Starting business ideas for young entrepreneurs might sound intimidating, but with the right idea, hard work, and a little passion, young entrepreneurs can launch themselves on the path to success. The scope depends on your goals. Maybe you just want a bit of extra cash each month and adopt a side hustle. You might want to start something much bigger that turns into a lifetime career.
In the US, there are over 33 million small businesses, approximately 14% of them with no employees. There is plenty of space left for your great idea to flourish.
Perhaps you have one already, but if you’re still hunting for the right choice, these twelve business ideas can help.
1. Open a Book Shop Online or Off
If you love to read, consider starting a business that allows you to share your passion with others. You can learn how to open a bookstore that not only generates income but also fosters a love of literature and helps create new readers worldwide. A unique approach will help you stand out from large chains and online mega-stores. Consider specializing in niche genres, rare books, or serving a specific demographic.
2. Online Tutoring Services
Are you an expert in a school subject or some other topic of interest to enough people that you can build a lucrative business around it? This can range from teaching English to people from other countries, training folks on specific software, and guiding those interested in gardening or cooking. Look for tutoring platforms to get started or set up your tutoring platform online.
3. Arbitrage and Reselling
Buy low, sell high. With the popularity of sites like eBay, Mercari, and Facebook Marketplace, it’s easy and free to start a sales business online. Pick a product type that interests you. You can source quickly and fetch a good return.
4. Handmade Crafts Business
Talented and creative people can use those skills to start a small company selling handcrafted items. Consider paintings, knitted items, 3D printed designs, paper art, and more. Besides online sales, these make quick sellers at in-person craft shows and flea markets. It’s sometimes a challenge to price appropriately so you make enough money in this type of business. Do not sell yourself short when you start.
5. Content Creator or Influencer Brand
Everyone wants to be a YouTube or Instagram star these days, right? Most don’t get their brand off the ground. If you treat it like a real business with a unique focus and goals, you can turn online content creation into a money-making venture. Pick a niche, plan carefully, and get started.
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are building businesses, but people pursuing their dreams often need help with day-to-day design, posting, and commenting. Hire yourself as a social media expert if you understand how to make it work for others. While this requires proof that you’ve developed a following, this is an essential part of running a successful brand, so it makes sense to extend it to others.
7. Freelance Skills-based Services
What technical skills do you have that others need? Freelancing can include writing, graphic design, programming, website development, and more. As long as you can provide one of these with high professionalism, set up a shop on one of the popular platforms, or offer direct help to brands that need help.
People looking for great products and deals can start a personal shopper business. Either charge a flat fee or a percentage of the purchase price when you discover the perfect item for another’s needs. Focus on gifts or specific niches like clothing, home décor, or toys. Creating content about recommended presents for different age groups or demographics is a great way to get attention to your services.
9. Become a Virtual Assistant
Help other small business owners and entrepreneurs run their ventures as an independent contractor. Virtual assistants provide administrative support through email management, some marketing, data entry, planning, and related services. The goal is to take some of the busy work stress off others’ shoulders.
10. Lawn and Landscape Care
This business is great for young entrepreneurs because it requires minimal startup costs and offers steady, seasonal demand. Enjoy flexible hours, weather permitting, and the ability to scale by taking on more clients. To compete with huge corporations, consider specializing in specific things like weeding flower beds, planting vegetable gardens, upkeep, or topiary. If you market locally, show off your skills on your property.
11. Car Washing, Detailing, or Upgrading
If you are passionate about vehicles, why not turn it into a local startup? Invest in quality supplies and advertise on local platforms to get your first customers. Word-of-mouth advertising will do the rest if you deliver excellent service. People who love their cars and trucks are willing to pay considerable amounts for the detailing or installation of excellent aftermarket parts.
12. Dog Walking and Pet Sitting
Over 66% of US households have one or more pets. These people work and go on vacation and need a responsible carer to walk, feed, and play with their dogs and cats. Other options include taking care of aquariums or small mammals, which need more specific types of care. If you have a speciality, you can often charge more. Pet sitting services are popular and bring in a lot of money for limited investment.
Starting a successful business begins with figuring out what you’re most interested in and passionate about. While not every hobby or favorite subject can turn into a money-making venture, plenty can. Also, you will enjoy yourself more as you build your brand.
Before you dive in, do proper research about crafting a business plan, managing money, and the legal side of things. With the right knowledge and determination, any of these 12 great ideas for young entrepreneurs can fill your bank accounts and lead to a long-term career.