Hey there, fellow kids! I’m Zara, and I’m 12 years old just like many of you. I started Assetsforkids because I believe we can all turn our special talents into real businesses.
You might think you’re too young to start earning money. But trust me – you’re not! Take Riley Kinnane-Petersen, who started making jewelry when she was just 5 years old. She began with a simple lemonade stand and grew her business so much that she now works with big brands like J. Crew.
Riley’s jewelry is sold in over 500 stores today. That’s amazing, right? Young entrepreneurs like Riley show us that age doesn’t matter when you have great ideas.
In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about turning your hobbies into money-making opportunities. Whether you love drawing, are great with pets, or enjoy helping other kids learn, there are kids business ideas perfect for you!
Starting children side hustles helps you save money for your future. Plus, you’ll learn important skills and have fun at the same time.
Why I Started My Own Business at 12
Imagine a 12-year-old wanting to start a business instead of playing video games. That was me! I had a strong interest in money.
I always thought about money. Not because I was greedy. I wanted to learn how to make and save money for cool things.
It bothered me that kids my age didn’t know about money or business. I thought it was unfair. We’re smart and should learn this stuff.
Then, Assetsforkids was born. I wanted to teach kids about money and business in a fun and easy way. No boring talk or hard words – just advice we can understand.
Starting my business taught me more than school ever could. I learned to talk confidently, solve problems, and manage time. It was amazing to explore student business opportunities!
A 2022 CNBC report showed over 60% of US teens aged 13-17 want to be entrepreneurs. We’re not alone in wanting something different!
| Young Entrepreneurs | Adult Entrepreneurs | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Lower risk of failure | Higher financial stakes | Parents provide safety net |
| More free time | Work-life balance issues | School schedule flexibility |
| Built-in school audience | Must find target market | Natural customer base |
| Fresh perspective | Set in traditional ways | Innovation comes naturally |
Starting a business as a teen has its perks. Making mistakes isn’t scary because we have our parents to help. And we have time to try again.
Plus, we kids know what other kids want and need better than anyone else!
Finding Your Special Talents and Skills
You might think you don’t have special skills, but I promise you’re wrong about that! Every kid has something they’re naturally good at or love doing. The trick is figuring out what that is and how to turn it into one of those amazing creative business ideas for kids.
Start by thinking about what you do in your free time. Do you love drawing or making crafts? Are you the kid everyone comes to for help with homework? Maybe you’re amazing with animals, or you’re always coming up with cool stories.
These aren’t just hobbies – they’re potential kid-friendly businesses! Take Simone Hufana, who loved coloring and wanted to see more kids who looked like her in books. She created Color Herstory coloring books celebrating amazing women. Or think about Gabby Goodwin, who got frustrated with hair clips that wouldn’t stay in her hair, so she invented GaBBY Bows.
Sometimes your biggest frustrations can become your best business ideas! Here’s a fun exercise: Ask your family and friends what they think you’re really good at. You might be surprised by their answers!
Maybe your mom always says you’re great at organizing. Or your teacher mentions how well you explain things to classmates. These are clues to your talents and children entrepreneurship skills.
| Talent Area | Possible Business Ideas | Skills You’ll Develop | Getting Started Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arts & Crafts | Custom artwork, jewelry making, decorations | Creativity, attention to detail | Start with friends and family |
| Teaching Others | Tutoring, skill workshops, online videos | Communication, patience | Help classmates first |
| Animal Care | Pet sitting, dog walking, pet treats | Responsibility, empathy | Start with neighbors’ pets |
| Technology | App ideas, tech support, gaming content | Problem-solving, innovation | Learn coding basics online |
Also, pay attention to what makes you lose track of time because you’re having so much fun. That’s usually something you’re naturally good at and passionate about.
Remember, you don’t have to be the absolute best at something to start a business with it. You just need to enjoy it and be willing to keep getting better! Your unique perspective as a young person is actually a superpower in the business world.
Turning Your Talents into a Thriving Side Business for kids Ideas
Now it’s time to find fun business ideas for kids like us! I’ve picked some favorites that are easy to start. They use skills you might already have.
Starting an art business for kids is a great idea. You can make jewelry, paintings, or decorations. Nic Bianchi started making candles at 12 and did well!
Riley makes jewelry from old buttons and bottle caps. She shows how to make something beautiful from everyday items.
Writing and Storytelling
If you love words, writing is perfect for you. You can write stories for kids, make greeting cards, or help adults write thank-you notes. Your writing skills are very valuable.
Some kids write and draw comic books. They sell them at school and fairs. The trick is to find stories that make people happy.
Pet Care and Dog Walking
Pet care is great because many families are busy. You can walk dogs, sit for pets, or teach them tricks. Plus, you get to hang out with cute animals!
Start by helping neighbors when they’re away. Feed their pets, walk their dogs, or just visit. Good work spreads fast, and you’ll get more clients soon.
Tutoring Younger Kids
Tutoring is awesome because you know how kids learn. You can help with homework, teach art, or show cool science experiments. Parents like it when you explain things in a way kids can understand.
Some kids teach math, art, or even skateboard tricks. The key is to be patient and make learning fun. Helping someone learn something new is very rewarding.
These ideas are just the start. The most important thing is to choose something you enjoy. When you love what you do, it doesn’t feel like work! Remember, every successful business starts with someone taking that first brave step, just like the entrepreneurs who focus on building a thriving business for generational.
Getting Started: Your First Steps to Success
Starting a business as a kid might seem scary, but I’ll show you exactly how to do it step by step. Trust me, it’s way easier than you think when you break it down into small pieces.
The very first thing you need to do is talk to your parents or guardians. I know this might feel awkward, but you absolutely need their help. They’ll need to assist you with setting up bank accounts, creating websites, and signing important papers.
Plus, they might surprise you with great advice or even offer to help fund your startup! Most parents get excited when they see their kids being responsible and creative.
Next, test your idea with real people before investing time and money. If you want to sell friendship bracelets, make a few samples and ask friends if they’d actually buy them. If tutoring sounds appealing, help a younger kid with homework for free first.
This validation step helps you discover if your concept will work in the real world. It’s one of the most important young entrepreneur tips I can share.
Now let’s talk money. Figure out exactly how much you need to start your venture. Dog walking might only require flyers and a good leash. Craft businesses need supplies and materials.
Write down where this startup money will come from. Your allowance, birthday cash, or maybe a small loan from parents are all valid options.
Business planning for children doesn’t need to be complicated. Simply write down what you’ll sell, who will buy it, your prices, and how you’ll spread the word. This basic plan shows everyone you’re serious about success.
Lastly, start small and keep things simple. Don’t try to build the next Amazon overnight. Pick one product or service, master it completely, then expand later.
Remember, every successful entrepreneur started with just one small step forward. Your journey begins right now!
Marketing Your Business Like a Pro
Running a business as a kid has cool perks. Marketing for kids is easy and fun. It’s all about sharing your excitement with others!
Word-of-mouth is super effective for young business owners. When friends like your business, they tell others. This helps your business grow fast.
Carson Kropfl made a cool skateboard called the Locker Board. He posted a video on Instagram. He got over 300 followers overnight! Visual content really grabs attention.
Here are some social media business tips for kids. Show your products in action, not just talk about them. If you make crafts, film yourself making them. If you tutor, share a helpful math tip.
Always have your parents watch over your social media. Safety is key, even online. Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are great, but you need adult help.
Try old-school advertising ideas for young entrepreneurs too. Make colorful flyers for your neighborhood. Set up a table at school or community events. These methods still work well!
Start with people you know. Tell your family, friends, neighbors, and classmates about your business. Ask them to tell others too. Sometimes your best customers are people who already trust you.
The secret to great marketing is being real about your passion. When you love what you do, others can feel it. People want to support young entrepreneurs who are excited and care about their work.
Managing Your Money and Growing Your Business
Handling your business money can be fun! Money management for kids is easier when you take it one step at a time. It’s like playing a game where you make smart choices.
Keep your business money separate from your allowance. Ask your parents to help you set up a special jar or bank account. This makes it easy to track your business finances for children and see your success.
Here’s a cool trick for managing money. When you earn money, split it into three parts. Use some for your business, save some, and keep some for emergencies.
Keep a simple notebook to track your spending and earnings. Write down when you buy supplies and when customers pay you. This helps you see if your business is growing and what changes you might need to make.
| Money Category | Percentage | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Reinvestment | 40% | Buy more supplies | Art materials, ingredients |
| Personal Savings | 40% | Future goals | Bike, video game, college |
| Emergency Fund | 20% | Unexpected costs | Replace broken tools |
Growing your business doesn’t always mean getting bigger. It can mean getting better or finding easier ways to work. These saving and investing tips will help you build something that teaches you about money and prepares you for the future!
Your Journey to Success Starts Now
I’ve shared everything I wish someone had told me when I started my first business at 12. You now have the tools to achieve kid entrepreneur success and build something amazing.
Starting your own business teaches you business skills for children that school never covers. You learn to solve problems, talk to customers, and manage your time. These skills will help you in everything you do later in life.
The best part about becoming a young entrepreneur is gaining financial independence for kids. You’re not waiting for allowance or asking parents for money. You’re creating your own income stream and taking control of your future.
Don’t worry if you feel nervous or unsure. Every successful business owner started exactly where you are right now. I made plenty of mistakes when I began, and that’s how I learned what works and what doesn’t.
Pick one talent you have and start there. Whether it’s making crafts, walking dogs, or teaching younger kids, you can turn it into a real business. Start small, stay consistent, and watch your confidence grow along with your bank account.
You’re never too young to build the life you want. Your entrepreneurial journey begins with that first brave step. What business idea will you try first?