Five Reasons Kids and Teens Start Their Own Business

While researching for my current book project, WHEN OPPORTUNITY BARKS, LET HIM IN stories of kids finding opportunity in business, I was interested in the motivations of why kids and teens started their own businesses. This essay focuses on the top five reasons for launching a business enterprise.

1. They’re influenced by role models -

A few of the stories I’ve received from children mentioned following the footsteps of a creative parent or friend into artistic pursuits that led to wanting to offer their creations for sell. A featured story tells of two sisters that was influenced by their mother’s crafts business. While young, they learned the creative process and marketing skills at their mother’s knee. The sisters are now creating jewelry and other items for sale at local markets.

Other kids are influenced by YouTube and TikTok content creatures and successful entrepreneurial friends. 

One might say, “Success nearby makes it feel possible.”

2. They want money of their own -

Not just allowance money, earned money” is a powerful motivator.Kids want things, not necessarily given to them, and they see that making their own money those desires can be realized. I met one young entrepreneur that is setting aside money for her own living expenses for college. Another started her car detailing business to relieve pressure from her parents’ financial difficulties.

Starting a business feels empowering and fair: “If I work harder or smarter, I make more and the more I have I can get the things I want.”

3. They want independence and control -

Closely related to Reason #2, having independence is freeing to young entrepreneurs. Choosing their hours, their rules, and their ideas beats being told what to do. Will they make mistakes? Sure, but the kid's resilience will likely win-out. Even small autonomy feels huge at that age.

4. They’re good at something specific -

Kids and teens often develop skills and expertise through their education, interests, or hobbies be it gaming, art, coding, editing videos, fixing bikes, caring for animals, collecting action figurines, or baking, business often starts as “people keep asking me to do this.” Making money is a natural extension of their passions.

5. They enjoy the challenge and thrill -

Some kids are entrepreneurial by heart, risk-takers, if you will! Creating an idea and seeing it through. Making the first sale. Getting a repeat customer. Watching numbers grow. It’s a game, but with real consequences and real wins. At an Acton, Academy Children’s Business Fair nearby, I saw natural kidpreneurs proudly …boldly…fearlessly promote their business and sell their wares. They enjoy the challenge of doing something on their own and the thrill of moving toward success.

Let me know what you or your child’s motivation is for doing business. Or did this essay inspire you to consider the motivations for starting your own business?

If you would like to be featured in my book, contact me at terry@AuthorsEasel.com.