19 Business Ideas For Kids [2024]
Have you ever dreamed about starting your own business? You don't have to wait until you're an adult to make it happen. In 2024, there are tons of cool opportunities for kids like you to start their own ventures.
From selling homemade crafts to offering pet-sitting services, the ideas are endless. If you have a hobby or talent, you could turn it into a small business. Imagine turning your passion into something that earns you money.
It's all about finding something you love and thinking about how to share it with others. This article will give you some great ideas to get started. Who knows? You might find the perfect business idea that's just right for you.
For each business idea, we'll show you real-world examples of other kid businesses to help you see what it takes.
Here's the full list:
1. Start a YouTube channel ($72.1K/month)
Starting a YouTube channel could be an exciting and profitable venture for kids in 2024. It offers the opportunity to share your passions, hobbies, or expertise with a global audience, all while potentially earning income through ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise. From how-to guides and vlogs to educational content and entertainment, the possibilities are endless for creative kids looking to make their mark.
Building a successful YouTube channel will require consistent effort and quality content. You’ll need to plan, shoot, and edit your videos regularly while engaging with your audience. If you're ready to dedicate time and effort, this could be a rewarding endeavor.
Why start a YouTube channel?
- You get to share your unique voice and creativity with the world.
- It’s a flexible platform that can turn your hobbies into potential income streams.
- You can build a community of followers who share your interests and support your channel.
For more insights on how to start, check out this Starter Story.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $333,333/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,250 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
This case study follows the journey of a young entrepreneur from Nigeria who started a profitable blog generating a monthly revenue of $1,500+ through sales of advertising space, sponsored posts, and information products, and shares his strategies for success including a Twitter growth challenge and guest post pitches.
2. Start a podcast ($97.9K/month)
Starting a podcast is a fantastic way for entrepreneurial kids to share their passions and make extra money. By discussing topics you're interested in, you can build an audience that enjoys your unique perspective. Plus, with minimal upfront costs and numerous free resources available, launching a podcast has never been easier.
Why start a podcast?
- Podcasting allows you to share your voice and interests with the world, helping you build a dedicated audience.
- With basic equipment like a microphone and headphones, you can start a podcast on a minimal budget.
- As your podcast grows in popularity, you could attract sponsors and advertisers, turning your hobby into a profitable venture.
For more on how to get started, check out these podcast startup tips.
How much you can make: $400 — $1,020,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 2 hours/week
A successful podcast production company that grew from one client making $15/hour to a team of 10 contractors producing over 30 shows per week with revenue of over $10k/mo, primarily through referrals and with a focus on providing high personal touch and being picky about working only with clients who are a good fit.
3. Create a mobile app ($70.3K/month)
Ever thought about turning that brilliant idea into a mobile app? It’s more feasible than you might think. Developing a mobile app involves creating a software application that can run on smartphones and tablets, catering to various user needs, from productivity tools to gaming. Starting a mobile app business requires a clear vision, basic coding knowledge, or the ability to hire a skilled developer.
Your primary tasks will include planning the user experience, designing engaging interfaces, and testing for functionality and bugs. Marketing your app effectively is crucial to attract users and achieve downloads. With dedication and the right strategy, your app could gain significant traction and generate substantial revenue. If you have an idea that can solve a problem or entertain millions, the world of app development awaits. Discover more about mobile app success stories here.
Why creating a mobile app?
- You have the chance to solve real-world problems for many users.
- Starting young gives you a head start in learning valuable skills like coding, design, and marketing.
- The potential for income is high, especially if your app gains popularity and many downloads.
How much you can make: $1 — $500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
BACH, an app that plans and books bachelorette parties, has grown from $0 to >$1M net revenue run rate in less than 6 months, gained over 100,000 users in their first 60 days, and has over 40,000 parties using the app this month.
4. Start a dropshipping business ($414K/month)
Starting a dropshipping business can be a great way for kids to supplement their income or even start their own business. Dropshipping allows you to sell products without needing to keep inventory, as third-party suppliers handle shipping directly to customers. This means your initial investment can be minimal, allowing you to focus on building your online store and marketing your products.
To begin, choose a niche or category that interests you, set up an online store using platforms like Shopify, and list products from reliable suppliers found on AliExpress. With smart planning and careful expense management, you could turn a small initial investment into a thriving online business. Read more about dropshipping business success stories to get inspired.
Why start a dropshipping business?
- You don't need a lot of money to start since you won't be buying inventory upfront.
- You have the freedom to run your business online, from anywhere and at any time.
- It's a great way to learn valuable skills in digital marketing, customer service, and entrepreneurship.
How much you can make: $6,000 — $3,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $8,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 10 hours/week
Entrepreneur Kamil Sattar has developed multiple six-figure drop shipping businesses, and his company, e-commerce mentoring, specializes in helping others create their own successful companies, with favorite platforms including using Shopify and apps such as Loox reviews and SMSBump.
5. Start an ai based business solution ($55.8K/month)
Starting an AI-based business solution could be an exciting opportunity for kids in 2024. By leveraging artificial intelligence, you could help businesses optimize their operations, improve customer service, and make data-driven decisions. You don't need a deep tech background—many platforms offer user-friendly tools and support to get you started.
The demand for AI solutions is growing as businesses realize the competitive edge they can gain from these technologies. With a well-thought-out plan and focus, launching an AI-based business solution can be a strategic move to tap into this expanding market. Explore practical examples and success stories on how to implement AI in business on Starter Story for inspiration. Success Stories
Why start an AI-based business solution?
- The market potential is huge, as more businesses look for innovative ways to use AI.
- You could automate tedious tasks, freeing up time for more creative projects.
- It's a growing field with plenty of resources to help you learn and succeed, even as a beginner.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $120,000/month
How long does it take to build: 125 days (?)
Mikkelsen Twins grew an online education company from scratch with over 800 students, making over 6-figures in profit every month thanks to their successful program, Audiobook Income Academy 2.0.
6. Start a niche investment platform ($167K/month)
Starting a niche investment platform as a kid can be an incredible way to tap into modern technology and innovative asset classes. You could create an online exchange that focuses on alternative assets like collectibles, cryptocurrencies, or even up-and-coming athletes. This allows you to engage with specialized investors, earn recurring revenue from transaction fees and premium subscriptions, and build an exclusive user base.
By focusing on niche markets that often fly under the radar, you can provide a unique value proposition that sets you apart from mainstream investment platforms. If you’re interested in creating a transparent trading ecosystem for non-traditional investments, this could be your perfect side business.
Why start a niche investment platform?
- You could create a unique platform that stands out by focusing on specialized investments.
- You could generate recurring revenue through transaction fees and premium subscriptions.
- You could offer asset diversification for investors looking for alternatives to volatile stock markets.
For more information on starting this type of business, check out Starter Story.
How much you can make: $2,000 — $600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
7. Start a stock investing business ($30.3K/month)
Starting a stock investing business as a kid can be an exciting and educational venture that leverages your interest in financial markets. You could buy and sell stocks to generate profits while honing your skills in market analysis, risk management, and strategic decision-making. This business opportunity is perfect if you’re intrigued by numbers and have a passion for finance.
To get started, you’ll need to utilize educational resources and trading platforms to gain the necessary tools and knowledge. Although success in stock investing requires dedication and continuous learning, the potential for high returns could make it a rewarding entrepreneurial journey. For more inspiration, check out some success stories in stock investing.
Why consider starting a stock investing business?
- You could potentially earn high returns by making informed and strategic decisions.
- You’ll gain valuable financial and analytical skills that can benefit you in the long run.
- It's an exciting way to turn your interest in financial markets into a profitable venture.
How much you can make: $4,000 — $160,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Ticker Nerd is a monthly subscription service for investors that surfaces and analyzes trending stocks before the hype train arrives, and now has $4.5k in monthly recurring revenue from its newsletter without spending a single dollar on advertising, having validated the business via subreddits and organic Product Hunt launch strategy.
8. Start a health and wellness app ($108K/month)
Creating a health and wellness app as a kid opens up exciting opportunities to combine your passion for health and technology while helping others live healthier lives. Imagine an app that provides personalized fitness routines, nutrition plans, and mental well-being exercises, guiding users through their wellness journey just like a virtual coach. By taking on this venture, not only could you make a positive impact on many lives, but you could also tap into the rapidly growing health and wellness market.
Building an app like this involves understanding what people need, collaborating with health experts, and learning about app development and marketing. Despite the challenges, the potential rewards make it worth exploring. For more insights and inspiration, you can check out successful stories of other health and wellness app creators here.
Why starting a health and wellness app?
- You'll make a positive difference by helping people live healthier and happier lives.
- You can explore your interests in health and technology while learning valuable entrepreneurial skills.
- With the growing focus on health and wellness, there's a significant market demand providing ample growth opportunities.
How much you can make: $600 — $300,000/month
How long does it take to build: 200 days (?)
Founder and CEO of SelfDecode, Joe Cohen, explains how his company helps people discover personalized diet, supplement, and lifestyle recommendations based on DNA and lab tests; generating about $2.7 million in revenue over the past year and raising $8 million in a crowdfunding campaign, SelfDecode provides personalized health recommendations prioritized on unique genetic variants, marking the future of healthcare.
9. Start a wordpress plugin business ($33.4K/month)
Starting a WordPress plugin business is a great way to leverage your tech skills and creativity. Since many websites rely on plugins for functionality and customization, you could create plugins that solve specific issues. By developing unique and useful plugins, you could earn money by selling them on platforms like CodeCanyon, your own blog, or a dedicated website.
Why start a WordPress plugin business?
- The market for plugins is large, with millions of WordPress websites needing unique functionalities.
- You get to solve real problems for people, which means your work will be in demand.
- It’s a scalable business idea—you could develop more plugins as you learn and grow.
For more tips on how to get started, check out our detailed guide on how to start a WordPress plugin business.
How much you can make: $120 — $120,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $5,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 120 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Wheely Sales CEO Josh created a lucky wheel popup that has grown revenue from $0 to $600/month in just 4 months since getting started and has attracted over 1.1 million users to his customers’ websites, all while proving that when it comes to creating a product, competition is validation.
10. Start a volleyball accessories business
Thinking about turning your passion for volleyball into a business? Consider starting a volleyball accessories business, an enterprise that caters to enthusiasts of this growing sport. This involves creating and selling items like knee pads, wristbands, custom jerseys, nets, and portable ball pumps, ensuring that players have the gear they need to enhance their game.
Recreational sports are gaining more popularity, and athletes constantly seek high-quality, reliable accessories. By offering products tailored to volleyball players' needs, you could tap into a niche market. Running this business will require market research, developing supplier relationships, and creating an online presence. If you love both sports and entrepreneurship, this could be a perfect mix of creativity and practical engagement in a sport you love.
Why start a volleyball accessories business?
- You could connect with fellow volleyball enthusiasts and grow a community around your brand.
- There’s a rising demand for specialized sports gear, allowing you to fill a profitable niche.
- Starting a business while young gives you valuable entrepreneurial experience and the chance to turn a hobby into an income stream.
For more success stories and advice: volleyball accessories business.
How much you can make: $1,000,000/month
CROSSNET, the world's first four-way volleyball game, went from $74,000 in revenue in 2018 to $2,250,000 in sales in just one year by attracting customers through social media, email marketing, and exclusive distribution agreements with retailers like Target.
11. Develop an online survey tool ($304K/month)
Starting an online survey tool could be a fantastic business idea for kids interested in tech and entrepreneurship. It allows you to help businesses collect valuable customer feedback, which is essential for making informed decisions. The demand for online survey tools is growing, and with creativity and dedication, you could carve out a niche in this expanding market.
Developing an online survey tool like Typeform, which reportedly achieved annual recurring revenue of over $70 million, shows that there's significant potential in this field. You could create a tool that offers a survey builder, data collection features, and a reporting system to analyze the data. For more tips and insights on starting an online survey tool business, visit Starter Story's online survey tool success stories.
Why developing an online survey tool?
- You could help businesses improve their products and services by gathering essential customer feedback.
- As a kid, your fresh perspective may lead to innovative and user-friendly survey designs.
- This business requires minimal upfront costs, making it accessible for young entrepreneurs.
How much you can make: $40 — $1,600,000/month
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
GreenRope, a self-funded CRM and marketing automation platform with over 1,000 customers in 20 countries, was built organically and focused on creating a positive, customer-centric culture without outside investment, with an all-in-one interface solving challenges in managing sales, marketing, customer service, and operations.
12. Start an affiliate marketing business ($77.5K/month)
Starting an affiliate marketing business could be a great idea if you're looking to make extra money online. As an affiliate marketer, you will promote other companies' products and services through unique referral links and earn a commission for each sale made through your link. This means you can generate passive income by sharing and promoting products you genuinely like and trust, all while maintaining full control over your schedule.
To get started, you could learn how to find the right products and brands to partner with. For example, you may prefer becoming an affiliate marketer for an eCommerce store and marketing their products for a commission.
Why start an affiliate marketing business?
- You don’t need a lot of money to start; just a computer and internet connection.
- It offers flexible working hours, allowing you to balance school and business.
- You can generate passive income, turning your hobby into a way to make money while you sleep.
For more information on potential earnings, check out this link: affiliate marketing profitability.
How much you can make: $500 — $773,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
This case study explores how Spencer Mecham founded Buildapreneur, an affiliate marketing business, and has made over half a million dollars in profit with no employees, relying solely on content marketing through platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok.
13. Start an online course sales business ($85K/month)
Imagine turning your passion into profit by creating and selling online courses. Whether you're skilled at playing an instrument, crafting, coding, or even baking, you could share your knowledge with the world and make money from it. The e-learning market is booming and expected to be worth over $645 Billion in the next few years, meaning there's a huge potential for your online course business to thrive.
With just a bit of planning, you could create engaging courses that people will pay to learn from. Choose your favorite subject, create content, and select a platform to sell your course. It's a fantastic way to make passive income and share what you love doing. Learn more about starting an online course sales business here.
Why start an online course sales business?
- You could make passive income for years by continuing to sell the same course.
- Sharing something you’re passionate about and knowledgeable in makes teaching easier and more enjoyable.
- Using an online platform allows you to reach a global audience, multiplying your potential earnings.
How much you can make: $100 — $300,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
A multipreneur shares how she built a successful print on demand side hustle, generating $120,000 per year through multiple brands spread over various platforms.
14. Start a subscription box business ($97.9K/month)
Starting a subscription box business could be a fantastic entrepreneurial venture for a kid, especially if you have a keen interest in a specific niche. You could curate exciting, exclusive products and deliver them to your subscribers each month, making it a fun way to engage with your passion while earning some extra money. Understanding your audience and perfecting your box design are key steps, but the effort pays off when customers eagerly anticipate what you've put together for them.
Why starting a subscription box business?
- It's creative and fun, allowing you to share what you love with others.
- A subscription model ensures recurring income, making your business more stable.
- With clear knowledge of your niche, you could build a loyal customer base easily.
For more information, you can explore different aspects, like startup costs and profitability, here.
How much you can make: $400 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $210 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
Vowed Box Co. is a line of curated, quirky gift boxes with non-traditional brides in mind, offering four different products that have helped the business become profitable most months since its launch in 2018, with a monthly income of roughly $600.
15. Start a niche website ($107K/month)
If you're looking for a focused online business idea that allows both creative freedom and potential income, consider starting a niche website. A niche website is centered around a specialized topic that you're passionate about, providing targeted content for a dedicated audience. You'll need to invest time in creating engaging content, researching your chosen niche, and driving traffic to your site using SEO techniques.
Monetization opportunities are varied, including options like affiliate marketing, ad placements, and selling digital products. If you're ready to dive deep into a specific interest, a niche website could become a steady passive income stream after putting in the initial effort. For some inspiring success stories, check out Starter Story's examples of niche website businesses.
Why start a niche website?
- You can turn your passion into profit by sharing what you love with others.
- It's an excellent way to learn valuable skills like content creation and digital marketing at a young age.
- Once established, you could generate passive income, giving you more freedom and time to focus on other interests.
How much you can make: $400 — $250,000/month
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
DPW (Digital Procurement World) is a fast-growing conference and community in procurement that has more than tripled in revenue since launching in 2019, capping out the year at €1.8 million, with 95% of their growth coming from inbound traffic leveraging LinkedIn and applying social selling techniques.
16. Start a stock photography business ($14.6K/month)
Starting a stock photography business is a smart idea for kids who are entrepreneurial-minded and enjoy photography. By uploading high-quality photos to stock photography websites, you could earn passive income as businesses purchase your images for marketing purposes. With just a camera and an online presence, you could turn a hobby into a profitable venture (learn more about profitability).
Why consider starting a stock photography business?
- You already love taking pictures, so why not get paid for it?
- It's an excellent way to generate passive income without constant supervision.
- Building an impressive portfolio could lead to exciting opportunities in the future.
How much you can make: $1,200 — $45,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $3,500 (?)
How long does it take to build: 60 days (?)
Pro Photo Studio founder Tsour Lee Adato shares how she turned a $5k investment into a business that services over 500 clients annually and makes approximately $350k per year with plans to expand and become a 7-figure business while offering advice to fellow entrepreneurs to always be innovating, learning and growing, and not to undervalue themselves.
17. Develop a lead generation tool ($108K/month)
Developing a lead generation tool is a smart move for a tech-savvy kid interested in both software and marketing. By creating a platform that identifies and captures potential customer leads for businesses, you could automate the laborious process of finding new clients, allowing companies to focus on converting these leads into sales. This niche is in high demand as businesses continuously seek more efficient ways to grow their customer base.
The tool you build could integrate with websites, social media channels, and other digital touchpoints to collect valuable data like email addresses, phone numbers, and interests. The more data your tool collects, the more businesses will find value in it, making it a potentially lucrative venture. For inspiration, check out Starter Story's success stories on lead generation tools here.
Why developing a lead generation tool?
- You could automate a tedious process, making it easier for businesses to find new customers.
- The demand for efficient lead generation tools is high, giving you a ready market for your product.
- If you're tech-savvy, this is a great way to use your skills to create something valuable and profitable.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $400,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $600 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Dux-Soup is a LinkedIn automation tool that helps business owners and sales & marketing professionals generate more leads, increase efficiency, and save time; with over 70,000 users and revenue of nearly $5 million, it offers automated top-of-the-funnel LinkedIn outreach activities, targeted LinkedIn campaigns and multi-touch & personalized LinkedIn drip campaigns for lead generation.
18. Start a real estate investment firm ($398K/month)
Starting a real estate investment firm offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurial kids to begin building wealth through property management. Essentially, the business revolves around purchasing, managing, and selling properties to generate profit. This could be an intriguing path if you have a natural flair for spotting valuable real estate and enjoy the idea of handling various aspects like negotiating deals, renovating properties, and managing rentals.
The real estate market presents substantial profit potential through the appreciation of homes, commercial buildings, and even vacant land. Rental properties, on the other hand, can provide a consistent stream of income. With strategic planning and diligent research, your efforts might yield impressive financial returns.
Why consider starting a real estate investment firm?
- Real estate investments can appreciate over time, increasing your wealth.
- Rental properties generate a steady income stream, providing regular financial rewards.
- It allows you to develop valuable skills in property management and financial planning, which are beneficial life skills.
How much you can make: $10,000 — $1,500,000/month
How long does it take to build: 210 days (?)
Equity Residences is a luxury real estate investment fund that has raised $40 million from over 200 investors, offering them access to a portfolio of luxury vacation homes for investment and personal use, with a minimum investment of $161,500 and plans to acquire a further twenty residences ranging from $1.5M to $4M.
19. Print on demand business ($411K/month)
Starting a print-on-demand (POD) business could be an amazing opportunity for kids to make extra money by creating and selling custom products without needing to manage inventory. With online platforms like Etsy, Amazon, and eBay, you could design unique apparel, phone cases, or home goods and reach customers all over the world. POD businesses have low startup costs and are flexible, making it easy to run from home and balance with schoolwork or other activities.
Why start a print-on-demand business?
- You could turn your creativity into profit by designing products people love.
- There’s no need to worry about holding inventory or dealing with shipping logistics.
- It’s a low-risk way to learn about entrepreneurship and build a scalable business at your own pace.
For more detailed information and success stories, check out Starter Story's section on print-on-demand businesses.
How much you can make: $200 — $3,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Founder Roy Kirchner shares how he started an eCommerce business specializing in 3D printing with an initial investment of $65,000, which now averages monthly gross sales of $330,000 and has partnered with international manufacturers and local businesses while offering technical support and education.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
