Best Business Ideas for Teens in 2025

Every successful business starts with a single idea, no matter how small it may seem at first. You don’t need millions of dollars, a big office, or even a perfect plan. What you need is an idea and the courage to act on it.

If you’ve ever had a creative idea or a cool skill, don’t let your age or inexperience stop you from trying. If you don't, we’ve got some business ideas for teens. 

From print-on-demand to selling digital art, these simple business ideas for teens can help you earn money.

Let’s get started!

Why Teens Should Start a Business Early

Launching a business in your teens will help you earn important skills, such as solving problems, handling responsibility, and thinking creatively.

Also, let’s not forget that if one of your business ideas for teens takes off, you gain financial freedom.

Skills You Build as a Teen Entrepreneur

Here are some of the skills you can develop as a teen launching a business:

• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Creativity
• Communication
• Confidence
• Decision-making

Benefits of Starting Young

Starting a business while you’re young gives you more time to grow, fail, and try again.

Other benefits include:

• Early financial independence
• Future resume boost
• Head start in life

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some mistakes to avoid when starting one of the top business ideas for teens:

• Waiting for the perfect idea
• Doing everything alone
• Ignoring marketing
• Undervaluing your work
• Expecting fast success

Online Business Ideas for Teens

Here are a few online business ideas for teens that are fun, flexible, and beginner-friendly.

1. Start a Print-on-Demand Store with Podbase

If you love design and want to make money without holding inventory, this one’s for you. 

Here’s how it works:

• Create your designs using tools like Canva
• Upload your design to Podbase and choose the product
• Podbase prints, packs, and ships the order

2. Sell Digital Products on Etsy

Selling digital products is a smart way to make money online as a teenager. It’s one of the best business ideas for teens who want passive income. 

Simply create a digital product and upload it to Etsy, where people can buy it.

For example, here are the top digital products for teens on Etsy:

3. Create YouTube or TikTok Content

You can get paid for sharing what you know on platforms like these. Eventually, you can monetize your account once your views grow. 

You can earn through:

• Brand deals
• Merch sales 
• Advertisements or TikTok creator fund

Here’s a sample analytics for a YouTube channel:

4. Offer Freelance Services (Design, Writing, Editing)

Freelancing lets you choose your projects, set your rates, and work from anywhere. You can use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or even social media to find clients.

Also Read:

• Unlocking Profit Potential: How Much Money Can Custom Phone Cases Make?
• Phone Case Business Names to Launch Your Brand

Creative and Handmade Business Ideas

Here are some good business ideas for teens who are creative and handy.

5. Custom Art or Sticker Shop

You can turn your art into a business. For example, stickers and digital prints are popular with teens and students.

Here are some custom designs to check out:

6. DIY Jewelry or Crafts

If you’re into beads, clay, or anything sparkly, start a small jewelry or craft brand. You can sell friendship bracelets, custom keychains, and more. 

Then, sell them online or at local events like school fairs.

7. Sell Notebooks or Stationery

This is one of the best business ideas for teens because these products are school essentials. 

Start with simple ideas like to-do lists or trackers, study planners, and custom journals.

8. Personalized Gifts for Events

If you can customize gifts with names, photos, or dates, you’ve got a strong niche.

Here are a few ideas:

• Picture frames
• Birthday boxes
• Gift cards with handwritten messages

Local Service-Based Business Ideas

Some of the easy business ideas for teens start right in the neighborhood. If you’re dependable and enjoy helping others, these local services are a great way to start:

9. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals and know how to care for them, you can start this business.

You could offer:

• Daily dog walks
• Weekend pet sitting
• Feeding and playtime
• Light grooming (if trained)

10. Lawn Care or Odd Jobs

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, this is one of the best business ideas for teens. You’ll need some basic tools and a good attitude. 

These jobs mostly pay well and take just a few hours. You can offer services like:

• Mowing lawns
• Raking leaves
• Taking out trash
• Helping with errands
• Cleaning garages or patios

11. Car Washing Service

Offer your services to friends and neighbors. Basic car washing services include exterior car washes and interior cleaning, such as vacuuming or wiping surfaces.

12. Babysitting or Tutoring

If you’re good with kids or strong in a subject, babysitting or tutoring can get you paid. You can ask teachers or family friends to recommend you. 

Also Read:

• How Much Money Can Custom Phone Cases Make?
• Low-Cost Business Ideas

Low-Cost & Easy Business Ideas

Here are simple business ideas for teens that are budget-friendly: 

13. Resell Thrifted Items Online

If you have an eye for cool finds, this one’s for you. Visit local thrift stores, pick up low-cost gems, and resell them online for profit.

14. Flip Vintage Tech or Clothing

People love buying cool retro stuff, especially if it’s styled or updated. You can find older items, give them a new life, and resell them.

You can start by asking family or friends for unused stuff. Then, sell through eBay or local resale groups.

15. Social Media Management for Local Businesses

Many small businesses don’t know how to leverage Instagram or TikTok, and you do.
Offer to help them grow their brand online.

Here’s what to offer:

• Content creation
• Posting schedules
• Basic engagement (likes, comments, replies)
• Visual branding using Canva

Also Read:

• Smart Ways to Make Money From Your Phone
• Best Dropshipping Products to Sell

Print-on-Demand Business Ideas

Print-on-demand is one of the easiest small business ideas for teens online. With the right platform like Podbase, you can launch your brand in hours.

Why POD Is Teen-Friendly

Print-on-demand is perfect for teens because it’s:

• Low cost
• Without inventory
• Easy to learn

How to Start a POD Business in 3 Steps

Here’s how to launch your store with Podbase: 

1. Create Your Designs

Use free tools like Canva, Procreate, or even your phone’s built-in features.

2. Upload to Podbase

Choose a product like phone cases or laptop sleeves, and see a mockup of your design. Once you're happy, upload it. Then, Podbase handles the printing, packing, and shipping. 

3. Promote and Sell

Share product mockups and real-life photos on TikTok or Instagram to promote your designs. 

Best-Selling POD Products for Teens

Here are the most popular POD products that teens love to buy and sell:

• Aesthetic phone cases
• Laptop sleeves 
• Quote-based stickers 
• Trendy tote bags 
• Journal covers 
• Matching accessory sets (e.g., phone + laptop combo)

Podbase vs Traditional POD Platforms

Podbase makes selling easier, especially for beginners. Here’s how it compares to older POD platforms:

Also Read:

• Print on Demand Statistics That Matter 
• Print-On-Demand Profitable? An In-Depth Guide

AI and Digital Tools to Scale a Teen Business

AI makes it easier to design, create content, and stay consistent, even when school gets busy.

AI Design Tools for Print-on-Demand

Need help with designs, quotes, or colors? AI tools can speed up the process for you.

Here are the top tools to try:

• ChatGPT
• Canva Magic Design 
• Midjourney 

AI Video Creators for Content Businesses

AI video tools have made it easier to post more content without filming every day. 

Here are some tools to try out:

• CapCut’s AI features 
• InVideo 
• Pictory 

Automating Social Media with AI

Posting often helps you grow, but doing it manually takes time. 

You can automate it with:

• Buffer 
• Lately.ai 
• Hootsuite OwlyWriter AI

Tips for Growing Your Teen Business

What’s better than business ideas for teens? One that brings in more income. Here are some tips to grow your business: 

Branding for Beginners

Branding affects how people see and remember your business. To get started:

• Pick a suitable business name
• Use 2–3 colors and fonts across everything 
• Stick to your style on all platforms

Using Social Media to Gain Customers

Focus on the following tips to gain customers on social media:

• Pick a platform (TikTok, Instagram, or both)
• Post behind-the-scenes, packing orders, and new drops
• Use trending audio and relevant hashtags
• Reply to comments and DMs
• Share reviews or customer photos to build trust

How to Handle Orders and Customer Service

Good service keeps customers coming back. One happy customer can bring five more.

To stay on top of things:

• Check your store daily for new orders
• Be honest about delivery times
• Use tracking links and thank-you messages
• Stay calm and kind if there’s a complaint
• Fix mistakes quickly to show you care

Managing Money and Reinvesting Profits

It’s exciting to earn money, but properly managing it will provide you with more freedom to grow. 

Use the following simple money tips:

• Track your cash flow either manually or with an app
• Set aside part of your profits to reinvest in tools or new products
• Save a little for future ideas as well
• Keep your business and personal money separate 

Also Read:

• Best Businesses to Start With Less Money
• Best Business Ideas for Women To Start