5 Entrepreneurial Ventures for High Schoolers

If you have an idea, it’s never too soon to act.

An entrepreneur conceptualizes, begins, and runs their own business — through this process, they become their own boss.

This workplace autonomy aligns perfectly with the priorities of Gen Z. According to Forbes, this generation is reported to be much more productive when they are left to work at their own pace — and without micromanagement. So, it’s no surprise that 75% of the high school Class of 2023 had already explored entrepreneurship in some capacity.

Today, there are over 31 million entrepreneurs in America. Their businesses range from specialized products to essential services, combating problems for both niche and widespread markets. Gen Z is ready to join them.

There’s no one way to become an entrepreneur. This blog explores the benefits of pre-college entrepreneurship, the resources available to you, and a few ideas to get you started.

Benefits of Early Entrepreneurship

If you have an entrepreneurial mindset — you’re ambitious, resilient, and willing to learn  — starting young may benefit you in the long run. For example, entrepreneurial experience can teach you:

• Financial literacy and budgeting.
• Advanced interpersonal communication skills.
• Your strengths — and growth opportunities — in the workplace.
• How to advocate for yourself and others.

If you plan on attending college, entrepreneurial experience can help your application stand out. Starting your own business proves that you are driven, confident, and self-sufficient — exactly the type of student any school would see as an asset.

No matter your interests, there are a plethora of entrepreneurial opportunities available to you as a high school student. Explore our top 5 below.

The Big Idea

Though creating a small business can be scary, each one starts small — with an idea. No matter your interests or area of expertise, here are five tried-and-true small business ventures that are not only manageable, but fun!

Sell a Product

Have you imagined a genius invention? Have you learned a new art skill? If so, use your talents to create and sell a product. It doesn’t need to be complex — get creative!

• Design a tool that solves an everyday problem.
• Make and sell your own line of clay pots.
• Paint custom leather sneakers.
• 3-D print a collection of office gadgets.
• Rework thrifted clothing into something completely new.

Then, market your product using the tools you have accessible to you. Make posters to put up around your school, open an Etsy shop, or start a social media campaign. The sky’s the limit!

As you face — and solve — all the challenges that arise, you’ll get a crash course in all the aspects of running a small business, including:

• Navigating supply and demand.
• Coordinating delivery and shipping methods.
• Thinking up innovative ways to advertise.
• Operating an E-Commerce store, if applicable.

Provide a Service

Ask your parents about their first job — chances are, they mowed lawns or shoveled driveways around their neighborhood.

If you have a unique skill or some extra time, design your business around a service. Some ideas include:

• Shoveling driveways and mowing lawns — the classics.
• Providing organization services to a family with lots of clutter.
• Helping an elderly neighbor with their gardening.
• Washing cars or windows around your neighborhood.
• Fixing bicycles or guitars.

Assess the needs of your community, then address them. Odd jobs are great opportunities to get to know your neighbors while earning some extra cash!

Write Freelance

If you have a knack for words, seek out opportunities to write for people who need it. Construct a portfolio of writing samples, then create an account on a freelance website to get started!

Your portfolio should include pieces that show range in your writing abilities — don’t  be afraid to think outside the box! If you excelled in your history classes, you may include argumentative and research essays. If you lean more toward creative writing, poetry, short stories, and personal essays may be where you shine! You can also mix and match styles to showcase your range as a writer.

Once you’ve compiled a portfolio that reflects you, find a website that allows you to safely connect with people in need of your skills. Reputable website options include:

• BloggingPro
• Freelancer.com
• Upwork
• Fiverr (This is also a great option for other niche, remote freelance jobs.)

Alternatively, you can search for freelance work on traditional job sites such as LinkedIn. Chris Bibey is a good person to follow on LinkedIn, and if you sign up for his newsletter, you’ll receive a list of curated freelance writing jobs every morning via email.

Always remember to stay safe: don’t share any personal information, and use your best judgment when choosing clients. Using these sites make the process much more secure.

Develop an App

We spend all day on our phones — why not start a business for your screen? If you excel in computer science and coding, try your hand at building an app. Or, if you’re more creative, work with a partner who can code what you conceptualize.

Come up with an idea that solves a problem — then make it a reality!

For inspiration, check out this story about 17-year-old Zach Smith, who built an app to combat the issues presented by his high school’s online assignment tracking software. Then, watch this interview with two high school students, Mikaela, who developed an app to help her community build connections, and Martin, whose app makes music education more accessible.

Browse Linkedin’s Mobile App Development Resources to learn more about designing and building your own software.

Tutor or Teach

If you thrive in the classroom or have a special talent, consider passing those skills along as a tutor or teacher. You could also help students as they prepare to apply to college! Teaching others is a great way to give back — and learn a couple things yourself! Research shows that you can grow to understand a concept even better by explaining it to others.

To build a clientele, reach out to your school or local library for more information about peer tutoring programs — or post an advertisement for your services on social media.

Whether you’re teaching violin to children or helping teenagers with their calculus homework, utilizing your unique skillset is an incredibly smart way to build a business. You could even recruit other tutors and work together!

Resources Available to High Schoolers

If you’re not sure where to start, taking a class in entrepreneurship is a great first step. You’ll learn all the fundamentals of building a business while potentially building connections with other innovators.

If you’re interested in a more structured learning environment, a pre-college summer program pr gap year program may be right for you.

Alternatively, online programs such as EdX and Coursera provide valuable knowledge from top educators — all from the comfort of your home.

For support beyond the classroom, check out TeenLife’s list of 8 Organizations to Help a Young Entrepreneur for more information on companies dedicated to finding and developing young talent through a wide range of methods, from real-world experience to financial support.