21 Fun Business Ideas for Kids to Try in 2026

The best business ideas for kids start with what they already love doing. For Riley Kinnane-Petersen, her entrepreneurial journey started, like a lot of kids, with a lemonade stand.

When she was 5 years old, Riley set up her annual lemonade stand and decided to also offer necklaces she had been making from cast-off jewelry parts. When her dad John posted the pieces on his Instagram account, his followers were smitten and wanted to buy Riley’s creations. Fast-forward to 2026, and her brand Gunner & Lux is available at boutiques across the country. 

In this article, explore 21 business ideas for kids and learn how to help them foster their interests and build valuable life skills by becoming entrepreneurs. 

Skills kids learn by running a business 

When kids start a business before they graduate high school, they learn valuable skills that they may not get in the classroom. What’s more, entrepreneurship gives kids a hands-on way to learn real-world skills, which can be a more effective learning style for some children. A child who struggles with workbook exercises might connect better with math or reading when it's positioned as building a website, coming up with marketing materials, or managing inventory. 

When kidpreneur Lily Harper left school due to bullying, her mom struggled to get her to learn the curriculum through homeschooling. 

“We realized that studying from a book was really hard for her,” Lily’s mom, Chloe, tells Shopify. 

“She wanted to just get up and run around and do things. I called my mom, and she said to me, ‘Build boxes. Make a pretend store. Just learn through play.’ So we did.” 

The two launched a candle business, helping Lily thrive with a learning style that suited her energetic personality.

Below are some specific skills kids can learn when running a business: 

How to manage money

Running a business gives children the experience of managing their profits and expenses. Tori Dunlap, founder of financial literacy company Her First $100K, started a business as a kid after her dad bought a gumball machine. 

Her dad’s investment in the machine served as a loan, which she had to pay back before using the profits for anything else. It took her about a year and a half to pay him back, but the experience helped her develop important entrepreneurial skills. 

“I understood profit and loss,” she says on Shopify Masters. “I was literally signing checks for my product. I opened my first savings account and checking account when I was like 9 or 10. I understood that you can’t expand your business unless you have money to do so. Every couple of weeks, I was asking my dad, ‘Can we get another one?’ And he’s like, ‘No, you haven’t paid me back.’”

By the time she graduated high school, she had worked her way up to 15 machines. Eleven years later, she sold the business. As luck would have it, the buyer was a 10-year-old named Tori. 

Collaboration

Building a business requires many nuanced skills, like web design, writing, and advertising, and young entrepreneurs aren’t expected to know how to do everything themselves. To fill those gaps in their knowledge, pint-sized business owners need to get comfortable asking friends and family for input and help. 

When elementary school student Kheris Rogers’s hashtag went viral on social media, she pushed herself to dream up a complementary company. In a matter of days, she launched Flexin’ In My Complexion with help from her family; her mom contacted a friend who made T-shirts, while her sister designed a website. 

“There’s nothing wrong with asking for help,” Kheris says on Shopify Masters. “A lot of people are too scared, but when you need the help, go get it.”

Listening and creative problem-solving

Running a business gives kids a unique opportunity to find creative ways to solve common problems. For example, Drew Michael Scott, founder of home décor brand Lone Fox, found his entrepreneurial footing at age 10 by selling a solution to a problem he identified among his peers. 

“I was a Boy Scout, so I was using this plastic lace to create key chains.” he says on Shopify Masters. “And the thing was, with these key chains, you can only buy the string in hundred-yard sections. Everyone wanted many colors, but you couldn’t buy that many. So I decided to buy the rolls and sell them in smaller increments so that people could choose their colors and sizes. And it actually did pretty well.”

Since then, Drew has made it a practice to start any business venture by listening to his audience and developing with their needs in mind. 

“Connecting with an audience and seeing what they were looking for, and that’s what guided me to then create the products and the assortment that I do,” Drew says.

Ideas for young makers

• Inventor of the Next Big Thing
• Magnificent maker
• Clothing designer
• Budding artist
• Kids’ book author
• Baking boss
• Greeting card designer
• Subscription business owner

Creative kids with an entrepreneurial streak have many different avenues they can pursue. Here are eight ideas that are packed with fun (and potential):

Inventor of the Next Big Thing

With a bit of guidance, kids can invent a product they either make by hand or have manufactured to sell online. The best inventions often start by identifying a problem they’re experiencing and developing a creative product to solve it.

Gabby Goodwin’s business, GaBBY Bows, began because she wanted better hair barrettes that wouldn’t constantly slide off, so she teamed up with her mother to create a double-snap barrette that securely holds hair in place for activities like dance practice and soccer. 

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A post shared by GaBBY Bows - Confidence®️ by Gabby Goodwin (@gabbybows)

Gabby started her business at 7 years old and continues to run GaBBY Bows as a university student. Her entrepreneurship has even led to a book deal with HarperCollins and a million dollars in scholarship offers. 

Magnificent maker 

With parental support, kids can sell handcrafted goods like beaded jewelry, soaps, and bath bombs on online marketplaces. There are countless kid-friendly crafts to make and sell, such as crochet wares and decorative pillows. Let your child choose something that sparks their interest, and they’ll be more likely to stick with it through production, marketing, and selling.

Nic Bianchi launched his own business after receiving a candle-making kit for his 12th birthday. Fascinated by the science behind it, he started Bianchi Candle Co., which he continues to operate as a young adult.

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A post shared by Bianchi Candle Brands (@bianchicandlebrands)

Some crafts require an initial investment for supplies, but older kids can often manage production independently. With proper supervision, kids can also learn to build a simple website and online store they can use to sell their creations.

Clothing designer 

If your child likes fashion, becoming a clothing designer could be a viable entrepreneurial path for them. Fashion design is also a bold way to make a statement, which was the case for Kheris, who started Flexin’ In My Complexion when she was 10. 

After classmates bullied her for her skin tone, Kheris wanted a way to show that she was proud of her complexion. Her sister shared a picture of Kheris with the hashtag #flexininmycomplexion, which went viral. The response inspired the sisters to sell T-shirts with the same message.

“We started it the day after I said that, and [we built] a company literally in the span of two days,” Kheris said on an episode of Shopify Masters. “Then, it sold out in 10 minutes.”

Kheris still runs the business today and has expanded into hoodies and accessories. 

Budding artist 

Parents can nurture a love of art, craft, or design by introducing kids to the business potential of their creative pursuits. 

A budding artist has a few options, such as selling their art at a sidewalk pop-up or opening an online store and using print-on-demand to sell their art on T-shirts, mugs, or stickers without paying for inventory up front. That way, they can launch an online store with little initial investment. Another option for young artists is to host in-person or online art lessons for other kids.

Kids’ book author

If your little one has a big imagination, they might want to write a book and bring it to life through self-publishing. 

Take Simone Hufana, the entrepreneur behind coloring book brand Color Herstory. Simone, who struggled to love her features because they didn’t resemble those of her classmates, channeled her desire for representation into a series of coloring books celebrating influential women of color, such as Sade and Selena. 

Your child can start by self-publishing in digital form only, which carries a lower cost and could become a passive income stream. If your kid’s book is a hit, you could print and sell physical copies as well.

Baking boss

If your child likes to help in the kitchen, they can start a business that lets them explore their love of cooking. A baking business also helps kids learn basic math skills as they scale recipes. 

Help your kid turn their hobby into a business by baking cakes for birthday parties or selling treats at the local farmer’s market.

Greeting card designer

For children interested in art and graphic design, parents can help them start a greeting card business. Kids can learn to use digital programs, like Canva or Adobe Illustrator, or scan handmade cards and use print-on-demand services to sell their cards online.

This business idea can also help kids grow their social skills if parents print a batch of cards for their kids to sell at a local market.

Subscription business owner

A subscription business can be a fun challenge for creative kids who want to come up with a new product idea every month or quarter. It’s also a worthwhile lesson in honoring commitments.

Years before founding Lone Fox, Drew launched a monthly stamp club for scrapbookers. The idea came from his YouTube audience—one he'd built as a teenager by posting scrapbooking videos. “It would auto-charge them every month if they were subscribed to this club,” he said on Shopify Masters. “I would design them and then have a stamp manufacturer make them.”

Parents can help kids set up a recurring payment with the Shopify Subscriptions app, which is free with any Shopify site and managed right from your admin.

Budget business ideas for kids

• Online content creator
• Lemonade stand operator
• Park or beach vendor
• Professional gamer

Your child doesn’t need to spend a lot to start a successful business. Here are four kid-friendly business ideas that are easy to launch on a budget.

Online content creator

If your kid has a big personality and a strong interest in a hobby, like fashion or cooking, they can become a content creator. Content creation doesn’t require many tools: A phone, an internet connection, and an account on a platform like TikTok are all they need to get started. Parents can layer on professional recording equipment and lights later.

An online content creator can share video reviews, demonstrations, or unboxings of their favorite products on platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok, or on podcast networks.

Content creation can evolve into a business, monetized through advertising, sponsorships, or merchandise. That’s how it happened for Meg DeAngelis, a creator and actress who started on YouTube. 

As a teenager, Meg began to post cheerleading content on YouTube. Since then, she has grown her following on other platforms, like TikTok, where she has 1.6 million followers, and has worked with brands like Dr. Althea and EOS. 

Aspiring content creators can gain confidence and technical skills that prepare them for high school, college, and creative careers. Parents should be sure to monitor social channels for safety.

Lemonade stand operator

Don’t write off the most classic example of kid commerce: the lemonade stand. This venture helps young entrepreneurs develop people skills and sales experience, and can sometimes lead to bigger opportunities.

Mikaila Ulmer’s lemonade stand, which she started at age 4, grew into Me & the Bees Lemonade, a national brand now available in Target, World Market, and Amazon.

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A post shared by Me & The Bees Lemonade (@mikailasbees)

This is a flexible business model. Kids can experiment with unique lemonade flavors or expand to include homemade treats, crafts, or even plant seedlings.

Park or beach vendor 

Parents looking to fill long summers with fun and educational experiences can help their kids start a vending business. Kids can buy products in bulk (with funding from parent “investors”) and sell items like water, frozen pops, or sunscreen at local events, parks, or beaches. Think of it as a mobile version of the classic lemonade stand.

Some venues and city parks require permits or vendor fees, and parents should expect to be hands-on. Give kids ownership by letting them design signage or create a unique cart or booth.

Professional gamer

Professional gamers can stream their gameplay on platforms like Twitch and YouTube (with parental supervision), and earn money through subscriptions and ads. Make sure to check the age restrictions on each platform so your child’s account is in compliance. 

There are several other ways to monetize a gaming audience. For example, Sean Reyes, owner of auto parts company Shock Surplus, started flexing his entrepreneurial muscle before he started high school. Back then, he created video game characters for massive online roleplaying games, selling them on eBay for upwards of $1,000. 

While gaming systems and games can be pricey, there are also cost-effective solutions: you can rent video games, and sometimes even video game consoles, from the library, or buy older models that may be cheaper. 

Service business ideas for kids

• Peer-to-peer tutor
• Plant or pet sitter
• Tiny tech support
• Skateboard repair tech
• Neighborhood helper
• Babysitting boss

With a service business, a kid can earn money through their time and expertise. Here are a few ideas to try: 

Peer-to-peer tutor

Studious kids can start a business tutoring younger children and classmates. This type of business requires strong communication skills and expertise in specific academic subjects.

Parents can help their children understand different learning styles to better serve their students. With parental guidance, kids can create a simple booking website for scheduling sessions.

Plant or pet sitter 

Plant care, pet sitting, and dog walking services have long been popular business ideas for kids looking to earn extra cash. Kids who enjoy taking care of furry family members can turn these skills into a small pet business. 

Parents can help create a simple website highlighting services and prices, even accepting online bookings and payments.

Tiny tech support

Gen Alpha—kids born roughly between 2010 and 2024—have grown up more immersed in technology from a young age than any generation before. This is an opportunity for kids to use these digital skills to help others who are less tech-savvy.

“Technology is such a big influence on the way they see the world, the kind of opportunities, the kind of skills they want to develop,” says Abdaal Mazhar Shafi, an entrepreneur who started creating businesses as a child and is now a partner at Quantum Lead, the consultancy firm he founded.

Parents can help their kids start a business by advertising tech support services to neighbors and the local community. 

Skateboard repair tech

If your child is into skateboarding, they already have a built-in audience: other kids at the skate park. With affordable tools and YouTube tutorials, an enterprising kid can set up a local skateboard repair service. Using a mobile approach, they can offer on-the-spot repairs like tightening or changing wheels.

Neighborhood helper

Kids can launch a small business to provide services right in their own neighborhood, like leaf raking, snow removal, car washing, or lawn care.

For example, AC Hampton, the founder of dropshipping education company Supreme Ecom, started a lawn mowing business called Hampton Lawns when he was 12. He charged about $10 to $15 per lawn. 

To market their business, kids can design flyers and find clients by visiting neighbors and asking for referrals. Or, with parental help, they can set up a simple Shopify store and sell time slots using an appointment-booking app. 

Babysitting boss

Taking care of younger children is a classic business idea for older kids and teens. To earn their credentials, young people can take babysitting and first aid courses. Then, they might use word-of-mouth marketing to let families in the neighborhood know about their services. 

Once they have a few happy customers, they can use their good reputation to grow their business. Your child can find new clients by asking the families they work with to recommend them to others, or featuring reviews online. 

Sustainable business ideas for kids

• Social impact champion
• Recycling collector or upcycler
• Reseller

Sustainable business ideas are beneficial to the environment or society. Here are three sustainable businesses kids can try: 

Social impact champion

Social causes can inspire great business ideas for kids. For example, Gen Alpha is particularly aware of climate change. One way kids can start a climate-positive venture is by running a neighborhood composting service. Your child might sell neighbors buckets to keep their food scraps, and on a set day each week, they can go around collecting the items for a small fee. To persuade their community to participate, your child should be able to explain how composting works and its benefits. 

A nonprofit model is another way to make a social impact. With an adult’s help, kids can donate proceeds from any type of business to a cause they care about. They might also use technical skills for good, offering free services to nonprofits.

Recycling collector or upcycler

Don’t wait for Earth Day to teach your kids about sustainability. If your city has a recycling program, collecting recyclables is a great way for kids to make money while helping the environment. In many regions, they can exchange bottles and cans for cash.

Kids can also collect specific types of waste to transform into new products, like turning used plastic bags into stylish totes. Riley of Gunner & Lux started her jewelry business by upcycling old jewelry parts.

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A post shared by GUNNER & LUX (@gunnerandlux)

Reseller

Reselling is a low-investment business idea for kids interested in fashion, trends, décor, or vintage clothing. Kids can earn spending money by searching local thrift stores or yard sales for unique finds and reselling them through online marketplaces or their online store, potentially saving them from the landfill. 

Many resellers use Instagram to reveal new “drops” in their stores. With parental supervision, this is a great way for kids to learn social media for business.