Top 58 Business Ideas for 18-Year Olds [Updated for 2024]

Updated: February 22nd, 2024

Are you feeling inspired to start your own business? You're not alone! Many 18-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. 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 (?)

3. 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 (?)

4. Start a cleaning service ($128K/month)

A housecleaning side business is a beautiful idea for people with free time on weekends or even weekdays. The side hustle idea requires little capital to start. During the launch, you can choose to offer the service to your neighbors and scale as you gain experience. The average salary for a house cleaner is $17.32 per hour.

By starting a house cleaning business, you are tapping into an enormous market with plenty of clientele. There could always be demand for your cleaning service, which keeps you in business as you help homeowners keep their homes spotless.

How much you can make: $3,000 — $600,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

How long does it take to build: 70 days (?)

Time commitment per week: Min. 7 hours/week

5. 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.

6. 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 (?)

7. 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 (?)

8. 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 (?)

9. Start a landscaping business ($189K/month)

A landscaping business is engaged in maintaining lawns and gardens, trimming trees and shrubs, and providing landscape maintenance and beautification services. Landscaping costs vary depending on the size and location.

For small jobs such as taking care of the lawn and trees, the cost can vary from $50 to $100 per hour. The average wage of a landscape designer is $70,000 to $90,000, and a landscape architect makes around $50,000 to $100,000 per year. For basic maintenance and mowing services, a single person who runs a landscaping business can get started with as little as $5,000 or less. However, a proper landscaping business will require a large investment. The average start-up cost is between $15,000 to $20,000.

Once the type of service is decided, the list of tools and equipment can be purchased. The best way to succeed in a landscaping business is to provide quality service. This will not only retain existing clients but also promote and attract new customers.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $375,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $8,000 (?)

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

10. 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

11. 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 (?)

12. Start a music lessons business ($57.5K/month)

Unlock the potential of a rewarding and creative venture with a music lessons business. Teaching music is as straightforward as it sounds: you share your expertise with budding musicians, either in-person or online.

This business involves offering one-on-one sessions or group classes aimed at different skill levels. By tailoring lessons to individual needs, you foster a deep appreciation for music while guiding students on their musical journey.

Starting a music lessons business means you'll need a solid understanding of your instrument and effective teaching strategies. Building a clientele may involve leveraging local communities or honing an online presence through marketing and social media.

If you're passionate about music and enjoy teaching, this business can be both fulfilling and profitable. The demand for personalized music education is steady, making it a viable option for those willing to put in the effort to build a reputable and engaging program.

How much you can make: $45,000 — $70,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $5,500 (?)

How long does it take to build: 105 days (?)

13. 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 (?)

14. Start a data entry service

Data entry service is expanding and growing with each passing day. Thus, starting a data entry business can be a profitable opportunity. Data entry experts can work from home and choose their preferred work schedule. To become a data entry specialist, you need computing skills. Alternatively, you can outsource the contracts to a third party.

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

How long does it take to build: 400 days (?)

15. Start a caricature artist business

Capture the charm of human expressions with a caricature artist business.

In simple terms, you’ll sketch personalized, exaggerated portraits of people, often in a humorous style. This business can offer a wide array of services: from live event caricaturing at weddings and parties to creating unique, commissioned pieces online.

If you enjoy drawing and have a keen eye for detail, this could be a rewarding venture. You'll need to continually refine your skills, manage client relationships, and handle the logistics of delivering your artwork, whether digitally or in physical form.

For those passionate about art and looking to earn money doing what they love, a caricature artist business offers a balance of creativity and entrepreneurship.

How much you can make: $100/month

How much does it cost to start: $150 (?)

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

16. Start a sports promotion business

A sports promotion business uses sporting marketing strategies to popularize sporting activities and appeal to the target audience. The sports promotion businesses may focus on marketing:

  • Sporting activities
  • Sports businesses
  • Individual athletes
  • Stadium and sports facilities

To start a sports promotion business, choose a niche, define the target audience and create a website. Then, create appealing marketing content and post it on your website. Launch a social media marketing campaign to expand the reach and accelerate results.

How much you can make: $16,000/month

17. 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 (?)

18. 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 (?)

19. 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 (?)

20. 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

21. 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 (?)

22. Start a transcribing service business ($68.3K/month)

Looking for a business that leverages your attention to detail and typing skills? A transcribing service might be what you're searching for.

In simple terms, transcribing involves converting audio or video recordings into written text. This service is valuable for industries like legal, medical, or media that require accurate documentation of spoken content.

The demand is consistent, but it’s not without its challenges—accuracy and speed are crucial. You'll need a good ear, patience, and the ability to handle different accents and technical jargon. With the right tools and a bit of practice, these can be manageable.

A transcribing service can be started with minimal investment, relying primarily on your ability to market your service and build a clientele. If you’re detail-oriented and looking for a flexible business, this could be your next endeavor.

How much you can make: $2,000 — $200,000/month

How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)

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

23. Start a delivery service ($77.5K/month)

Delivery service refers to a collection of services that deliver goods and products through the land, air, or waterways across locations. The delivery services serve B2B, B2C, and C2C customers.

The growing e-commerce sect and increased cross-border trade are some factors driving the growth of delivery services. Furthermore, consumer preference for online shopping has greatly contributed to the increased demand for delivery services.

To start a delivery service, make sure you have a cargo van, a fully functional website, and meet all the legalities for operating a business in your state.

How much you can make: $5,000 — $150,000/month

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

24. 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.

25. Start a self service car wash

A self-service car wash is a booming and profitable low maintenance business idea. Generally, the self-service car wash provides bays equipped with soap, brushes, high-pressure water, and wax for vehicle detailing. Other services can include an EV charging station, tire inflation, and vacuum cleaning.

If you are starting a self-service carwash, ensure you provide customers with quality equipment.

The advantage of a self-service carwash is that you do not need to employ someone to wash the cars and that you can monitor your income conveniently.

26. 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 (?)

27. Start an amazon reseller business

An Amazon reseller sources products at wholesale prices and sells them on Amazon. To start an Amazon reseller business, choose a low-competition product. Low competition products offer a great way to establish your brand as a leader in particular product categories.

To grow your business, ensure high-profit margin products, as selling only the low-profit margin products can curtail your business growth.

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

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

28. Start a pet sitting business

A pet sitter is a professional who provides daily care for pets while the pet owners are at work or on vacation. The pet sitter's duties include:

  • Cooking special meals for pets as instructed by pet owners.
  • Reporting any behavioral issues to pet owners.
  • Playing with the pets to encourage their mental and physical stimulation.

One of the advantages of working as a pet sitter is that it's not a stressful career. You also get to work with different animals while enjoying a work-life balance.

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

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

29. Start a social media marketing agency ($116K/month)

Whether you want to clear your utility bills, finance your college education or save for a vacation, a social media marketing agency is one of the best ways to earn extra income. The advantage is that you do not need to commit so much time to automate using social media marketing tools. All you need to do is develop a good social media marketing strategy that will enable you to serve customers efficiently. Besides, you need to create an agency portfolio to market your services to target customers.

How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,166,667/month

How much does it cost to start: $7,500 (?)

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

Time commitment per week: Min. 30 hours/week

30. Start a portrait photography business

You have been using your android or apple phone for years, taking photos of all your friends, kids, family, and anything that inspires you. Now, you leap and consider starting a portrait photography business.

Portrait photography captures a person’s essence, personality, identity, and attitude utilizing backgrounds, lighting, and posing.

To start portrait photography, hone your skills and acquire a professional camera and photo editing software. You can make money by selling photos on social media channels like Instagram or a stock photography website.

How much does it cost to start: $3,001 (?)

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

31. 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

32. 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 (?)

33. 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

34. 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 (?)

35. Start a web design and development blogging business

Interested in web design and development? Consider starting a blogging business focused on this ever-evolving field.

This idea revolves around creating a blog that offers tutorials, insights, and reviews related to web design and development. Content could range from coding tips to website optimization strategies, catering to both beginners and seasoned professionals.

Starting this blog means you'll need a solid understanding of web design and development, along with consistent content creation to keep your readers engaged. The investment is low, but the work can be demanding, involving regular updates and marketing efforts to attract an audience.

If you're passionate about the web design world and enjoy sharing knowledge, this business can be a fulfilling way to connect with a community while building an income stream. It's a perfect blend of creativity and technical expertise, with the potential to grow into a monetized platform through ad revenue, sponsored posts, and premium tutorials.

How much you can make: $12,200/month

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

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

36. Start a handmade jewelry business

Looking to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind accessories? Consider starting a handmade jewelry business. This venture centers around designing and crafting unique pieces of jewelry from materials such as semi-precious stones, beads, and wire.

The appeal lies in the artistry and customization, allowing you to cater to a variety of styles and preferences. With platforms like Etsy and Instagram, you can easily showcase your creations to a global audience. However, it's not just about creating; you also need to manage sourcing materials, setting competitive prices, and effectively marketing your products.

If you have a passion for creativity and an eye for design, a handmade jewelry business could be a fulfilling and profitable endeavor. Embrace the opportunity to express your artistic talents while building a brand that reflects your personal style and craftsmanship.

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. Start a wedding videography business

A wedding videographer is a video production company that documents a wedding on video. The wedding videographers cover all events from when the couple starts preparing for the wedding, arrival at the wedding ceremony site, and the reception.

Most weddings use a professional videographer. Therefore, starting a wedding videography business can be rewarding.

To start a wedding videography business, invest in the right gear for filming the wedding ceremony, like microphones, cameras, gimbal, etc. It would help if you had professional video editing software and set up a website so you can be found online.

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

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

How long does it take to build: 185 days (?)

39. 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.

40. Start an errand service

Errand services help people and businesses who have daily errands to run but need an extra hand. So, they seek professional help who can do their chores on time with utmost efficiency.

You can provide various services as an errand business, including grocery shopping, picking up + sorting through mail, going to the bank, and much more.

Starting an errand business is relatively easy. Consider offering package deals as a way of getting and retaining customers. Most errand businesses charge per hour, and you may charge per mileage if the task involves driving.

41. 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 (?)

42. 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

43. 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

  • 44. Start a business errand services

45. 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

  • 46. Start a party clown business

47. Become a tech tutor

In a world dominated by technology, many are left feeling overwhelmed and unacquainted. The pursuit of closing the digital divide has created a vital opportunity: Tech Tutors. This business idea involves providing mentorship and lessons to individuals or organizations to enhance their technological savoir-faire.

The role of a tech tutor is simple yet impactful, teaching customers how to navigate different software, hardware, and even aspects of internet safety. Suppose you're well-versed in tech areas such as using smartphone apps, social media, office software, cyber security, etc. In that case, you could transform your knowledge into a profitable venture.

It’s a worthwhile endeavor, drawing interest considering how crucial tech literacy has become in our everyday lives. A tech tutor business is more than just a paid service: it empowers others to embark on the possibilities that technological knowledge offers. If you enjoy sharing your expertise and providing guidance, a tech tutor business could indeed be your perfect landing spot.

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

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

More business ideas

  • 48. Start a magazine publishing business on amazon kindle store
  • 49. Start a fire safety products selling business
  • 50. Start a news podcast business

51. 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.

More business ideas

  • 52. Start a pinterest templates, graphics and art selling business

53. 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.

54. 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 (?)

55. Become a live streamer

Have a knack for engaging an audience? Consider starting as a live streamer.

Live streaming involves broadcasting yourself in real-time over the internet while engaging with a live audience. Whether you have a passion for gaming, cooking, crafting, or just chatting, this business allows you to turn your hobbies into income.

To get started, you’ll need a reliable internet connection, basic streaming equipment, and a platform like Twitch or YouTube. Content creation and audience interaction are your daily tasks—keeping your viewers entertained and growing your subscriber base.

Monetization comes through ads, sponsorships, and viewer donations, but success requires consistent streaming schedules and active engagement with your audience. If building a community and sharing your interests with the world sounds appealing, live streaming could be a rewarding venture for you.

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

How long does it take to build: 365 days (?)

More business ideas

  • 56. Start a pressure washing business
  • 57. Start a custom portrait artistry business
  • 58. Become a babysitter

Frequently asked questions

Can a 18-year-old have their own business?

Yes, a 18-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 18-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 18-year-old?

Yes, making money as a 18-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 18-year-old can do.

One thing to note is that making money as a 18-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 18-year-old should prioritize studying, and making money should only be a side hustle or a hobby.

What businesses can you start as a 18-year-old teenager?

As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of business ideas that even a 18-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 18 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 18-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 18-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.