Many entrepreneur success stories start with the famous words: “I started a business as a teenager”. The teenage years are a critical time for one’s development. These years allow for one to experiment, develop new skills, and start learning about business at a young age.
School is an essential step required to help prepare young minds to become great contributors in society. Entrepreneurship can be an additional path that helps teenagers gain knowledge, skills, and real-life experience.
With the right support, teenagers can create businesses that not only generate an income but also solve societal challenges. In this article, we’ll discuss ways to encourage teenage entrepreneurship as well as various business ideas for teenagers.
How to Encourage Teenage Entrepreneurship?
Encouraging teenage entrepreneurship can be as simple as acknowledging a gift your child has and using it for inspiration for a business. For instance, if a teenager has a creative eye and can draw, you can lead them in the direction of starting a design business. Here’s how you can play your role in helping encourage entrepreneurship amongst teenagers:
1. Introduce Real World Skills Early
Practical learning often helps people grasp concepts better. Introduce concepts like budgeting and saving, and teach them how to track their money. In business, handling money is an essential skill that can’t be overlooked.
This helps them understand cash flow, plan for business growth, and scale their businesses at a steady pace. For instance, if they need to invest in equipment to help them work quickly, they need to learn to save the money they make from their business, and only pay themselves a portion of what they make.
2. Sign Them Up With SA Teen Entrepreneur
The SA Teen Entrepreneur Foundation is a non-profit organisation that exists to cultivate entrepreneurship amongst high school learners in South Africa. Interested learners get the chance to attend seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and more.
The platform also has a variety of tools. These tools include: a marketing plan, IT training, and a range of business-in-a-box plans, which are instructional manuals that teach teens how to start and run a business.
3. Let Them Explore
Teenagers are still finding themselves, discovering their interests and developing skills. In starting a business, it’s important that you give them room to test different ideas to see which one they can commit to.
Expose them to various interests such as content creation, art, fashion, design, and more. Instead of projecting a certain idea, allow them to find what works.
4. Give Them Decision-Making Power
Teenagers are young and new to business, but they can make decisions. Even though they might need adult guidance, business is all about trial and error, and the only way for them to learn is through decision-making.
This way, they can see what works, what doesn’t work, and make the necessary changes in their businesses. Allow them to make decisions regarding branding and how the business will be run. You can guide them along the way if they make mistakes.
Business Ideas for Teenagers in South Africa
Below are ideas that do not require large capital or specialised restrictions. Hence, these ideas are suitable for teenagers. They carry low risk, allowing entrepreneurs to start small and scale as they go, turning into long-term income streams.
1. Content Creation and Digital Services
Teenagers already understand digital platforms better than most adults. With the rise of short-form video and niche communities, micro-services are in demand.
Some high-potential digital ideas include:
- Social media management for small businesses.
- Video editing for content creators.
- Graphic design for posters, events, or small brands.
This kind of business is achievable as these services can be performed with only a smartphone and free editing apps.
2. Tutoring and Academic Support
Tutoring is one of the most popular and stable business opportunities for teenagers. High school learners who excel in subjects like mathematics, accounting, or physical sciences can tutor younger students who need to improve in those subjects.
A tutoring business is a good option for teenage tutors. It might be a more suitable solution for teens, as students who struggle with certain subjects might be more comfortable getting help from a peer, as opposed to older tutors who might be intimidating.
3. Craft and Handmade Product Businesses
Teenagers with creative interests can start a small business where they make and sell products. Handmade products you can sell include:
- Art
- Handmade jewellery
- Keychains
- Personalised bottles and cups
- Scented candles
- Beaded accessories
Platforms such as Facebook Marketplace or WhatsApp Business are free and effective tools that can be used to promote a business and communicate with customers.
4. Beauty and Grooming Services
Teenagers with a passion and a gift for beauty can offer beauty services. This may require adult supervision and training in the early stages of the business. Teenagers can offer simple beauty services. Some of the most popular options include:
- Nail art
- Make-up
- Braiding or cornrows
- Hair styling
5. Gardening and Home Services
Many homeowners need help with small tasks. This provides a gap for teenagers who have businesses. In-demand services include the following:
- Lawn cutting
- Car washing
- Pet walking
- Pet sitting
- House sitting
- Pool cleaning
What is the Legal Age for Registering a Business?
To register a business, you have to be 18 years old. However, if you are younger than 18, you can still start a business and register it when you eventually turn 18. Many entrepreneurs started off young without registered businesses.
However, it’s important that you do your research to ensure that the business you want to start doesn’t strictly require a permit.
