Are you looking for small business ideas for 13 year olds and want to become your own boss? You’re not alone! Many teens are eager to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and start their own businesses.
With so many creative and exciting ideas out there, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re passionate about technology, crafts, or services, there’s a business idea that can help you tap into your skills and interests while earning money and gaining valuable experience.
Starting a small business at a young age can teach you important life skills, including responsibility, time management, and financial planning.
Plus, it gives you the chance to explore your entrepreneurial spirit and work toward turning your passion into profit.
The good news is, there are plenty of small business ideas that are simple to start with little upfront investment. From offering tech services to launching a homemade product line, you don’t need a lot of resources to get started.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of entrepreneurship, we’ve gathered a list of the top 13 small business ideas for 13 year olds in the US.
Read on to discover which ideas spark your interest and start your journey toward becoming a young business owner!
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Top 20 Small Business Ideas for 13 Year Olds
1. Become a lemonade seller
One of the most popular small business ideas for 13 year olds is starting a lemonade stand. With the demand for lemonade rising as more people discover its health and nutritional benefits, this classic business idea is making a strong comeback.
According to research, the lemonade market is growing at a CAGR of 5.7% and is expected to surpass $2.651 million in the next few years.
For young entrepreneurs, setting up a lemonade stand at a busy location is a smart and low-cost way to start a business.
You can prepare fresh lemonade at home and set up a drive-through or walk-up stand in your neighborhood or at local events.
This type of business teaches important skills such as budgeting, customer service, and marketing. Plus, it’s fun and rewarding to see your efforts turn into profit, making it an ideal choice among small business ideas for 13-year-olds.
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2. Start an errand service
Offering errand services is one of the most practical small business ideas for 13 year olds who want to help people and earn money at the same time.
Errand services assist individuals and businesses with daily tasks like grocery shopping, picking up and sorting mail, going to the bank, and more.
As busy schedules become the norm, many people are happy to pay for an extra set of hands to complete their chores efficiently.
Starting an errand business is relatively simple and doesn’t require a large investment, making it a great option for young entrepreneurs.
You can attract customers by offering package deals or discounts for regular clients, which helps in building a loyal customer base.
Most errand services charge by the hour, but you can also add mileage fees if driving is involved. This idea not only teaches responsibility and time management but also builds customer service skills.
3. Become an author
Becoming an author is one of the most creative small business ideas for 13 year olds who have a passion for writing and storytelling.
As an author, you can create and publish written works like books, novels, or articles that reflect your unique ideas and imagination.
There are two main paths: traditional publishing, where you submit your manuscript to a publishing house or agent, or self-publishing, which gives you full control over the process and marketing.
Many young authors today use self-publishing platforms to release their stories online or in print. Being an author can open doors to several income streams, including book sales, royalties, and even paid opportunities like speaking events or writing workshops.
Not only does writing improve creativity and communication skills, but it also allows young entrepreneurs to build a personal brand and connect with an audience.
With dedication, 13-year-olds can turn their writing hobby into a rewarding business.
4. Start a custom illustrating business
Starting a custom illustration business is one of the most creative and rewarding small business ideas for 13 year olds with artistic talent.
Today, many businesses rely on visuals to market products and services, and custom illustrations offer brands a unique and engaging way to communicate with their audience.
Unlike stock images, custom illustrations capture a company’s personality and help deliver a stronger, more authentic brand message.
Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook thrive on visual content, making custom artwork highly valuable. To launch this business, young illustrators can develop their drawing, painting, and computer graphics skills, either through self-study or formal classes.
Creating a portfolio to showcase different styles and projects will help attract clients. Once established, a custom illustration business can offer services to local businesses, online brands, influencers, or even sell prints and digital artwork. It’s a perfect blend of art, passion, and entrepreneurship!
5. Start a tutoring business
Starting a tutoring side hustle is one of the most practical and rewarding small business ideas for 13 year olds who excel in academics or have a passion for teaching.
As a young tutor, you can help peers or younger students improve in subjects like math, English, or science while earning extra income.
To get started, choose a subject or niche you’re confident in and enjoy teaching. Next, spread the word among friends, family, and neighbors, or use social media to promote your services.
You can also create simple flyers or a basic website to showcase your skills and rates. Online tutoring platforms like Zoom or Google Meet make it easy to offer virtual lessons, making this a flexible business you can run after school or on weekends.
Whether part-time or full-time, tutoring allows you to build communication, leadership, and teaching skills while making a positive difference in others’ education.
6. Start a candy making business
Starting a candy-making venture is one of the most creative small business ideas for 13 year olds who enjoy crafting sweets and experimenting in the kitchen.
To get started, you’ll need essential ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, food coloring, and flavoring extracts, along with tools such as a candy thermometer and silicone molds. Setting up a clean kitchen space or workspace is crucial for preparing and storing your creations safely.
Begin by developing a variety of delicious candy recipes, which may require some trial and error and research on trending flavors.
Once you’ve mastered a few crowd-pleasers, start taking customer orders and tailoring treats to their preferences. To promote your candy business, consider selling online at local events, or partnering with coffee shops and gift stores.
With creativity, patience, and smart marketing, this candy-making business can become a rewarding and profitable venture, allowing you to turn your sweet hobby into a thriving enterprise.
7. Start a bakery
Starting a bakery is one of the most appealing small business ideas for 13 year olds who have a passion for baking and want to turn it into a fun and profitable venture.
Whether you enjoy making sweet treats like cakes, muffins, and cookies or savory favorites like bread, buns, and pizzas, baked goods are always in demand. Since baking requires skill, time, and patience, many people prefer buying these items rather than making them at home, creating a great business opportunity.
To launch your bakery, start by perfecting a few crowd-pleasing recipes and focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Consider offering your baked goods at local markets, school events, or even online to reach more customers.
Remember, satisfied customers are more likely to return and recommend your bakery to others. Prioritizing quality, creativity, and customer service will help you build a successful and rewarding baking business.
To start a bakery , pick an ideal format. Some options include:
- Counter-style bakery
- A hybrid bakery with a cafe,
- Food truck with a bakery
- Home bakery.
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8. Become a cake decorator
Becoming a cake decorator is one of the most creative and rewarding small business ideas for 13 year olds who love baking and have an artistic flair.
This business allows you to design and hand-decorate specialty cakes for birthdays, weddings, and special events, turning your passion into edible art.
To get started, focus on learning essential cake decorating techniques, such as piping, fondant work, and sugar flowers.
Invest in quality tools and ingredients to ensure your creations look and taste amazing. Build a portfolio by photographing your best cakes and sharing them on social media or a simple website.
Marketing is key—reach out to local wedding planners, event coordinators, bakeries, and friends to spread the word about your business.
With dedication, creativity, and a strong customer focus, cake decorating can turn into a fun and profitable venture, even for a motivated young entrepreneur.
9. Start a jewelry design business
Jewelry design is an exciting and creative business that can turn passion into profit, making it one of the top small business ideas for 13 year olds.
By launching a jewelry design business, you can craft unique, custom pieces that reflect personal style, stories, and artistic vision.
To start, you’ll need to learn crafting techniques, source quality materials, and create jewelry such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.
Online platforms like Etsy or your own website are great ways to showcase and sell your creations, giving you access to a wider audience.
While jewelry design is an artistic outlet, it requires persistence and attention to detail. You’ll need to stay updated with trends, continuously improve your skills, and effectively manage customer relationships.
Whether you’re starting small from home or aiming to grow into a full-scale brand, jewelry design offers ample opportunities to create beautiful and valuable products, making it an exciting business idea to explore.
10. Start a clothing designing business
A clothing design business offers a creative and entrepreneurial opportunity to conceptualize stylish apparel and accessories, and is one of the most popular small business ideas for 13 year olds.
This business involves designing clothing, selecting fabrics, assembling prototypes, and planning production and distribution.
To succeed in the competitive clothing market, it’s important to stay informed about industry trends and focus on a niche, such as sportswear or business formalwear.
Digital design tools are essential for creating and refining designs, while lean manufacturing helps control production costs. Social media marketing and influencer partnerships can boost brand visibility and attract customers.
By combining business skills with appealing, innovative designs, you can carve out a space for your brand in the apparel industry.
Building a brand that resonates with consumers and focusing on quality, customer service, and marketing can lead to long-term growth in the fashion market.
11. Start an artistry business
Starting an artistry business allows you to turn your passion for art into a profitable venture. Whether you create paintings, sculptures, digital designs, or custom crafts, this business requires not only creativity but also strategic marketing, sales, and customer engagement.
To succeed, you’ll need to establish a strong online presence, using platforms like Etsy or showcasing your work in local galleries.
Understanding your market and actively engaging with potential buyers are key components of growing your business.
While crafting your art is the core of the venture, balancing creativity with business skills will ensure long-term success.
By building a recognizable brand and maintaining high-quality customer service, you can transform your artistry into a sustainable income. This business offers the rewarding opportunity to share your unique creations with the world, providing both financial stability and personal fulfillment.
12. Start a dog walking business
Are you a dog lover looking for small business ideas for 13-year-olds? Turning your passion for animals into a side hustle is a great way to earn extra income while doing something you love.
As a dog walker, sitter, or boarder, you can earn between $10,000 and $30,000 annually, depending on the number of clients and services you offer.
To get started, register on popular dog-walking apps like Rover or Wag, and create a compelling profile that highlights your experience, skills, and genuine love for dogs.
Offering services such as daily walks, overnight sitting, or boarding can help you cater to a wide range of dog owners in your area.
By providing reliable and caring services, you can build a loyal client base and create a successful dog-related business. With your passion and dedication, this can be a rewarding side hustle that helps both you and the pets you care for.
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13. Mobile pet grooming business
A mobile pet grooming business offers the convenience of professional grooming services right at the doorstep of pet owners, making it a sought-after service.
You’ll be able to travel to clients’ homes with a fully equipped grooming van, providing personalized grooming services for pets such as bathing, haircuts, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
This business is ideal for pet lovers who enjoy working with animals and can manage the logistics of traveling between client locations.
It allows you to offer a unique, time-saving service to busy pet owners who prefer not to transport their pets to a grooming salon.
To start a mobile pet grooming business, you’ll need a reliable vehicle, grooming equipment, and licenses to operate legally.
With a solid marketing plan, like advertising locally and through social media, you can build a loyal client base and enjoy the satisfaction of helping pets look their best.
FAQs
What are some easy small business ideas for 13-year-olds?
Great options include pet sitting, lawn mowing, babysitting, handmade crafts, tutoring younger kids, or starting a YouTube or TikTok channel. These businesses require little startup money and allow you to work locally or online.
Do I need my parents’ permission to start a business?
Yes, as a 13-year-old, you will usually need a parent or guardian’s permission to start a business, especially if it involves money management, contracts, or working for customers outside your family.
Can I make money online as a 13-year-old?
Yes! You can make money by selling crafts on platforms like Etsy (with adult supervision), starting a YouTube channel, offering digital services like graphic design, or running a gaming or tutoring business.
How can I promote my small business?
Start by telling friends, family, and neighbors. You can also use social media (with parental help), create flyers, or ask happy customers for referrals.
What skills can I learn by starting a business at 13?
You can learn time management, communication, problem-solving, budgeting, customer service, and marketing — all valuable life skills!
Conclusion
Starting a small business at 13 is a great way to build confidence, learn valuable skills, and earn extra money. With creativity, determination, and support from family, young entrepreneurs can turn their passions into exciting ventures. It’s never too early to explore your talents and follow your business dreams!
References
- 11 Business Ideas for Teens in 2025 – Shopify
- 40 Best Small Business Ideas for Teens in 2024 – Ownr Blog
