A good business idea for a kid to start should be age-appropriate, safe and suitable for their abilities and resources. It should also encourage creativity, responsibility and a sense of entrepreneurship.
What characterizes a good business idea for kids?
Any business idea should align with your child's interests and passions. This ensures they stay motivated when it comes to their business. The businessidea should also provide an opportunity for the child to learn new skills, such as money management, customer service and basic marketing.
Safety should be a top priority. Make sure the business idea is safe for both the child in charge and their potential customers. Avoid ideas that involve sharp objects, hazardous materials or any potential risks to health and well-being. If they want to start a food business, parents or guardians will need to make sure they adhere to health and safety regulations and any relevant food licensing laws.
Parental involvement and support are crucial, especially for younger kids. Parents can help with guidance, transportation and supervision. The child should feel like they have a reliable support system. Be mindful of keeping the start-up costs low. It's essential that the child can finance the business using their allowance or savings.
Consider the local market and target audience when choosing a business idea. What products or services are in demand in the neighborhood or among friends and family? For instance, if there's a need for after-school tutoring, a child who excels in a particular subject can offer tutoring services.
Encourage your child to take responsibility for their business. This should include time management, scheduling and the importance of delivering on promises to customers. It can also be a great opportunity to teach kids about ethical business practices and social responsibility. For example, they can consider donating a portion of their profits to a charitable cause or using eco-friendly materials in their products.
Remember that the primary goal of a business for kids is not just to make money but also to instill valuable life skills, such as responsibility, creativity, financial literacy and a strong work ethic.
Learn more: How to start a business
11 business ideas for kids to start today
Inspire your kids with these 11 fun business ideas. From baking to blogging, these ventures teach important life skills while making some extra cash. Encourage your young entrepreneurs to dive into the world of business.
01. Baking business
A baking business involves preparing and selling baked goods such as cookies, cupcakes or brownies. This is an excellent business idea for kids because it combines creativity and practical skills. Baking encourages kids to experiment with recipes and develop their culinary talents. It's a fun and enjoyable way for kids to earn money while providing delicious treats to the community. Plus, the learning opportunities in terms of time management, money handling and customer service are valuable skills for young entrepreneurs.
Learn more: How to create a bakery business plan
02. Car washing
A car wash business for kids involves cleaning and washing cars, either at a customer's home or office or in a public space. This is a great idea because it requires minimal investment, primarily consisting of cleaning supplies and a bucket with sponges. Kids can offer car washing services to their neighbors or family members and grow their customers through word of mouth and referrals. It also teaches responsibility as they need to manage their time effectively to meet customer appointments.
Learn more: How to create a car wash business plan
03. Dog walking
A dog walking business involves taking pets, usually dogs, for regular walks and exercise. This is an ideal business idea for kids who love animals and have a responsible nature. It not only allows kids to spend time with furry friends but also teaches them valuable lessons in responsibility and time management. As an added benefit kids can develop strong bonds with the dogs they care for. This business can be low-cost to start, requiring only basic pet care equipment and it can be marketed within your local community. It's a great way for kids to earn money while staying active and nurturing a love for animals.
Learn more: How to create a dog-walking business plan
04. Lawn care
A lawn care business involves providing services such as mowing lawns, weeding and landscaping. This is an excellent business idea for kids who enjoy working outdoors and physical activity. Lawn care not only keeps kids active but also teaches them about basic landscaping and gardening while fostering a sense of responsibility for the environment. Kids can start small by offering services to neighbors or family members and as they gain experience, they can expand their clientele.
Learn more: How to start a lawn care business
05. Craft business
A craft business involves creating and selling handmade items such as jewelry, artwork, candles or other craft products. It's an excellent business idea for kids with a creative flair. Craft businesses allow kids to turn their hobbies into a source of income. Creating and selling crafts fosters skills in design and problem-solving. Crafting businesses can be started with minimal investment in supplies, making it accessible for kids and it's a great way to share their artistic creations with a broader audience.
Be inspired: Craft business ideas, Craft business name ideas
06. eCommerce business
An eCommerce business involves selling products or services online, typically through making an eCommerce website or via an eCommerce platform like Wix. This is a great online business idea for kids who are tech-savvy and have a passion for entrepreneurship.
Be inspired: eCommerce business name ideas, Dropshipping business ideas
Kids can sell a wide range of items, from handmade crafts to collectibles or second-hand items. An eCommerce business can be managed and run from home, offering convenience and flexibility.
If kids have a particular grasp for the graphic design for an eCommerce business website, then it's also good to see if making money as a graphic designer is a relevant option.
Learn more:
07. Blogging
Blogging involves creating and maintaining a website, known as a blog, where individuals regularly write and share articles on various topics. Starting a blog is an excellent business idea for kids who are passionate about writing, have expertise in a particular subject and want to express their creativity. Blogging can help kids develop their writing skills, research abilities and digital literacy. It's an opportunity to share their unique perspectives and insights with a broader audience, helping them learn about effective communication and audience engagement. It can also be monetized through advertising, affiliate marketing, or sponsored content, teaching kids about monetization strategies and financial responsibility.
Get started with the Wix Blog Maker.
08. Photography
Photography is a perfect business idea for kids who have a keen interest in visual storytelling and artistic expression. A photography business allows kids to explore their creativity and develop their skills in capturing moments and telling stories through images. Whether they’re interested in portrait photography, landscape photography or niche areas like macro photography, it offers numerous avenues for self-expression.
Be inspired: Photography business name ideas
Photography also encourages kids to learn about technical aspects of equipment and image editing as well. Moreover, it's a business that can be initiated with relatively low start-up costs and can eventually lead to income through selling prints, offering photography services or participating in art exhibitions.
Learn more: How to create a photographer business plan
09. Lemonade stand
A lemonade stand is a classic and straightforward business idea for kids. It involves setting up a small stand or booth to sell lemonade to passersby, typically in front of a home or at a local event. It’s a great and fun way to learn about budgeting, as they need to purchase supplies like lemons, sugar and cups and to gain hands-on experience with pricing, marketing and customer service. A lemonade stand also provides an opportunity to interact with the community, enhancing social and communication skills. It's a low-cost and fun way for kids to experience the basics of business and it can instill a sense of responsibility and independence.
Check out these other food business ideas, some of which might work well for kids too.
10. Party planning
Party planning is a business idea that involves organizing and coordinating events such as birthdays, weddings or other special occasions. While this may be a more complex endeavor for kids, it can be a good idea for older kids who are organized and creative. Party planning teaches kids important skills in organization, time management and communication as they work with clients and vendors. It allows them to express their creativity through theme selection, the choice of decor and entertainment. Kids can also develop budgeting and negotiation skills as they source and manage various aspects of the event. Although this business idea may require more parental guidance and initial investment, it can provide valuable entrepreneurial experience and encourage considerable creative thinking.
Learn more: How to create a party planning business plan
11. Cleaning
A cleaning business involves providing cleaning services for homes or businesses. Kids can offer cleaning services that may include tasks including vacuuming, dusting or home organizing. Kids can learn about pricing and budgeting as they set rates and manage their earnings. While safety and supervision are essential, this business can be an excellent way for kids to earn money, particularly from neighbors or family friends who may appreciate the help. Cleaning can also be a great recession-proof business idea.
Learn more: How to create a cleaning business plan
Other business ideas to consider
Business ideas for kids FAQ
Do kids need a business plan?
It's a good idea to have a simple business plan outlining the business idea, target customers, pricing and expenses. It doesn't have to be as detailed as an adult's business plan but can serve as a guide.