Yes, children can run their own business under certain circumstances. The legality and regulations surrounding child businesses vary by country and region. In many places, children can engage in small-scale entrepreneurial activities with the permission and guidance of their parents or legal guardians.
Here are a few things to consider when children run their own business:
- Parental involvement and support. It is crucial for parents to be involved in their child’s business endeavors. They can provide guidance, supervision, and help ensure legal compliance.
- Age restrictions and legal requirements. Research and understand the laws and regulations specific to the region where the child lives. Some jurisdictions may have age restrictions or require permits or licenses for certain types of businesses.
- Safety. Child entrepreneurs should prioritize their safety and the safety of their customers. Parents should assess potential risks and take appropriate steps to ensure a safe environment.
- Financial education. Running a business provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn about money management, budgeting, and financial responsibility. Parents can teach their child about tracking income and expenses, savings, and investments.
- Time management and balancing responsibilities. Encourage children to strike a balance between their business activities and their schoolwork, extracurricular activities, and personal lives. It is essential to prioritize education and overall well-being.
- Communication and customer service. Teaching children about effective communication and customer service skills is crucial for their business success. They should learn how to interact with clients, handle inquiries, and address any concerns or complaints.
It is worth noting that the involvement in business should be age-appropriate and should not interfere with a child’s overall development and well-being. Parents or guardians should act as guides and mentors to ensure that children have positive and rewarding experiences as young entrepreneurs.
24 Business Ideas for Creative Kids
1. Customized clothing and accessories
Kids can start their own business by designing and selling customized clothing, tote bags, hats, and other accessories. They can use fabric markers, stencils, or even learn basic sewing to create personalized items for customers.
2. Handmade crafts
Kids can create and sell handmade crafts such as jewelry, keychains, or small home decor items. They can use materials like beads, clay, or recycled materials to make unique and one-of-a-kind products.
Marketplaces like Amazon don’t allow kids under 18 to open accounts, but Etsy allows parents to open accounts for their children. So, an enterprising kid can turn their hobbies into money-making opportunities and sell those handmade bath fizzies and jewelry online.
3. Gardening services
Kids who enjoy gardening can offer their services to neighbors or family friends. They can help with tasks such as planting flowers, weeding, or watering plants. This business idea not only allows kids to earn money but also teaches them about responsibility and nature.
4. Pet sitting or dog walking
Many parents are busy and may need someone trustworthy to take care of their pets while they are away. Kids can offer pet sitting services or even start a dog walking business in their neighborhood. They can set their own rates and build a reputation for being reliable and caring.
5. Tutoring or teaching
If kids excel in academics or have a particular skill, they can offer tutoring services to younger students. They can help with subjects like math, English, or even teach basic art or music lessons. This business idea allows kids to share their knowledge and make a positive impact on others while earning money.
6. Baking or cooking
Kids who enjoy baking or cooking can start their own small business selling homemade treats or meals. They can create a menu, take orders from friends and family, and deliver freshly baked goods or ready-to-eat meals.
7. Greeting cards or stationery
Kids who have artistic skills can design and sell their own greeting cards or personalized stationery. They can create custom designs for birthdays, holidays, or special occasions, and sell them online or at local craft fairs.
8. Tech support
Many people, including adults, struggle with technology. Kids who are tech-savvy can offer their services to help with basic computer troubleshooting, setting up smart devices, or teaching older adults how to use social media platforms.
9. Cleaning services
Kids can offer their cleaning services to neighbors or family friends. They can help with tasks such as organizing closets, tidying up rooms, or even assisting with basic housekeeping chores.
10. Event planning
If kids have a knack for organizing and creativity, they can offer their services as event planners. They can help plan and organize birthday parties, family gatherings, or even small community events.
Remember, it is important for kids to have parental guidance and support when starting a business. Parents can help with legal requirements, setting up online platforms, and ensuring safety while conducting business activities.
11. Photography
If kids have an interest in photography and have access to a camera, they can offer their services as photographers for events such as birthdays, family portraits, or school functions. They can also sell their photos as prints or digital files.
12. Car washing
Kids can offer car washing services in their neighborhood. They can set up a car wash station at their home or offer mobile car washing, where they bring their supplies and wash cars at the customer’s location.
13. Babysitting
Responsible kids can offer their services as babysitters. They can take care of younger children while parents are away, ensuring their safety and engaging them in age-appropriate activities.
14. Lawn care
Kids can offer lawn care services such as mowing lawns, raking leaves, or watering plants. They can create a schedule and offer their services on a regular basis or during specific seasons.
15. Personalized artwork
Kids with artistic talents can create personalized artwork for customers. They can paint portraits, create custom illustrations, or design personalized artwork for special occasions.
16. Virtual assistant
Tech-savvy kids can offer virtual assistant services to busy professionals or small business owners. They can help with tasks such as scheduling appointments, managing emails, or social media management.
17. Online content creation
If kids enjoy writing, creating videos, or designing graphics, they can offer their services as content creators. They can write blog posts, create YouTube videos, or design social media graphics for businesses or individuals.
Streaming. Yes, children can potentially make money through streaming if they are able to build a strong following and monetize their content. Streaming platforms like Twitch or YouTube offer various ways for streamers to earn income, including:
- Ad revenue. Streamers can earn money through advertisements displayed on their streams. However, it’s important to note that ad revenue is generally higher for streamers with larger audiences.
- Donations. Viewers can choose to donate money to streamers as a way to show support or appreciation for their content. Some viewers are generous and can contribute significant amounts, especially if they really enjoy a young streamer’s content.
- Sponsorships. Streamers with a substantial following and influence may attract sponsorships from brands. These sponsorships can involve product endorsements or partnerships, and streamers may receive payment or free products in exchange for promoting them during their streams.
- Subscription and membership revenue. Platforms like Twitch offer subscriptions and memberships, allowing viewers to support their favorite streamers with monthly payments. Streamers typically receive a portion of this subscription revenue.
However, it’s important to consider that streaming can be demanding and time-consuming. For children interested in streaming, it’s crucial that they have proper supervision, guidance, and support from parents or legal guardians to ensure their safety, privacy, and well-being. Parents should also ensure that streaming doesn’t interfere with schoolwork, social activities, and other important aspects of a child’s life.
18. T-shirt printing
Kids can create custom designs and print them onto t-shirts using heat-transfer or screen printing techniques. They can take personalized orders for individuals or groups.
19. Personal shopping
Kids who have a knack for fashion can offer personal shopping services. They can help individuals find the perfect outfit for special events, assist in wardrobe updates, or provide style advice.
20. Personal training
Active and fitness-oriented kids can offer personal training services. They can design workout plans, demonstrate exercises, and provide motivation and support to help others achieve their fitness goals.
21. Car detailing
Kids can offer car detailing services, which involve cleaning and polishing a car’s exterior and interior to make it look brand new. They can wash, wax, vacuum, and clean every aspect of a car to ensure a thorough detailing service.
22. Social media content creation
Kids who are creative and have an eye for aesthetics can offer social media content creation services. They can help businesses or individuals create visually appealing and engaging content for their social media platforms, such as photos, videos, or graphics.
23. Errand running
Helpful kids can offer errand running services. They can help with tasks such as grocery shopping, picking up dry cleaning, or delivering packages for individuals who are busy or unable to do these errands themselves.
24. eSports
Yes, children can make money in eSports if they have the talent and skills required to compete at a professional level. Age is not a determining factor when it comes to participating in eSports tournaments or joining professional teams. In fact, some professional eSports players started their careers at a young age.
However, it’s important to note that child labor laws and regulations vary from country to country. In some cases, there may be restrictions on the types of contracts a minor can enter into or limitations on the number of hours a child can spend practicing or competing. Parents or legal guardians need to be involved in managing a child’s involvement in eSports to ensure their well-being and protection.
Ultimately, for children interested in eSports, it is crucial to strike a balance between pursuing their passion and prioritizing education, social development, and overall well-being.
It’s important for kids to determine fair prices for their services and communicate their offerings clearly to potential customers. They should also consider any legal requirements or regulations that may apply, such as obtaining parental consent or business permits.