Starting a business is a fun and practical way for kids to learn key life skills like managing money, solving problems, and staying organized. Here are 7 simple business ideas perfect for kids:
- Lemonade Stand: A classic, low-cost way to learn customer service and money management.
- Pet Care Services: Offer dog walking, pet sitting, or feeding services for neighbors.
- Craft Business: Make and sell items like jewelry, painted rocks, or bath bombs.
- Home Bakery: Bake cookies, brownies, or muffins and sell them locally.
- Yard Work Services: Help with mowing lawns, raking leaves, or snow shoveling.
- Resell Used Items: Organize and sell toys, books, or electronics you no longer need.
- Party Services: Provide fun activities like face painting or party entertainment.
Quick Overview of What They’ll Learn:
- Money Management: Track sales, manage expenses, and calculate profits.
- Responsibility: Meet deadlines, stay organized, and follow through on commitments.
- Problem-Solving: Think creatively to overcome challenges.
- Communication: Interact with customers and build confidence.
These ideas are age-appropriate, easy to start, and can be tailored to your child's interests. Plus, they’re a great way for kids to have fun while gaining valuable skills for the future.
308 | 102 Business Ideas for Kids |Simple Startup with Arianna ...
1. Start a Lemonade Stand
A lemonade stand is a simple and affordable way for kids to dip their toes into the world of business while having some fun. With low startup costs and easy operations, it's a great first venture.
Getting Started
To set up a lemonade stand, you'll need some basic supplies and a bit of planning. Here's a handy breakdown:
| Essential Supplies | Optional Extras |
|---|---|
| Cups and paper straws | Cookies or sweet treats |
| Pitcher and cooler with ice | Digital payment options (e.g., Venmo, PayPal) |
| Gloves and tongs | QR code for payments |
| Trash can and bags | Decorative tablecloth |
| Small bills and quarters | Business cards |
| Sales tracking notebook | Menu board |
Picking the right location is key. Look for areas with plenty of foot traffic, like parks, beaches, or busy sidewalks. Make sure to get permission before setting up shop.
Set your prices carefully - somewhere between $0.25 and $1.00 per cup usually works. Calculate the cost of your ingredients and supplies to ensure you're making a profit while keeping prices fair.
Make your stand eye-catching with bright colors and clear signs. A simple card table with a cheerful tablecloth can work perfectly. Keep everything clean and organized, and make sure your lemonade stays cold with plenty of ice.
What Kids Learn
Running a lemonade stand is more than just selling drinks - it’s an opportunity to pick up real-world skills. Here’s what kids can gain:
- Money Management: Handling cash, making change, and tracking sales teaches basic financial skills. Introducing digital payment options like Venmo or PayPal adds a modern twist.
- Customer Service: Kids learn to interact politely with customers, listen to their needs, and handle questions or concerns professionally.
- Inventory Control: Monitoring supplies and planning ahead helps kids stay organized and avoid running out of essentials.
Other practical skills include pouring consistent servings, counting change accurately, creating a friendly sales pitch, and keeping the workspace neat and inviting.
Next, let’s look at how offering pet care services can be another step in building entrepreneurial skills.
2. Offer Pet Care Services
Pet care services are a great way for kids to earn money while helping neighbors care for their pets. Plus, it requires very little to get started.
Getting Started with Pet Services
Decide on the services you’ll offer - dog walking, pet sitting, or basic pet care are good options. To build trust, introduce yourself to potential clients and show your enthusiasm for animals. Spread the word through neighbors or by handing out flyers. These simple steps can help kids start their first business venture.
Skills Kids Can Develop
Running a pet care service teaches kids important life skills, including:
- Time Management: Sticking to a schedule for walks or feeding times.
- Animal Care: Learning how to meet the needs of different pets.
- Communication: Gaining confidence by talking with pet owners.
- Responsibility: Caring for pets encourages accountability.
Much like a lemonade stand, offering pet care services helps kids build practical skills they can use in future projects.
3. Make and Sell Crafts
Making and selling crafts is a fun way for kids to explore their creative side while picking up some business know-how. From painted rocks to custom jewelry, starting a craft business doesn’t require much upfront cost and can grow based on what customers want.
Starting Your Craft Business
Choose projects that align with your interests and skills. Here are some popular ideas:
- Bath bombs and soaps: Use simple ingredients to make colorful bath products.
- Painted rocks: Turn ordinary stones into decorative pieces of art.
- Custom jewelry: Create bracelets, keychains, or magnets.
- Seasonal decorations: Make holiday-themed items like ornaments or greeting cards.
For supplies, check out local dollar stores or craft shops. Here’s a quick guide to essentials:
| Basic Supplies | Decorative Elements | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Paper | Glitter | Scissors |
| Clay | Beads | Paint brushes |
| Paint | Charms | Glue gun |
| Fabric scraps | Pom-poms | Ruler |
"Creating and selling is a great way for a child to learn about running his or her own business." - Erin Nutter, Former art teacher, artist, and mom, Crafty Art Ideas
When pricing your crafts, consider this formula: Material cost + Time ($5–10/hour) + 15% profit margin.
This type of venture not only taps into creativity but also introduces kids to basic business concepts.
What Kids Learn
Running a craft business teaches children a mix of creative and practical skills:
Creative Skills:
- Developing designs
- Choosing color combinations
- Recognizing patterns
- Creating products from scratch
Business Skills:
- Calculating costs
- Managing inventory
- Interacting with customers
- Learning basic marketing
Good places to sell crafts include school fairs, local craft markets, and neighborhood events. Around holidays, themed items like Valentine’s cards or Christmas ornaments can be a hit and increase sales.
4. Start a Home Bakery
A home bakery combines baking and business, giving kids the chance to turn simple recipes and basic tools into treats they can sell locally.
Setting Up Your Bakery
Starting a home bakery takes careful planning and attention to food safety. Here's what kids will need to begin:
| Tools and Equipment | Key Ingredients | Packaging Supplies |
|---|---|---|
| Measuring cups/spoons | All-purpose flour | Paper boxes |
| Mixing bowls | Sugar | Clear bags |
| Baking sheets | Eggs | Labels |
| Cooling racks | Butter | Ribbon/twine |
Stick to simple, crowd-pleasing treats like:
- Classic cookies: chocolate chip, sugar, or oatmeal raisin
- Brownies: cut into neat squares
- Mini muffins: options like blueberry or banana
- Rice crispy treats: a quick, no-bake favorite
When pricing, aim to charge about three times the cost of the ingredients. For instance, if a dozen cookies cost $2 to make, sell them for $6.
Through this process, kids not only create delicious treats but also start learning important business and cooking skills.
What Kids Learn
Baking isn't just fun - it teaches valuable life skills.
In the Kitchen:
- Following recipes step by step
- Measuring ingredients with accuracy
- Practicing basic food safety
- Managing time effectively
Business Basics:
- Calculating costs for ingredients
- Setting fair prices
- Handling money and giving change
- Managing custom orders
Parents should always supervise baking activities to ensure safety and proper food handling.
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5. Offer Yard Work Services
Yard work services are a great way for kids to earn money while helping neighbors keep their yards in shape. It’s a low-cost business idea that also provides hands-on learning opportunities.
Getting Started with Yard Work Services
Start by gathering a few basic tools and deciding on the services to offer:
| Tools | Cost | Extras | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawn mower (used) | $100-$400 | Leaf blower | $250-$500 |
| Rake | $10-$20 | String trimmer | $100-$400 |
| Work gloves | $5-$15 | Hedge trimmer | $150 |
| Basic tools | $30-$50 | Fertilizer spreader | $100 |
Focus on simple services to start:
- Mowing lawns
- Raking and cleaning up leaves
- Shoveling snow during the winter months
- Basic gardening tasks
To spread the word in your neighborhood:
- Design and distribute easy-to-read flyers
- Ask satisfied customers for referrals
- Offer seasonal service packages to attract repeat clients
Make sure to check local rules and ensure all equipment is used safely, ideally under adult supervision.
Skills Kids Develop
Running a yard work business teaches kids practical and business skills that can benefit them in the long run:
Physical Skills:
- Safely using yard tools and equipment
- Learning proper lifting techniques
- Gaining experience in basic landscaping tasks
Business Skills:
- Managing time across multiple jobs
- Setting fair and competitive prices
- Organizing schedules and appointments
- Planning around weather conditions
Customer Service:
- Communicating professionally with clients
- Delivering services that meet expectations
- Building trust and long-term relationships
- Following through on commitments
It’s a hands-on way to learn responsibility while earning money. Using a simple service agreement can help outline the work, equipment, time estimates, payment terms, and safety guidelines.
This foundation of skills can also prepare kids for other ventures, like reselling used items, which we’ll cover next.
6. Resell Used Items
Reselling gently used items is a smart way for kids to dip their toes into entrepreneurship while picking up practical business skills. It also encourages them to declutter their space and figure out how to determine an item's worth.
Getting Started with a Sale
Begin by helping your child organize their belongings into categories. Here's an example of how to sort items:
| Category | Example Items | Condition Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Toys | Action figures, board games | Complete sets, working condition |
| Books | Picture books, novels, textbooks | Clean, no missing pages |
| Electronics | Gaming consoles, tablets | Fully functional, with cables |
| Sports Equipment | Bikes, skateboards, soccer balls | Safe to use, minimal wear |
Once sorted, follow these steps to prepare for the sale:
- Sort and Price Items: Help your child research fair prices online or locally to set competitive pricing.
- Pick a Sales Method: Decide where to sell - this could be a yard sale, a community garage sale, or even a booth at a flea market.
- Create a Display: Arrange items neatly by category on tables or shelves to make shopping easy and appealing.
Lessons Kids Can Learn
This activity teaches kids a range of useful skills:
- Marketing: They can promote their sale by responsibly using social media or handing out flyers in the neighborhood.
- Money Management: Handling cash and making change gives them hands-on financial experience.
- Customer Interaction: Talking with buyers helps them practice respectful and professional communication.
Always supervise sales during daylight hours to ensure safety. This experience can also inspire kids to explore other small business ideas, like hosting events or offering services.
7. Offer Party Services
Party services are a fun way for kids to combine their artistic and performance talents to bring energy and excitement to events. Whether it's face painting, dressing up as characters, or entertaining guests, this type of business lets kids showcase their creativity while making celebrations more memorable.
Getting Started with Party Services
Starting a party service business requires the right tools and preparation. Below is a quick breakdown of what’s needed:
| Service Type | Essential Supplies | Starting Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Face Painting | Face painting kit with brushes, sponges, and paints | Around $50 |
| Payment Handling | Square terminal for card payments | Around $300 |
Before jumping into events, kids should focus on these key steps:
- Learn the Basics: Watch free online tutorials to improve face painting techniques or performance skills.
- Showcase Your Work: Take photos of your best creations to share with potential clients.
- Spread the Word: Make simple, eye-catching business cards to hand out locally.
- Stay Safe: Always work under a parent’s supervision and look into necessary insurance for added protection.
These steps not only prepare kids for their first gig but also lay the groundwork for running a small business.
Skills Kids Develop
Running a party service business is more than just fun - it’s a learning experience packed with valuable lessons:
- Business Know-How: Kids learn how to price services, manage bookings, and communicate with clients effectively.
- Creative Development: From designing face paint masterpieces to acting as party characters, kids get to flex their creative muscles and adapt to different themes.
- Confidence and Professionalism: Performing for groups helps kids build public speaking skills, improve time management, and feel more comfortable in front of diverse audiences.
To expand their reach, kids can volunteer at local events to gain experience and build a reputation. This can lead to word-of-mouth referrals and even partnerships with local businesses that might need entertainment services.
How Parents Can Help
Parents play a crucial role in encouraging their children's entrepreneurial spirit and helping them turn ideas into real opportunities.
Support Their Interests
Help your child succeed by focusing on activities they already enjoy and excel in. For example:
- Video game enthusiasts: Suggest writing guides or tutorials for their favorite games.
- Artistic kids: Encourage selling handmade crafts or artwork.
- Animal lovers: Guide them toward pet-sitting or dog-walking services.
When helping your child choose a business idea, keep these factors in mind:
| Factor | Considerations | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Age-appropriate | Match activities to their skills | Ensures safety and builds confidence |
| Time commitment | Balance with school and hobbies | Avoids overwhelming them |
| Initial investment | Supplies and startup costs | Teaches budgeting skills |
Tailoring their business to their interests and abilities can also help them grasp basic financial concepts.
Money Management Basics
Running a small business is a hands-on way for kids to learn about managing money.
"Keeping track of sales, expenses, waste, and calculating profit is a great way for a child to learn a little bit about how the world works, and make some cash on the side." - pay.com
Teach them to track:
- Sales: Record every transaction daily.
- Expenses: Monitor costs for materials and supplies.
- Profit: Show them how to calculate earnings after expenses.
- Savings: Encourage setting aside a portion of their profits for future goals.
These habits not only help with their business but also introduce them to real-world financial skills.
Safety and Support
"Running a small business with your kids is a rewarding and productive experience, but it does require thought and planning." - Monica J White, Journalist
To ensure their safety, follow these tips:
- Always supervise their business activities.
- Use secure payment methods for transactions.
- Choose safe locations for any in-person interactions.
- Establish clear rules for dealing with customers.
Conclusion
Starting a business isn’t just about making extra money - it’s a chance for kids to develop important life skills and set the stage for future success. These seven business ideas offer opportunities for kids to learn practical skills while having fun and exploring what interests them most.
Beyond earning money, kids gain so much more through these experiences:
- Problem-solving: Thinking creatively to tackle challenges
- Communication: Strengthening speaking, writing, and listening skills
- Financial literacy: Learning the basics of money management
- Time management: Juggling tasks and responsibilities effectively
- Self-confidence: Building self-esteem through accomplishments
Parents play a key role in supporting their child’s entrepreneurial journey while ensuring the process remains both educational and enjoyable. As Monica J White puts it:
"Starting a business with your child is all about sharing a project, teaching them valuable life skills, and encouraging them to develop a sense of responsibility and independence."
By working together, parents and kids can make these ventures even more rewarding. The trick is to pick activities that match your child’s age, interests, and abilities. Whether it’s crafting slime, walking neighborhood dogs, or running a lemonade stand, these early experiences help kids grasp the basics of business and responsibility.
At its core, these ventures are about more than just making money - they inspire creativity, boost confidence, and teach practical skills. With the right guidance, kids can gain tools that will benefit them for years to come.
