In recent years, the entrepreneurial spirit has caught on with kids and teens. More young people than ever are creating businesses to earn money, develop valuable skills, and even grow personal brands. With the internet and social media providing new opportunities, there are many ways for kids to make money while learning about responsibility, marketing, and finance. Whether they’re launching their own online business, offering services in their local community, or using their creativity, kids are showing that entrepreneurship isn’t just for adults. Here’s a list of some of the most successful and innovative kid businesses that make money.
1. Online Content Creation (YouTube, TikTok, and Streaming)
One of the most lucrative and popular avenues for kids to make money is content creation. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Twitch have given young people a chance to build personal brands, entertain, and engage with audiences worldwide. Content creators can monetize their platforms through ads, sponsorships, brand deals, and merchandise.
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YouTube: Many young people start channels dedicated to gaming, unboxing, fashion, beauty tutorials, or educational content. With YouTube’s Partner Program, creators can earn money from ads once they reach a certain number of subscribers and views. Some young YouTubers can make anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 a month depending on their popularity and engagement.
TikTok: TikTok has exploded in popularity and is a prime platform for kids to showcase their creativity. With TikTok’s Creator Fund, users can get paid for producing popular, engaging videos. Plus, brand sponsorships are common for influencers who have a large following, with earnings varying depending on the creator’s engagement and niche.
Twitch: This live-streaming platform has become a hotspot for gamers and other content creators. Kids who stream video games can earn money through subscriptions, tips, and donations from followers. Twitch also offers ads, brand deals, and affiliate programs as potential revenue streams.
Content creation allows kids to leverage their hobbies or passions into a profitable business, while also honing skills in video editing, marketing, and personal branding.
2. Handmade Products and Crafts
Kids with a knack for arts and crafts can start their own small businesses by selling handmade goods. From jewelry to artwork, candles, or custom t-shirts, the possibilities are endless. Websites like Etsy or local craft fairs are ideal platforms for selling homemade products.
Etsy: This online marketplace is perfect for young crafters to showcase their products. Many kids and teens start businesses selling things like personalized necklaces, hand-painted shoes, or knitted scarves. With a low barrier to entry, Etsy provides a platform for kids to market their items globally.
Craft Fairs and Farmers Markets: Kids can also sell their crafts at local markets, setting up booths to showcase their work. For young entrepreneurs, this can be a great way to interact with customers face-to-face and gain real-world experience in business and sales.
Selling handmade products can be an enjoyable and profitable venture for kids who are creative and enjoy making things with their hands.
3. Babysitting and Pet Sitting Services
Offering babysitting or pet sitting services is a traditional yet effective way for kids to make money. As long as they’re responsible and have the necessary skills, kids as young as 12 or 13 can start their own babysitting business.
Babysitting: Babysitting is an age-old way for kids to earn money and develop important life skills. With certification in CPR or child care (many programs offer such certifications for teens), babysitters can increase their appeal to parents and command higher rates.
Pet Sitting/Dog Walking: Another option is offering pet sitting services. Many pet owners need someone to take care of their pets while they’re away. Kids who love animals can offer services like walking dogs, feeding pets, or even grooming. Websites like Rover connect pet sitters with clients, but local advertising or word-of-mouth can work just as well.
Both babysitting and pet sitting are great businesses that allow kids to provide valuable services in their communities while learning about customer relationships and time management.
4. Lawn Care and Yard Work
For kids who enjoy being outside and staying active, offering lawn care or yard work services can be a lucrative business. This could include tasks such as mowing lawns, raking leaves, shoveling snow, or trimming hedges.
Lawn Mowing: Lawn care is a business that many kids get into during the summer months. Kids with access to lawnmowers and other basic equipment can offer services in their neighborhood, charging customers per job or on a weekly basis. Rates for mowing vary by location but can range from $20 to $50 per lawn.
Snow Removal: In colder regions, snow removal services can be a profitable business during the winter months. Kids can offer to shovel driveways, sidewalks, and walkways for their neighbors, often charging by the hour or by the job.
This type of business teaches kids the value of hard work, managing their schedules, and the benefits of local networking.
5. Social Media Management for Small Businesses
If your child has a strong understanding of social media and how to engage an online audience, social media management could be a great business idea. Many small businesses need help managing their social media profiles, and a kid with experience on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok could step in to provide this service.
Freelance Social Media Management: Kids can offer social media content creation, posting schedules, and engagement strategies to local businesses that don’t have time or expertise in-house. Many small businesses, such as local cafes, boutiques, or fitness studios, hire social media managers to maintain an active presence online.
This business opportunity allows kids to learn about digital marketing, customer engagement, and content strategy while helping local businesses grow their online presence.
6. Digital Products and Services
For tech-savvy kids, creating and selling digital products is another excellent business opportunity. Kids who are skilled at graphic design, coding, or writing can create products like:
Printable Designs: Digital planners, art prints, or educational worksheets can be created and sold on platforms like Etsy.
Website Design: Teenagers with an interest in web design and coding can offer services to help small businesses or individuals build and maintain their websites.
E-books or Courses: Kids with a talent for writing or teaching can write and sell e-books, guides, or create video courses on platforms like Udemy or Skillshare.
Creating digital products can be a very scalable business with low startup costs. With the right skills, kids can earn money from their digital creations without ever leaving home.
7. Flipping Items for Profit
Flipping, or buying items at a low price and reselling them for a profit, is another business model that can work for kids. Many young entrepreneurs have found success by flipping items they find at thrift stores, yard sales, or online marketplaces.
Thrift Store Finds: Kids can scour thrift stores or online marketplaces like eBay or Facebook Marketplace for discounted items that they can resell at a higher price. Items like vintage clothing, electronics, or collectibles often have a good resale value.
Garage Sales: Hosting their own garage sale or selling items for neighbors can also be a good way for kids to practice selling and increase their income.
Flipping teaches kids valuable skills in pricing, negotiation, and market research while offering a relatively low-risk way to make money.
Conclusion:
There are many opportunities for kids to earn money, whether they want to start a full-fledged business or just make extra cash on the side. From content creation and digital services to traditional services like babysitting or lawn care, the possibilities are vast. The most important thing is for kids to choose something they enjoy and are passionate about. Entrepreneurship offers kids a chance to learn important skills such as responsibility, problem-solving, and time management while earning money and gaining real-world experience.