[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/business\/product-businesses\/business-ideas-for-kids\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/business\/product-businesses\/business-ideas-for-kids\/","headline":"51 Small Business Ideas for Kids","name":"51 Small Business Ideas for Kids","description":"Starting a business is an incredible opportunity for children to not only earn income...","datePublished":"2019-02-26","dateModified":"2023-03-03","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/author\/logan-allec\/#Person","name":"Logan Allec, CPA","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/author\/logan-allec\/","identifier":4,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6e74dd0453a5871d1dcfde6d40d9494765ca8bfdb01927cefee4564d4bee9075?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6e74dd0453a5871d1dcfde6d40d9494765ca8bfdb01927cefee4564d4bee9075?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Money Done Right","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Money-Done-Right-Personal-Finance-and-Investing-Blog.png","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Money-Done-Right-Personal-Finance-and-Investing-Blog.png","width":488,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/business-ideas-for-kids.jpg","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/business-ideas-for-kids.jpg","height":760,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/business\/product-businesses\/business-ideas-for-kids\/","about":["Product Businesses"],"wordCount":3383,"keywords":["schema"],"articleBody":"Starting a business is an incredible opportunity for children to not only earn income but also learn valuable life skills.And when it comes to entrepreneurship, kids these days have far more options than the lemonade stand of old.As a parent, be sure to nurture the entrepreneurial spirit of your child based on their strengths, knowledge, preferences, and even artistic inclinations.Check It Out: Once your child starts earning money, he or she can start contributing to a Roth IRA.\u00a0 Here’s how.Table of ContentsToggle1. Candy Business2. Acting3. Lemonade Stand4. Illustration Services5. Mowing Lawns6. Pet Care7. Selling Used Books8. Blogging9. Babysitting10. Doing Chores11. Tutoring12. Doing Online Surveys13. Shoveling Snow14. Newspaper Delivery15. Making Basic Jewelry16. House Sitting17. Social Media Management18. Helping Seniors19. Pool Cleaning20. Video Creation21. T-Shirt Design22. Podcasting23. Balloon Artist24. Magician25. Gift Wrapping Service Provider26. Musician27. Baked Goods Maker28. Greeting Card Maker29. Gift Basket Creator and Deliverer30. Recyclable Material Collection31. Selling Items on eBay32. Car Washing33. Computer and Gadget Repair34. Party Decoration and Planning Assistance35. House Painting36. Video Game Live Streaming37. A Local Food Growing Business38. Advertising Space Seller39. Organizing Puppet Shows40. Music Lessons41. Writing Books42. Device Set Up43. A Photography Business44. Garage Sales45. A Cleaning Business46. Moving Assistant47. Post-Construction Cleanup48. Selling Homemade Jam49. A Knitting Business50. Handcrafted Wedding Invitation Business51. Non-Profit WorkA Few Final Essentials to Keep in Mind1. Candy BusinessAnything bought in bulk can be sold for a profit, and reselling merchandise will teach children about price calculation, marketing strategies, and communication skills.Given that it\u2019s easy to find affordable bulk candy packages, a candy business can be a great opportunity for children to resell their favorite treats to their schoolmates or neighbors.Peter Koch over at Dollar Sanity actually got his first taste of entrepreneurship from his childhood candy business.2. ActingChild actors are sought for commercials, clips, documentaries, movies, and even voiceovers.If your kid has the talent and the stage presence, you may want to consider the idea.Television acting can pay really well and you can save the money for an investment in your child\u2019s future.3. Lemonade StandWhile the lemonade stand has turned into somewhat of a clich\u00e9 in the world of small business ideas for kids, it\u2019s still a great choice for youngsters.Good to Know: A little bit of help from an adult will be required in terms of getting permits and developing the right lemonade recipes. Retail skills and customer service play a key role in business development, which is why acquiring such skills in childhood can be great.4. Illustration ServicesMany authors of children\u2019s books are actually looking for illustrations created by kids.There are also various international contests that drawings can be submitted to.These contests offer various types of prizes,\u00a0 from cash to scholarships and even international travel opportunities.Winning one of these contests could open doors to more lucrative opportunities for your child.5. Mowing LawnsAs far as business ideas for kids go, this is another classic. Mowing neighborhood lawns is a great choice for the summer.Help your child determine what the charge is going to be and whether they\u2019d be offering additional services — gardening, leaf raking, an outdoor cleanup, etc.6. Pet CarePet sitting, dog walking, and other jobs involving animals are both fantastic business ideas for kids.Taking care of another living being can teach children a lot about responsibility.As with other service businesses on this list, work with your young one to determine and price out their menu of services.Some of the tasks that kids could handle include pet sitting, walking, cleanup after pets, pet bathing and grooming, and even pet training (kids who have their own pets will already know how to do that).Who knows?\u00a0 Your child’s love for serving animals could result in a lifelong career interest.7. Selling Used BooksDoes your household have a bit too many children books?Chances are, you and your children will only care about keeping the ones that have sentimental value with the majority ending up donated at some point.So rather than give these books to Goodwill or the Salvation Army for them to sell at 100% profit margins, why not encourage your children to make money selling them?Of course, as your kids grow older, they can expand their enterprise used textbooks or study guides.\u00a0 The demand for these is very high because more and more students are opting to purchase textbooks used rather than buying them now.8. BloggingKids that like to write and create multimedia can be particularly successful in the online realm.The topic should be something your child is interested in — but also something many other people are interested in as well.Definitely encourage your child’s zanier creative outlets, but be realistic with them when it comes to starting a business and doing a market analysis.Placing ads on a blog is a good choice for income generation because of the simplicity and the reward children will grow in the end.As they grow older and their audience expands, alternative monetization possibilities such as affiliate marketing can be sought.9. BabysittingThe best business ideas for kids to make money will solve a problem that adults may have, and all parents of young children need babysitting every now and then.Of course, a babysitter will be responsible for taking care of other little humans, so it’s probably best to carefully evaluate your child’s maturity before signing off on their next babysitting gig.10. Doing ChoresThere could be a set fee being paid to youngsters for handling specific tasks — laundry, sorting clothes, doing backyard work, cooking a family meal, etc.Keep in mind you should not pay kids for responsibilities like maintaining their room clean. If you do, you\u2019ll teach them that they shouldn\u2019t handle such tasks unless a payment is provided.11. TutoringChildren who excel academically in one subject or another could provide tutoring services to their classmates.As already mentioned, solid small business ideas for kids are based on their strengths and knowledge.12. Doing Online SurveysSome prominent online survey websites are available to individuals aged 13 and up.Teens can earn some extra cash by completing paid surveys.Note that the payouts are relatively low but the surveys take only minutes to complete. In time, the amount can easily add up.Survey Junkie is a survey site that allows teengers to sign up.13. Shoveling SnowWhile gardening is a suitable kid\u2019s business idea for the summer, shoveling snow is a great alternative for the winter. You can help your kids promote their services by designing flyers together and distributing those in the neighborhood. Soon, neighbors will learn about the availability of such assistance and the phone calls will start coming in.14. Newspaper DeliveryWhile we love innovative entrepreneurial ideas, we also enjoy the classics in terms of business ideas for kids. Newspaper delivery is definitely a childhood occupation and one of the first job-related experiences that many adults have had.Good to Know: Doing the job is great because it will necessitate approximately 30 minutes to one hour of involvement per day.Advantage: Holding such a job at a young age teaches responsibility, discipline, and effective time management. Collecting fees door to door in the end of the month is the sweetest part of the entire experience.15. Making Basic JewelryMost kids collect seashells, snail shells, pebbles or minerals. These collections can easily be monetized.\u00a0Crafty children can start making their own jewelry that they\u2019ll get to sell to other kids or to neighbors.\u00a0Eventually, a website can be created for the purpose of selling jewelry online and reaching a larger audience.16. House SittingBecause of the responsibility involved, this business idea for kids is best for teenagers. It may be wise to start with the houses of family members and close friends. House sitting is relatively easy but some discipline will be required to handle all tasks.Good to Know: A few of the issues teens will have to deal with include basic cleanup, watering plants, taking care of the garden, bringing in mail, and eventually \u2013 taking care of pets.17. Social Media ManagementAs far as small business ideas for kids go, this is a great choice for tech-savvy teenagers. Social media management is natural for those who have grown up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. There could be various local businesses interested in reaching a more youthful audience. As a result, such companies wouldn\u2019t mind partnering up with a teenage digital wizard.Pro Tip: It\u2019s a good idea to learn a bit more about Facebook monetization and digital marketing before doing job pitches.18. Helping SeniorsCharging a small amount to help seniors in the neighborhood is another great idea for youngsters. Older people may need assistance with grocery shopping, meal prep, small everyday chores, walking around, and cleaning their house.Good to Know: Some of them could even be looking for someone to read them or take them out for a walk. The job is great because it teaches children to care for others, build lasting relationships, and anticipate the needs of those who may experience certain kinds of limitations.19. Pool CleaningA sub-division of backyard maintenance, pool cleaning is a perfect summer job for kids.20. Video CreationVideo clips can easily be monetized. We\u2019ve already talked about making money watching videos and this is another great opportunity. Children who can work on animated clips, shorts documentaries, funny clips or how-to guides can easily monetize those.Pro Tip: YouTube video creators can earn a lot and the creation of a channel can eventually turn into a nice passive income generation option.21. T-Shirt DesignArtistic children can design clothing items and sell those for cash.You can learn more about how to make money selling t-shirts online here.22. PodcastingAs far as viable digital business ideas for kids go, podcasting ranks among the greatest opportunities. There are a few technical aspects an adult may need to handle. In fact, podcasting can quickly turn into a fun activity for the entire family that comes with the added bonus of income generation.23. Balloon ArtistBalloon artists are often invited to events, birthdays and special family occasions. Kids who are skilled may print out flyers, distribute those in the neighborhood, and get invited as entertainers to neighborhood events.24. MagicianContinuing from the previous idea, those who are skilled illusionists can also pursue an entertainment job in the local neighborhood.25. Gift Wrapping Service ProviderThis option ranks among the best seasonal small business ideas for kids. The holidays result in added stress for many families.Good to Know: Hiring a little helper to handle a tedious aspect of Christmas preparation will free up a lot of time for other activities. Hence, the demand for gift wrapping service operators is going to be high during December.We have a range of additional Christmas income generation ideas you can explore here.26. MusicianA continuation of the entertainment theme, children who are musically-inclined can offer services at local celebrations and earn money.27. Baked Goods MakerMany kids exhibit exceptional culinary talents. Those who like to bake have a great business concept to explore. Baked goods can be sold locally or they could be sold online.Pro Tip: The key here is to shop smart and help your children develop a brand (for example, through colorful packaging) that stands out.28. Greeting Card MakerDrawing talent can be monetized in several ways. Apart from selling their illustrations, children can start their own line of greeting cards.Good to Know: Great business ideas for kids can focus on service provision or product development (or both). Greeting cards can be sold within the local community or you can explore online platforms for the purpose.29. Gift Basket Creator and DelivererDoes your child have a special gift basket idea? Help them bring the concept to fruition. Making gift baskets and providing delivery services can result in some nice income generation at an early age.Here are a few additional great hobby ideas that can generate money.30. Recyclable Material CollectionCollecting recyclable materials teaches children about being environmentally-responsible and about earning an income at the same time. The collection of recyclable materials in the neighborhood can be monetized when these are taken to a recycling center.Good to Know: Not only is this a great business idea for kids, it also increases activity levels and can turn into a family bonding experience.31. Selling Items on eBayHolding on to items that are no longer needed can result in tons of clutter and mess. Ask your kids to sort through their belonging and identify the ones they no longer want. Knowing these items can earn them money will act as an additional source of motivation.Good to Know: Selling on eBay\u00a0will teach children entrepreneurial skills, marketing, and effective communication with potential customers.32. Car WashingThe range of neighborhood service business ideas for kids is immense. Car washing in the summer is a quick and easy activity. Help your kids determine how much they\u2019re going to charge and what the best marketing method for their services is.33. Computer and Gadget RepairComputer repair is a job idea for teens but some younger kids are actual tech geniuses who can complete the task successfully. Many adults struggle with computers, gadgets, and wearable tech that has stopped working.Pro Tip: If your child has sufficient hardware knowledge, a successful repair business can be set up at home.34. Party Decoration and Planning AssistanceWho doesn\u2019t love working on party planning? Often, families run out of time when planning birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions.Good to Know: Children can help with venue decoration, table set up, music selection and even greeting arriving guests while adults handle more strategic aspects of the process.35. House PaintingThere\u2019s no need for additional explanation, as far as this small business idea for kids, is there?36. Video Game Live StreamingYes, you can get paid to play video games. Kids who love the video game experience could do live streams and upload those to YouTube or other platforms.Pro Tip: Entertaining and strategic video gaming is a popular genre. Many will be interested in watching such videos and advertising monetization opportunities will be easy to pursue.One thing to keep in mind is that gaming can quickly become addictive.\u00a0Come up with a daily schedule that results in more balanced everyday activities that include sports and sufficient outdoor time.37. A Local Food Growing BusinessStarting a vegetable garden in your backyard will teach children a lot about food production. On top of that, the produce can be sold locally.Pro Tip: It doesn\u2019t take a lot to start a garden \u2013 you\u2019ll need some seeds and fertilizer. If you\u2019re looking for minimum investment small business ideas for kids that can grow quickly, this one would be a great choice.38. Advertising Space SellerIs your child known for riding their bike around town? The two of you can easily turn a favorite activity in a viable business concept. Offer mobile advertising space for sale to local companies and service providers. Depending on your approach and strategy, you can quickly win a sufficient number of loyal customers.39. Organizing Puppet ShowsA kid can put on a puppet show for the neighbors and earn money. Performance art passion is relatively easy to monetize, especially if your child is talented. Entertainment opportunities will always attract crowds, especially when they\u2019re properly advertised.40. Music LessonsApart from playing music at events, talented children can also start a music lessons business. If you do a bit of online search, you\u2019ll come across dozens of such stories. Some children make 20 dollars per hour and even more teaching others to play the piano, guitar, violin, and various other instruments.41. Writing BooksNumerous kids become published authors at a tender age. Children benefit from their limitless imagination and the fact that they haven\u2019t become accustomed to social conventions. Encourage your child to continue writing and seek expert opinion on the quality of the work.Good to Know: Self-publishing eBooks ranks among the best online business ideas and you can easily turn your child\u2019s talent into a family venture.42. Device Set UpWhat happens when the nice senior lady living next door gets a new computer? She\u2019ll probably ask for set up and installation assistance. Many children are naturally talented in the technical realm. Such children can start a device set up business.Good to Know: Depending on the size of the local community and the age of the residents, the idea can expand into a solid business quickly.43. A Photography BusinessPhoto creation for money ranks among the best small business ideas for kids. The easiest way to get started is to sell licensed photographs via stock image portals. A larger portfolio of images will quickly turn into a great passive income generation option.44. Garage SalesHow many items do you have collecting dust around the house? Put your child in charge of organizing a garage sale. Garage sales provide business ideas for kids to make money and they also result in a much more pleasant living environment.45. A Cleaning BusinessThis small business idea for kids is similar to doing chores but it can be turned into a niche venture.Obtain environment-friendly cleaning supplies and advertise your green cleaning company in the neighborhood.46. Moving AssistantHelping someone pack their belongings and move can be expanded into a childhood business. Moving can be both stressful and costly. This is why many families seek affordable moving solutions. The key to growing this business idea is intense neighborhood networking.47. Post-Construction CleanupOn a similar note, home renovations and construction leave a massive mess behind. Few people have the time and the desire to deal with the chaos. Thus, a wonderful kid business niche emerges.48. Selling Homemade JamThis is a continuation of the baked goods opportunity and it works in the exact same way.49. A Knitting BusinessHandmade accessories and clothes like scarves, hats, gloves, jumpers, and cardigans are in high demand.Kids who love knitting are at an advantage \u2013 they are already excelling in the creation of items that can be sold.Knitted items and clothes can easily be sold online for cash.50. Handcrafted Wedding Invitation BusinessYoung artists and those who enjoy calligraphy can start a budget-friendly wedding invitation business that financially-pressed couples will favor over other solutions.51. Non-Profit WorkSometimes, business ideas for kids don\u2019t have to be focused on monetization. Non-profit work teaches children about values and idealism.Good to Know: If there\u2019s a cause your child is passionate about, you should encourage volunteer work.Such type of work is beneficial in several ways \u2013 it results in a high level of satisfaction, it looks good on a resume, and it can make a range of educational opportunities available in the future.A Few Final Essentials to Keep in MindSmall business ideas for kids can be monetized easily, as long as you\u2019re pursuing the right concept.While considering the best activity to turn into a business is essential, you\u2019ll have to keep a few practical essentials in mind.The Internal Revenue Service requires all tax payers to file a tax return and pay their taxes, regardless of age.Here\u2019s some more information on filing tax returns for minor children.If you ignore this essential because the sum is a relatively small one, you may face stiff penalties in the future.It\u2019s also a good idea to calculate the business starting expenses in advance.You may have to invest in some equipment, a website, and advertising materials like flyers.Show your child how budgeting works to teach them financial responsibility at an early age.Based on this information, kids will later on get to determine just how profitable their business is.Finally, don\u2019t forget to have fun.Bonus Tip: Small business ideas for kids should be more focused on the acquisition of skills and the pursuing of a passion than on money. Turn the project into an enjoyable activity for the entire family \u2013 amazing bonding opportunities will arise out of business concept development."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Business","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/business\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Product Businesses","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/business\/\/product-businesses\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"51 Small Business Ideas for Kids","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/business\/product-businesses\/business-ideas-for-kids\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]