries use image consultants to assess and align their professional or personal image with their goals.

If you have knowledge of a particular industry and are familiar with public relations, you can easily be a PR or image consultant.

35. Become a subscription service owner

Did you know Amazon currently has over 200 million Prime subscribers across the globe? Recent stats also indicate that its retail subscription model earns $25.21 billion in annual revenue. The whopping numbers and the predictable nature of the subscription model are some of the reasons young entrepreneurs choose to get into the subscription business.

You, too, can start a subscription business with something you are passionate about.

36. Life coach

Almost everyone needs a mentor at some point in their lives. A good life coach or mentor uses their past experiences and expertise to add value to others’ lives. Even if you are in your mid-30s, you can choose to devise growth strategies or give general advice and make a difference.

You can even start hosting a podcast series and share valuable experiences and knowledge with other people.

37. Mobile pet grooming service

There isn’t a dearth of pet owners in the world. Many owners shell out huge bucks from time to time to keep their pets well-groomed. You can provide a mobile pet grooming service and earn thousands of dollars every month.

Pet daycare services and even opening a pet store are other great options to count on.

38. Open a cafe

You can be a cafe owner if you love coming up with creative recipes for preparing coffee and snacks. You don’t have to rent a large space to open a commercial cafe. Use your garden, backyard, or deck and convert it into a residential cafe.

39. Home cleaning services

Keeping their home clean and organized is the priority of every homeowner. For this reason, the cleaning service business is a great option to rely on if you have an entrepreneurial mindset. To start a home cleaning business, hire domestic cleaners. With word-of-mouth marketing, you can easily enjoy high returns.

40. Start an online marketing agency

Marketing plays an indispensable role in the success of a business. Whether digital marketing, inbound marketing, or social media marketing, it helps the company create brand awareness, reach a target audience, and generate leads.

If you possess marketing expertise, use this niche and capitalize on your skills to earn a good living each month.

41. Automobile repair service shop

Opening an automobile workshop or repair shop is a lucrative option for young entrepreneurs. Although you may need funds to rent a garage or a workshop, a few smart strategies, such as a disciplined approach to finances, local coupon advertising, etc., can help you save big in the long run.

42. Mobile app developer

If you have graduated in computer science or IT or have impeccable coding skills, nothing can be better than developing mobile applications and selling them to tech giants. You may also partner with other software developers and work on multiple mobile app creation projects.

Experiment with cloud-based apps, mobile wallets, AR/VR, IoT, and even chatbots for a high income.

43. Be a tour guide

Are you a travel fanatic, and have you covered multiple destinations? Or are you familiar with tourist spots in your area? If so, starting a guided tour business is a wonderful opportunity for you to kick-start your entrepreneurial career.

You can also consider setting up a website and offering travel tips, tour packages, flight and accommodation booking services, etc.

44. IoT service and solutions provider

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding faster every year. Today, almost every business or organization needs IoT services or solutions. Reap the benefits of this opportunity by becoming an IoT service and solutions provider.

From helping businesses design, build, and install IoT infrastructure to offering IoT support and maintenance services, there are tons of options to earn money in this field.

45. Offer 3D printing services

3D printing has taken the world by storm. Invest in a 3D printer and build a successful printing business by producing prototypes for brands and companies.

Some of the other innovative items you can create using 3D printing include toys, eyeglasses, home decor, jewelry, and smartphone cases, to name a few.

46. Uber or ola driver

Anyone who considers themselves a good driver can contact Uber or Ola and make a decent living by driving cars for their customers. You may need training and a valid four-wheeler license to work for these ridesharing companies.

47. Offer rentals

Today, people love renting things since it’s cheaper than buying. You can offer rentals through a rental company and earn a million every year. Decide on a niche, study the market, and get the ball rolling.

Some of the most profitable rental options for teens and young entrepreneurs include car rentals, residential property rentals, domestic goods rentals, and office space rentals.

48. Digital marketing campaign manager

Since the digital world is booming these days, businesses are looking for digital marketing campaign managers to drive their sales. You can easily start a digital marketing company if you understand SEO, social media, email, advertising, and other online marketing tools.

Once you know what you are doing, you can also opt to cold-call local businesses to promote your services.

49. Self-publishing business

Writers out there! You can self-publish your books and earn lakhs a year. Write a compelling book and then proofread it with the help of a professional editor. Finalize your manuscript, get your book cover designed, and launch your book on a suitable platform.

50. Currency trading

With an infinite number of online courses, tutorials, and applications, it is easy to become a currency trader. You need to open a forex trading account with a broker to carry out currency trading. Begin with small investments, and when you excel, invest big to earn big in the live currency market.

51. Become an SEO expert

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is a skill required to successfully operate any web business. If you are an SEO professional, you can start your own SEO company and help online enterprises to rank on the first page of prominent search engines like Google.

If you are a newbie, you can start by first learning the basics of SEO and understanding SEO strategies and tools.

52. Open up a fashion boutique

Fashion designers with an entrepreneurial mindset can start a fashion boutique and sell their innovative fashion ensembles. Write a business plan, create your products, give your boutique a name, and start selling. You can also take your boutique online and sell your designs to high-end fashion brands.

53. Purchase a franchise

Franchises are is often overlooked, but they are highly profitable businesses. You can purchase a franchise if you want to join the world of entrepreneurs. Determine market interest, research startup costs, choose a location, and sign the franchise agreement.

54. Online bookkeeping

Like many other businesses, bookkeeping has also gone digital. If you are an accountant, you can tap into this opportunity and start an online bookkeeping business. This will not only help you ditch your 9-to-5 job and give you personal freedom but also collaborate with ease with multiple clients simultaneously.

55. Niche website owner

Choose your niche, build your site, conduct market analysis, and create content competitors miss out on to earn traffic. Use SEO strategies and content promotion tools before experimenting with monetization.

56. Blogging/vlogging

Blogging and vlogging are all the rage these days. While sitting at home, you can create quality content and publish it online to earn high six figures. You can create your own blog and offer an option for guest posting. For vlogging, you can start a YouTube channel and capture a worldwide audience.

57. Open a tattoo studio

If you have worked as an apprentice in a tattoo studio, you can use your experience to open your own tattoo studio. All it will take is a little investment and a website for online appointments.

58. Start an outsourcing business

The outsourcing business involves hiring a third party to provide services or handle operations for you or your company. Before hiring talent, pick a niche and do a market analysis.

Some outsourcing business ideas for teens include project outsourcing, IT outsourcing, and operational outsourcing. To find your clients, show them that you know their business. Give them samples and promise to meet the deadlines after sample approval.

Conclusion

In today’s world where we have everything at our fingertips, and people can make money doing whatever it is that they love, teen businesses are blossoming everywhere.

As you saw in this article as well, many teen entrepreneurs are thriving and hustling their way to success from a very early age.

Dukaan has been created keeping in mind the needs of young entrepreneurs, who do not have the time to focus on trivial things and appreciate the simplicity of their eCommerce platform, rather than getting tangled in a web of complex code.

It is for this reason that Dukaan has dedicated its platform to serve the needs of entrepreneurs like you, in the best way possible, so that you only have to focus on growing your business, and leave the rest to it.

With amazing marketing features, built-in live chat feature, SEO optimization, and even things like logistics and delivery, you get it all in one place.

We understand that your time and effort are put to better use when you think about scaling up your operations and adding more products quickly, rather than creating WhatsApp stories or other promotional designs, so we took care of that too!