Turn Your Ideas into Income: Summer Jobs for Young Entrepreneurs

As summer approaches, high school and post-high school students find themselves with a unique opportunity to explore entrepreneurial ventures that can shape their futures. Whether you're looking to earn some extra cash, gain valuable experience, or turn a passion into a profitable business, summer is the perfect time to dive into the world of entrepreneurship.

What’s the Big Idea?

First, determine if you want to promote or sell a product or service. If you have a knack for creation and problem-solving, you may want to market a specific product. Screen fatigue has led many members of Generation Alpha to embrace activities such as crocheting, candle making, knitting, pottery, baking, and other crafts. So, if you have the do-it-yourself (DIY) hustle mentality, there is a place in the market for your goods.

If you have access to 3D printing, many teens enjoy creating fashion and room décor, articulated fidgets and toys, and custom desk tech. Similarly, Cricut machines are popular for personalizing custom drinkware, personalized accessories like custom keychains, faux leather earrings, heat-transfer vinyl tote bags, vinyl decals for laptops, and custom neon-style signboards.

Many people focus on building their brand through social media channels, farmers' markets, and online shops like TikTok, Etsy, Shopify, Poshmark, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace.

At Your Service

Teens can also leverage their skills and passions by providing valuable solutions for their community. If you are an academically strong student, consider tutoring. Many students need tutoring for the ACT and SAT, or in areas like math and science.

Babysitting is a popular service for teens. To stand out from the crowd, get certified in first aid or another safety procedure.

Many families go on vacation in the summer months. If you love animals, consider pet sitting. Dog walking is another opportunity for animal lovers. Both of these opportunities offer flexible hours.

For those who are not only passionate about animals but also keen on maintaining a clean environment, starting a dog waste clean-up service could be the perfect side gig, combining responsibility with the opportunity to meet the needs of busy pet owners. Ben Trehey, Coulee Bank’s VP Business Banker in Rochester, is helping his son with this business venture. The business is called Pinewood Poo Patrol, serving its 116-home subdivision. He created a simple business plan for Pinewood Poo Patrol that can be used as a template for any business venture. Read his business plan here.

Do you enjoy manual labor? Parents often have their teens mow the lawn and help with other household chores, so what better way to earn some extra cash? Start a cleaning business or lawn care business.

Digital Entrepreneurship for “Screenagers”

Screenager is a slang term for a young person who is highly proficient with digital technology. While many teens are tapping out and embracing arts and crafts, there are still some who choose to spend a lot of time in front of their smartphones, tablets, or computers. Creating apps, websites, videos, and live-stream gaming are a few ways to make extra cash.

If your teen has an entrepreneurial spirit and ambition, encourage them to start their own business. It helps build personal growth, time management, resilience, and financial literacy.

For more information about helping your teen start a business, check out this resource: Young Entrepreneur? Here's 8 Organizations that Can Help.