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Selling lemonade to your neighbors, making bracelets for your friends and family, helping people with their

computer or phone problems—those are all great hobbies. They are also examples of small businesses kids can start. Just like they do for adults, all small businesses start with a good idea that fulfi lls a need. Here’s how to use those ideas to help learn and grow, have fun, and earn some money.

Brainstorm fi rstOne of the best ways to make your business a success is to have it be something you truly enjoy. If you don’t already have an idea in mind, start by creating a list of things you’re passionate about. Your list could include things like helping animals, playing the guitar, and making crafts. Then expand on these ideas to see how they could be businesses. For example, you could pet sit or walk people’s dogs while they’re at work or teach guitar to younger kids.

Evaluate your optionsNext, consider the need for your services. For example, if you know there are other kids in your town who walk dogs or teach music, then there might not be enough customers left for you. If you’re thinking of making a product to sell, do some research online with your parents to see what similar products already exist.

Make a planOnce you have your business idea nailed down, think about what you’ll need to make it happen. Do you need supplies, such as dog treats, rakes for yard cleaning, or craft supplies? Would training be helpful? For example, people often take CPR or babysitting classes before babysitting kids. Invest in these things before you launch your business. This is also a good time to set goals. Maybe you want to meet new people in your community or make enough money to buy a bike.

Spread the wordIn order to get customers, you need to

spread the word about your business. You can pass out fl iers, set up a table at the end of your driveway to sell your goods, or ask your parents to put a

message on local group Facebook pages.

Manage your earningsIt’s important to keep close track of how much money you spend, such as your supply costs, and

how much you make. Keep a tally in a notebook, and look at the numbers often. How much does your product cost to make, compared to how much you charge? How much money are you making per hour of your time? (Another thing to keep in mind is that if your business makes more than $400, you need to pay taxes next year. Be sure to talk to your parents for help with that.)

WOW!There are more

than 30 million small

businesses in the US.

How to...

The Week Junior • August 13, 2021

Start your own business

These books and movies feature businesses that kids are involved in. Read or watch them for some inspiration of your own.

The Baby-Si� ers Club: Kristy’s Great IdeaThe fi rst in a series, this book (and movie and TV series) by Ann M. Martin follows a group of teenagers who work together to launch a babysitting business.

Good Job, Kanani This book by Lisa Yee features a young girl who loves to work at her family’s shaved ice stand but has to learn to balance the demands of the business with what her friends want her to do.

Spy KidsWhen the family business is something as cool as spying, it’s no wonder kids want to get in on the action. Watch as two kids work to save their parents from an evil mastermind.

We Bought a ZooWhat would you do if your dad bought a zoo? That’s what happens to the three kids in this movie, who are skeptical at fi rst but end up loving their new family business so much that they’re determined to save it when it runs into fi nancial trouble.

Save your earnings.

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If you want to be an entrepreneur, give it a try with these steps.

Watch and read

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