Top 56 Business Ideas for 17-Year Olds [Updated for 2024]

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

Are you feeling inspired to start your own business? You're not alone! Many 17-year-olds are looking for ways to become their own boss and start their own business.

There are a lot of great business ideas out there, and we've gathered some of the best ones for you. So read on and see if any of these ideas catch your eye!

1. Become a virtual assistant ($233K/month)

Virtual assistants support businesses, teams, or individuals by performing administrative tasks remotely. As businesses these days tend to outsource their tasks, the demand for virtual assistants is growing rapidly.

Becoming a virtual assistant is flexible, as you can choose a work schedule and location at your convenience. Many virtual assistants have a dedicated home office where they work in a quiet and distraction-free environment.

To become a virtual assistant, identify a niche you like and undertake any training. Then, figure out how much to charge your customers and create an online presence where you can apply for jobs. As a virtual assistant, you can define your work schedule depending on your availability.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

2. Start a child care business

Starting a childcare business is a great way to build a steady income. You will have the opportunity to be your boss and set your hours even from home. You will have the satisfaction of building one-on-one relationships with children and watching them grow over the years.

A childcare business is an excellent idea. It is both a personal and economical investment for its owners. This is especially true if you are considering starting your non-profit organization or becoming licensed to provide child care. Running a childcare business allows you to help children develop while also making money. As with any business endeavor, running a childcare business has its ups and downs, but it can be very rewarding.

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

3. Become a craft business blogger ($208K/month)

The craft industry is becoming more popular than ever before. More people are expressing their love and affection for the craft. Besides, more people are showing their interest in starting a craft-related business.

If you have an affection for crafts, consider starting a craft blog.

A craft blog can cover anything from art and craft industry trends to popular industry news. Just make sure your craft blog focuses on an interesting niche. Thus, start with identifying a niche and studying what they love about the craft.

Focus on developing relevant content for your blog, and post the content regularly.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

4. Become a social media influencer ($57.4K/month)

Social media has become integral to people's lives and daily routines. Given the importance of social media, brands are flocking to different social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and TikTok in the hope of connecting with their target audience.

A popular approach taken by these brands is engaging social media influencers. A social media influencer has established credibility in a specific industry and has access to a vast audience they can persuade to act based on recommendations.

Anyone can become a social influencer so long as they have the right strategy. Choose a popular niche based on your interests and start creating relevant content.

How much you can make: $2,500 — $166,666/month

How much does it cost to start: $800 (?)

How long does it take to build: 155 days (?)

5. Start a mobile pet grooming

Do you love attending to pets? Starting a pet grooming business is a fun and profitable business idea.

Pet grooming service includes bathing, nail clipping, and brushing of pet animals. Grooming pets ensure they remain healthy and enjoy an improved physical appearance. To start a pet grooming business, create a business plan and portfolio.

Establish a business website and market your services to the target audience. Then, buy pet grooming tools and supplies and focus on offering your services to the target audience.

6. Become a youtube personality

YouTube personalities produce videos on YouTube and post them on their channels. YouTube personalities make money through the following:

  • Advertising revenue - Ads revenue from the display, overlay, and video ads
  • Channel Memberships – members earn recurring revenue in exchange for special perks they offer
  • Merch Shelf – When channel fans browse and purchase official branded merchandise, you showcase it on watch pages.
  • Super Chat & Super Stickers – Fans pay to get their messages highlighted in chat streams
  • YouTube Premium Revenue – Get part of a premium subscriber’s subscription fee when fans watch your content.

You can start earning money through either or all of the above options, so long as you meet their YouTube-defined criteria and they are available in your location.

If you want to make money on YouTube, you must apply and be approved for the YouTube Partner Program, which gives creators greater access to YouTube resources and features.

How much you can make: $175,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5 (?)

How long does it take to build: 34 days (?)

7. Become a blogger ($15.7K/month)

Are you looking for a business idea you can start from home? One great option to explore is to start your own blog.

With the flexibility of location independence, you can work on your blog from anywhere in the world!

What’s amazing about blogging is that anyone can start with just a computer and the internet! Besides, you don’t need any special talents or previous experience to start.

It’s an open field that welcomes anyone who has a passion for writing and sharing their thoughts with the world. The best part is that it can be one of the most rewarding passive income business ideas you can start.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $70,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $425 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

8. Become a cake decorator

Becoming a cake decorator can be an enjoyable and uncomplicated venture to embark on, particularly if you have a passion for baking and creativity. It enables you to explore the thriving bakery and wedding industries while showcasing your artistic abilities.

This business involves designing and hand-decorating specialty cakes for various events and occasions, using your artistic abilities to create beautiful, custom-edible works of art.

To start a successful cake decorating company, learn proper cake decorating techniques, purchase quality ingredients and equipment, build a portfolio to showcase your skills, and implement good marketing tactics to attract potential clients like wedding planners, event companies, bakeries, and direct consumers.

How much you can make: $4,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $300 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

9. Start a car washing and detailing business

The carwash business is already a multi-billion-dollar industry with room for growth.

With the number of vehicles per household increasing daily, starting a car wash and detailing business could be a profitable idea.

If you have a piece of vacant land in the right location, you can get into the carwash business. You can set up an in-bay automatic carwash, self-washing carwash, touch-free carwash, or a wide range of other options.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

10. Start a mobile laundry service

In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, many people have little time to wash their clothes at home. Most prefer having a mobile dry-cleaning service within their locality, picking the clothes from their homes or business.

If you are an entrepreneur looking for a profitable business model, a mobile laundry service could be it! To start, invest in commercial-grade washing machines and dryers. You will need a pickup and delivery van to reach your customers conveniently.

How much you can make: $100,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

11. Start a lawn care service ($193K/month)

Are you ready to begin your lawn care business and be your boss? A lawncare business offers lawn aeration, Seeding, fertilizing, soil acidity tests, and controlling weeds, among other services. If you love creating amazing landscapes, consider starting a lawn care company.

To start lawn care legally and run it profitably, you must register the business legally. You can get into a franchise or start a business from scratch. Decide what lawn care services you will offer and your target clients.

To offer effective service, purchase lawn care equipment, and hire skilled lawn care personnel.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $375,000/month

How long does it take to build: 75 days (?)

12. Start a dog walking business ($34.5K/month)

Are you a dog lover? If so, you can turn your passion for animals into a profitable side hustle that allows you to earn extra income for your mortgage, a vacation, or paying off student loans.

As a dog walker, sitter, or boarder, you can earn an average annual income of between $10,000 and $30,000 by offering your services to dog owners in need of a caregiver for their furry friends.

To get started, register on a credible dog-walking app and create a compelling profile that showcases your experience, skills, and love for dogs.

With your dedication and expertise, you can help dog owners ensure their pets receive the care and attention they need while building a thriving business that fulfills your passion for animals.

How much you can make: $15,000 — $54,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week

13. Start a house sitting business

House sitters take care of customers' homes while they are away for extended periods. You may be able to offer house sitting to people with multiple properties for short-term or long-term, depending on how much time you have.

Starting a house-sitting business does not require a huge amount of capital. You can create a website or a social media page and advertise your services. Your typical duties as a house-sitting agent will include the following:

  • Feeding pets, cleaning cages and grooming them
  • General housework and cleaning
  • Maintaining gardens and hedges
  • Taking in the post, newspapers, and junk mail
  • Watering houseplants

You can attract new customers by printing a few business flyers and targeting wealthy housing estates or apartments in the city.

14. Start a gift wrapping service

Gift wrappers use wrapping papers and other supplies to box up and decorate presents on behalf of their customers. Starting a gift-wrapping business does not involve considerable capital and is easy to manage. You can market your business online for free and request current customers to give recommendations.

15. Start a tech support business ($139K/month)

In today’s world, technology plays a crucial role in our day-to-day lives. Therefore, the need for technical support has become increasingly critical. A tech support business can provide invaluable assistance and troubleshooting services to individuals and companies facing software, hardware, or any other technology problems.

If you’re considering starting a tech support business, you must have a solid understanding of technical skills and possess experience in IT support roles.

Providing exceptional customer service is critical to the success of your tech support business. Actively listening to your clients and thoroughly diagnosing their issues is crucial. Additionally, offering clear and patient support will help you to build a loyal client base.

Finally, it’s essential to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and maintain a comprehensive knowledge base to address a wide range of technical questions and problems effectively. This will help you to provide your clients with the best possible service and maintain a competitive edge in the market.

How much you can make: $150 — $1,500,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $3,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

16. Become a tutorial video creator ($42.8K/month)

A tutorial video is a subcategory of instructional videos that share knowledge and interact with viewers. Different forms of tutorial videos include:

  • Presentation: common among college professors and teachers
  • Niche videos: short 10-15 minutes tutorials covering a wide range of topics
  • Training videos: teach candidates the skills they need to perform better at work

Creating tutorial videos is not a difficult task. With a proper strategy, you can make a tutorial video. Invest in a professional camera for your business and start creating a tutorial video. Then, outline the video contents you intend to create and create scripts.

How much you can make: $8,333 — $85,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,554 (?)

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

17. Start a clothing designing business ($38.3K/month)

A clothing design business involves conceptualizing stylish clothing and accessory designs, selecting fabrics and materials, assembling prototypes and finished products, and determining production and distribution plans.

To launch a successful clothing line, you need to understand industry trends, choose a profitable niche like sportswear or business formalwear, use digital design tools for easy iterations and adjustments, implement lean manufacturing to control costs and market aggressively on social media and through influencer partnerships.

With keen business acumen and appealing designs, a clothing design business can stand out in a crowded apparel marketplace. Focus on building a clothing brand that resonates with consumers and enables growth year-over-year.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $60,000/month

How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)

18. Become a tee shirt designer

Have you always had a passion for fashion and creativity? Well, then the field of tee shirt design could be the perfect opportunity for you!

As a tee shirt designer, you would be responsible for fitting model garments, ensuring size uniformity, and using your design and aesthetic skills to create unique and eye-catching tee shirts that will captivate your customers’ attention.

With this exciting career, you’ll have the chance to let your creativity run wild and make a lasting impact on the fashion industry.

How much you can make: $15,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

19. Start a Greeting Cards Business ($26.2K/month)

People use greeting cards to mark births, deaths, graduations, anniversaries, and other parties or events.

If you love helping people celebrate special occasions, starting a greeting card business can be a great business opportunity.

When starting a greeting card business, choose a potential niche and write a business plan.

Then, find an ideal spot to sell the greeting cards.

For instance, you can offer greeting card design and posting services, so customers can choose the best designs and post greeting cards online.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $100,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,750 (?)

How long does it take to build: 77 days (?)

20. Start a party entertainer business ($12.7K/month)

Do you want to start a business within the entertainment sector? Becoming a party entertainer can be a great opportunity for you.

Party entertainers thrive mostly at night and on weekends. You can work as an agency and represent entertainers for parties, or if you have the skills, you can become the entertainer.

Party entertainers can work at wedding and bridal parties, birthday parties, children’s parties, corporate parties, or even home-based parties.

How much you can make: $996 — $25,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $75 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

21. Become a musician

A musician writes, records, performs, markets, and sells original songs, albums, and merchandise. As a musician, you can build your business by creating music and connecting with fans.

With the rise of social media, music streaming, home recording technology, and direct fan access, indie musicians can build profitable artistry-driven businesses themselves.

To start, hone your craft and find your unique creative niche. Master your instruments, produce demos of songs showcasing your style, and play small local venues to build an early following.

You can leverage platforms like Instagram and TikTok to share your music as you build out a catalog of content. Also, release songs on major streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music so fans globally can listen, save, and share your work. Sell merchandise like t-shirts, hoodies, and posters on your own website to generate additional income from your growing following.

By perfecting your sound and engaging possible fans through social media, streaming, performances, and direct outreach, you can build a thriving long-term business around your artistic passion and originality.

How much you can make: $3,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 360 days (?)

22. Become a stock photographer ($15.3K/month)

A stock photographer creates a wide variety of high-quality photos and licenses them out to individuals, businesses, and organizations through stock photo sites. This allows many different customers to use your photos for web content, brochures, advertisements, presentations, and more in exchange for royalty payments.

As a stock photographer, you retain ownership of your photos while selling licenses for their various commercial uses. With each photo download, you get paid a royalty fee. Top stock photographers make a full-time living through licensing fees across their robust galleries of creative, useful images.

To be successful, focus first on building a diverse, striking collection showcasing your best photography. Study top-selling images on leading stock sites to understand what subject matters, styles, and technical executions garner the most demand.

Target popular neglected niches and leverage platforms like Shutterstock, Stock, and Adobe Stock to upload your growing stock library. With abundant high-quality and keyword-optimized images in your portfolio, your work can start getting discovered and driving passive licensing income over time.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $45,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 80 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 3 hours/week

23. Start a farmers market

Farmer’s markets offer small businesses and farmers the chance to sell their products. The farmers’ market has become crucial to rebuilding local food systems and meeting the growing demand for locally produced food. A farmers’ market can be a successful business venture in your area if located strategically.

24. Start a co-working space rental business ($83K/month)

The co-working spaces are becoming essential in the post-pandemic world. Experts estimate five million people will occupy coworking spaces in the next few years. The projections are based not only on the growth the coworking industry has experienced over the past few years but also on the sharp increase in the number of startups coming up each year.

Therefore, creating your coworking space business will become a lucrative opportunity. To create a coworking space, do proper market research to ensure you have the demand for a co-work space in your target area.

Then, focus on finding an ideal location to attract the maximum number of customers.

How much you can make: $4,000 — $300,000/month

How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)

25. Become a graphic designer ($26K/month)

Graphic designing involves creating sketch designs and materials for corporate clients, advertising agencies, public relations firms, and publishers. Besides, graphic designers provide visual solutions to specific company images, log design, and branding problems.

Graphic design is an excellent career for creative thinkers who enjoy using their talent and artistic skills combined with technology and communication abilities to come up with unique solutions for their clients.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $81,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

26. Start a web design & online marketing business ($129K/month)

If you know about website design and marketing concepts then starting your own web design and online marketing business could be the perfect opportunity for you to do so.

The online marketing industry is the second largest industry in the United States and continues to grow. The online marketing industry is massive. It is estimated to grow by 30% annually, reaching $400B in the next four years.

How much you can make: $8,000 — $800,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

27. Start a wordpress ecommerce business

Feel like creating an online store but dread inventory management? A WordPress ecommerce business might be your ideal venture. This model allows you to sell products via WordPress, an easy-to-use content management system.

You'll need to set up a website using the WooCommerce plugin, choose a theme that suits your brand, and list your products for sale. Unlike other platforms, WordPress offers endless customization options and control over your website’s design and functionality.

WordPress ecommerce might appeal to you if you enjoy the technical aspects of website building. It's not entirely hands-off; you’ll be responsible for managing your site, processing orders, and possibly even handling inventory unless you opt for dropshipping. With time and dedication, you can create a professional online store that stands out in a crowded market.

Starting a WordPress ecommerce business could be your gateway to financial independence. If you’re ready to dive into the world of online retail, this is an excellent place to start.

How much you can make: $50,000/month

How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)

28. Become a proofreader

Proofreading business is a service that helps customers review their written work and ensure it is ready for publication. Typically, a proofreader corrects grammatical errors and provides the written piece meets any relevant style guide.

As a proofreader, you can work online, allowing you to choose what time to work.

If you plan to start a professional proofreading business, make sure you possess the following skills:

  • Have an excellent grasp of grammar
  • Ability to correct mistakenly capitalized words
  • Familiarity with the proper use of capitalization
  • Use spell-checkers to flag misspelled words

Proofreading is a great way to enhance content quality. With the increased use of written content marketing to reach a broader market, the demand for professional proofreaders has grown tremendously. Professional proofreaders earn an average of $12/hr. And $30/hr.

Therefore, consider proofreading as a business if you are looking for a great side hustle idea or simply looking for ways to increase your income.

How much you can make: $2,000/month

29. Become a videographer ($49.3K/month)

A videographer uses his video camera to record footage for different events.

Examples of events where videographers are common include weddings, documentaries, training videos, commercials, TV shows, infomercials, live events, corporate promotions, etc. Videographers are not only responsible for operating the camera. They must have the skills required for the production of a video, which includes the following:

  • Lighting
  • Sound
  • Maintenance
  • Equipment repair
  • Video editing

To become a videographer, pursue a videography education, and attend internships to gain experience. Build a portfolio, so your target audience finds you online and starts hiring your services.

How much you can make: $10,000 — $110,000/month

How long does it take to build: 65 days (?)

30. Become a gift basket seller

A gift basket is typically a bundled gift filled with presents and delivered to the recipient at home or the workplace.

The gifting ritual is an old practice, and regardless of the occasion, people love giving each other gifts (and receiving them). According to data, the global gift market’s worth is estimated at $62 billion, with 62% of Americans preferring to give personalized gift markets over expensive items.

If you love unique gifting, starting a gift basket business could be a gratifying and fun business idea. Many gift basket shops choose to operate entirely online since an online business allows them to work from anywhere, while customers can also purchase at their convenience.

How much you can make: $400/month

31. Start a leaf removal business

A leaf removal company provides lawn care to keep the yard clear of leaves through vacuuming, bagging, and removal of leaves. To start the leaves removal business, you need a high-quality leaf blower and leaf collection bags.

You can attract new customers by asking existing customers for referrals and ensuring positive reviews for your business. Hang flyers in coffee shops, and around estates, and ask friends for business referrals.

32. Start a garage sale business

Got an eye for bargains and a knack for organizing? A garage sale business might be your calling. This business idea is centered on sourcing items you no longer need—or that you can buy at low prices—and selling them for a profit through organized garage sales. It’s a straightforward concept but requires some effort to execute effectively.

You'll need to scout for items that people are willing to buy, organize sales, and promote them to attract a crowd. Think of it as an ongoing treasure hunt that monetizes clutter. You can also offer your services to others, assisting them in organizing and running their own sales for a fee, expanding your reach.

Starting a garage sale business is not just about clearing out spaces; it’s about creating value from the overlooked and undervalued, giving you the opportunity to turn hidden gems into real earnings.

How much you can make: $7,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

33. Start a kids friendly apps business

According to experts, 53% of 3-4 years old kids use mobile phones to play games or watch videos. In addition, 79% of 5 to 7 years old kids and 99% of 12 to 15 years use phones for multiple purposes.

Starting a kids-friendly apps business can be lucrative, with kids getting more addicted to using phones.

Are you a qualified app developer? You can start focusing on the development of kids-friendly apps. Alternatively, you can hire an experienced programmer to help you with the app development tasks as you concentrate on marketing.

34. Start an artistry business

Crafting beauty with your hands and sharing it with the world is a unique and fulfilling business journey. An artistry business revolves around creating and selling your own art, whether it's paintings, sculptures, digital designs, or custom crafts. This venture entails not only the creative process but also the operational aspects of marketing, sales, and customer engagement.

Imagine turning your passion for art into a sustainable income source. It’s not just about creating beautiful pieces; it’s about knowing your market, setting up an online presence, and continuously interacting with buyers. Platforms like Etsy or local galleries can serve as excellent starting points for showcasing your work.

Running an artistry business requires dedication and a balance between artistic creativity and business acumen. If you have a unique aesthetic and the drive to share it, this could be your calling. The effort invested can yield both financial stability and personal fulfillment.

35. Start an organic gardening business

Are you looking for a fun and easy home business? Would you love to try something totally different? Do you love the idea of growing your own food? Then starting an organic gardening business might be for you!

The idea of starting an organic gardening business may seem like a dream for many people. That’s because there are many requirements in starting a business involving time, effort, knowledge and capital. However, you shouldn’t stop dreaming now – organic gardening is a booming industry and it has no signs of slowing down.

Here is a guide for starting your organic gardening business:

  • Learn about organic gardening
  • Select a crop you want to work on
  • Name your business
  • Decide on a marketing strategy

How much you can make: $700/month

How much does it cost to start: $200 (?)

How long does it take to build: 14 days (?)

36. Become a lemonade seller

Demand for lemonade has increased as consumers’ knowledge of its health and nutritional benefits have grown. According to research, the lemonade market is growing at a CAGR of 5.7% and will surpass $2.651 million in the next few years.

If you are interested in starting a lemonade business, consider putting up a stand at a busy location.

A lemonade stand is a low-barrier-to-entry business you can start in a day and generate good profits. You can make lemonade from home and sell it to customers at a drive-through stand.

How much you can make: $6,000,000/month

37. Start an art lessons business

Are you a professional artist? Teaching arts and crafts online can be a small but profitable business venture.

You can target kids interested in becoming artists or talented teens who want to advance their artistic skills. To start an arts business, train yourself in arts and crafts and plan a curriculum suitable for your target audience.

Advertising your business will help you to reach a larger audience.

38. Become a face painter

Popular at children's parties, weddings, and even some corporate events, face painting is a great creative activity that sparks joy among people of all ages.

If you love making people happy and helping them celebrate different events in life, consider starting a face-painting business.

If you are planning to start a face painting business on a professional basis, it would be wise to take an introductory training course to learn the basics of face painting and the safety and health precautions involved in the business.

How much you can make: $25,000/month

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

39. Become a virtual assistant ($233K/month)

Virtual assistants support businesses, teams, or individuals by performing administrative tasks remotely. As businesses these days tend to outsource their tasks, the demand for virtual assistants is growing rapidly.

Becoming a virtual assistant is flexible, as you can choose a work schedule and location at your convenience. Many virtual assistants have a dedicated home office where they work in a quiet and distraction-free environment.

To become a virtual assistant, identify a niche you like and undertake any training. Then, figure out how much to charge your customers and create an online presence where you can apply for jobs. As a virtual assistant, you can define your work schedule depending on your availability.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $1,000,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)

40. Become an academic consultant

Navigating academia can be complicated; that’s where an academic consultant comes in.

An academic consultant helps students and parents make informed decisions about education. Whether it’s selecting the right high school classes, preparing for college admissions, or advising on study strategies, you’ll be providing valuable guidance on academic pathways.

The role requires a deep understanding of the educational system and excellent research skills. You’ll be working closely with clients to assess needs, evaluate options, and create tailored plans. To get started, you’ll need a background in education and a strong network of academic contacts.

Considering the growing competitiveness in education, the demand for personalized consulting services is on the rise. With the right expertise, you can carve a niche in this impactful field, helping others achieve their academic goals. If you’re passionate about education and enjoy problem-solving, starting an academic consulting business could be a fulfilling venture.

How much you can make: $9,000/month

41. Start a podcaster community

Start fostering connections that matter with a dedicated community for podcasters. Launching a podcaster community involves creating a platform where podcast creators can share tips, network, and collaborate.

The essence of this business idea is straightforward: develop a space—either online or in person—where podcasters can meet, exchange ideas, and support each other. You’ll facilitate conversations about equipment, editing software, marketing strategies, and guest bookings, helping both novice and experienced podcasters enhance their craft.

The need for such a platform is growing as podcasting becomes an increasingly popular medium for storytelling and information-sharing. By creating a podcaster community, you’re not just organizing meetups or forums but nurturing an ecosystem where creativity and learning flourish.

Starting this venture involves managing forums, hosting events or webinars, and engaging consistently with your members. It requires effort and dedication but can be incredibly rewarding as you watch individuals and their podcasts grow thanks to the collective wisdom of the community.

How much you can make: $5,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 42. Become a house cleaner
  • 43. Start a business errand services

44. Start a computer setup business

In a world steadily relying on technology, a computer setup business is a venture that promises steady demand. The concept is fairly simple: you provide services to help clients with everything from unboxing and setting up their new desktop, laptop or tablet, to providing them with a smooth and thorough introduction to its functionality and features.

This business thrives on offering convenience, saving clients potentially confusing and time-consuming setup processes, and instead letting them dive straight into using their new tech tools effectively. Additionally, with potential for further value-additions like tech advice, troubleshooting, and custom software installations, this idea can be easily scalable.

Given the wide customer base, ranging from individuals to small businesses and even corporate entities, a computer setup business has the potential to be both profitable and fulfilling. It's an excellent entry point for tech-savvy individuals looking for a practical way to transform their tech knowledge into a thriving business.

More business ideas

  • 45. Start a pinterest templates, graphics and art selling business
  • 46. Start a recycling project business
  • 47. Start a custom portrait artistry business

48. Become an event photographer ($32K/month)

Do you enjoy capturing memorable moments? Becoming an event photographer is a great way to combine your love for photography with your love for events.

Event photographers often work for companies that specialize in event photography. They are hired because of their expertise and experience with the kinds of events they will be covering. They may also be hired by individual clients who have a specific need for event coverage, such as a wedding or corporate retreat. You can find potential clients through social media or local networking groups; once you've got a few clients lined up, start scheduling events with them so you can really show off your skills.

Aside from having a passion for photography, it's also important that you have some experience with lighting and setting up equipment at events. You should also be aware of how various lenses function and what they are used for.

How much you can make: $14,000 — $50,001/month

How long does it take to build: 97 days (?)

49. Start a Community Delivery Service

Community Delivery Service is an easy business to start. Subscribers pay a monthly fee to receive a curated box of products based on their preferences. The boxes contain items such as food, beauty products, and other lifestyle goods.

The idea behind the subscription service is that customers can't always find time to shop for themselves or they have trouble finding what they want in stores. Community Delivery Service offers a way for people to get their favorite items without having to spend time looking for them every month.

More business ideas

  • 50. Start an organic food repacking business

51. Become a scrapbooker business

Scrapbooking is a creative hobby that involves designing and putting together a visually appealing album of memories and memorable moments. It can be a great business idea for those passionate about crafting and design.

To start a scrapbooking business, you will need a few essential supplies such as paper, stickers, markers, and other decorative items. You may also need a computer and photo editing software to create digital layouts and designs.

For success, it is essential to have a strong understanding of the different scrapbooking techniques and styles. It would help if you also were skilled in design, creativity, and customer service.

Several ways to offer scrapbooking services include hosting parties, creating customized albums for clients, or selling scrapbooking supplies. You can also consider offering online classes or tutorials to teach others how to scrapbook.

Marketing your business is crucial to attracting potential customers. You can use social media, online directories, and local advertising to showcase your skills and services. You can also consider joining local craft fairs and events to showcase your work and connect with other crafters.

Overall, a scrapbooking business can be a rewarding and fulfilling venture for those passionate about creativity and design. You can turn your hobby into a successful business with the right skills, supplies, and marketing efforts.

52. Start a snow removal service

Snow plowing is a high-margin scalable business with low overhead costs. Although seasonal, you can earn a decent living by plowing snow in winter. Entrepreneurs with a dump trailer and snow plow can serve commercial and residential customers and stay busy during or after a snowstorm.

53. Start a holiday decoration business

The holiday decoration business involves creating and selling festive decorations for holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Halloween. This can include everything from traditional decorations such as wreaths and tree ornaments to more unique and customizable items like personalized stockings or holiday-themed home decor.

To run a successful holiday decoration business, it is essential to keep up with the latest trends and offer various products to appeal to various customers. It is also essential to have a strong online presence, as many holiday shoppers turn to the internet to purchase decorations.

Effective marketing and promotion strategies, such as social media advertising and partnerships with local businesses, can help attract customers and drive sales. It is also essential to focus on customer service and offer excellent customer support to ensure a positive shopping experience and encourage repeat business.

Finally, it is essential to have a reliable supply chain in place to ensure the timely delivery of products and avoid any potential delays or disappointments for customers. With proper planning and execution, the holiday decoration business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture.

More business ideas

  • 54. Become a private music teacher

55. Start a balloon artist business

A balloon artist creates balloon decorations for various types of parties and events. Also known as twisters, balloon artists can earn a decent hourly pay depending on the event type. Balloon art is a low-overhead business and offers a high-profit margin potential.

More business ideas

  • 56. Become a babysitter

Frequently asked questions

Can a 17-year-old have their own business?

Yes, a 17-year-old can have their own business. However, the process can be a bit complicated, as most business requirements include conditions, terms, and even permission from the legal guardian (for minors).

Now, while such things can get complicated, there are ways for a 17-year-old to earn money from different things. As long as the business isn’t something like a large-scale, you likely wouldn’t have to go through some tedious process.

Is it possible to make money as a 17-year-old?

Yes, making money as a 17-year-old is possible. There are many ways to earn and make money, and most of these ways only require doing and finishing simple tasks that even a 17-year-old can do.

One thing to note is that making money as a 17-year-old is good, but it doesn’t mean you’ll spend most of your time with it and discard essential duties like studies. As always, a 17-year-old should prioritize studying, and making money should only be a side hustle or a hobby.

What businesses can you start as a 17-year-old teenager?

As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of business ideas that even a 17-year-old can start. But, of course, these businesses can be as easy as doing simple tasks or selling simple products or services.

Also, it would be best to start a small-scale business, especially if you’re only 17 years old. While it’s possible to do something large-scale, it takes a lot of time and responsibilities.

Further, a large-scale business isn’t ideal for a 17-year-old since the entire thing can take up lots of time, affecting important stuff like school and study time.

Conclusion

I hope this list of ideas for 17-year-olds has helped you at least a little to get an idea of how you can make money at this age.

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meet the author
Pat Walls

I'm Pat Walls and I created Starter Story - a website dedicated to helping people start businesses. We interview entrepreneurs from around the world about how they started and grew their businesses.