Home-Based Business Ideas for Kids to Earn Money and Develop Skills

Adults aren’t the only ones who like to earn an income without having to answer to The Man. Judging by the number of lemonade stands I’ve seen in my neck of the woods since school has let out, I’m guessing lots of kids and teens have been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug this summer. And can you blame them? It’s nice to be rewarded with a paycheck for working hard at something you love. So, whether it's setting up a lemonade stand or diving into the world of programming, young entrepreneurs have ample avenues to embrace their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit while reaping the rewards of their hard work.

Applying the Right Knowledge: Access to the Necessary Resources

Learning New Skills: Starting a business can help kids develop important skills such as problem-solving, communication, decision-making, and organization.

Exploring Passions & Interests: Business ownership gives kids the opportunity to explore their passions and interests in a meaningful way.

Gaining Confidence & Self-Esteem: Engaging in the world of business encourages self-confidence and aids in boosting self-esteem.

Acquiring Financial Independence: Kids can learn how to save, invest and make money by starting a business and becoming financially independent.

Supporting The Community: Kids who start businesses are often at the forefront of helping their community through donations or services.

Nine Small Business Ideas for Kids in 2023

1. Lemonade Stand

The idea of the lemonade stand conjures up nostalgia in most parents as they remember summer days and simpler times. Today, the lemonade stand is still a source of summer fun for many children, however it’s also a shining example of an easy activity that can teach these budding entrepreneurs some valuable lessons.

a. Treat this like a real business with your child and be intentional with your efforts. Before doing anything, sit down with your child and create a strategy around the key business components.

b. The more involved your child is in this project, the more engaged they will be, and the more pride and ownership they will feel over the final product!

2. String Bracelets

There are plenty of online tutorials on how to make bracelets simply buy some thread and you’re on your way. Kids can sell them online, to friends or at craft fairs. Genius Tip: Sell craft products with an online sign up.

3. Calligraphy Art Prints and Video Game Guides

A few nice pens, some cardstock and creativity are all you need for this idea. Simply search Pinterest for some artsy ideas, watch a few YouTube videos, and then start selling! Your kiddo can market their artsy inspirational quotes or custom prints as college dorm or school locker decorations.

4. Affiliate Marketing

If you want to earn money online with fewer efforts, as a kid you can consider affiliate marketing. There are numerous ways, you can consider for product promotion. You can opt for your own blog or Facebook page or email marketing too.

5. Babysitting

Babysitting is one of the best ideas for starting from home for grown-up kids. You can earn handsome money from this business. Additionally, you can operate the business part-time too. However, you must check the local laws before considering the idea.

6. Balloon Decoration

Basically, children’s birthday party hosts are the major customers of balloon decoration services. If you know the trick, you can earn handsome money by offering balloon decoration services to people who look for the same.

7. Greeting Card Maker

Making greeting cards is a popular activity among children. But, they usually make greeting cards for themselves, to give to their friends or family members. But, this can also be used as a business concept. Kids can create and sell various types of greeting cards based on their interests.

8. Book Seller

If a kid has a large book collection, they can sell those books through online stores such as Amazon or eBay or through offline means like selling those books to bookshops or younger kids in their school or neighborhood.

9. Blogging

Starting a blog doesn’t cost much money, and your kid can work on it from anywhere, which makes it a flexible and accessible way to start their own business. They can explore their passions and express themselves creatively while making money and developing skills like writing, marketing, and networking. But the best part is that you can make money easily through advertising and affiliate links.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting a business is not just for adults. Kids and teenagers can also benefit from entrepreneurship by learning new skills, exploring their passions, gaining confidence, and acquiring financial independence. There are many business ideas that can be started from home, including a lemonade stand, string bracelets, calligraphy art prints, affiliate marketing, babysitting, balloon decoration, greeting card making, book selling, and blogging. By treating their business like a real business, being intentional with their efforts, and involving themselves in the project, kids can learn valuable lessons and have fun at the same time.