There are many small businesses teens can start. The teenager mowing lawns or babysitting is running a small business. Many teens actually run very lucrative businesses, often turning hobbies and pastimes into money-making ventures.

Running a business can be valuable not only for the earning potential, but it also provides valuable learning opportunities. Teens who run businesses learn people skills, time management skills, organizational skills and financial skills. Additionally, well-documented business experience is great for college applications as well as future job applications.

Listed below are several business ideas for teens. While these businesses can be started almost anytime, spring is a good time to plan and get started on finding clients for a summer business. Creating some flyers and distributing them around the neighborhood is a good place to start. Community centers and other gathering places are also a good place to distribute flyers. Make sure to include your name and phone number on each flyer, and describe the various services you offer. Also, talk to friends and neighbors and “spread the word”. Ask everyone you know to keep you in mind when they or the people they know need the services of a company like yours.

--Lawn Services, such as mowing, weeding and edging. Having your own equipment is a big plus. Find out the going rates in your area. Put flyers on the doors of yards you see that need a little TLC.

--Baby sitting services. During the summers, babysitters are in good demand. The American Red Cross offers certification courses in many areas.

--Errand services. A teen who has a car can run errands for people at work, as well as for older people. Picking up dry cleaning, prescriptions and groceries, or delivering packages are examples of errands people are sometimes willing to pay others to do.

--Yard Sale Helpers: Offer to help organize, price and display goods, post signs, and even help customers on the day of the sale. You can charge an hourly fee, and if you help with the sale and have good sales skills, perhaps a percentage of the overall revenue.

--Pet Services: Grooming, walking and sitting for pets can keep a pet lover quite busy, especially during vacation season. Your local veterinarian can be a good source for job leads.

--Technology Services: Many people need help with technology, and today’s teens are already pros. Teens can run businesses ripping cd’s so they can be used on mp3 players, converting VHS tapes to DVD’s, and even building websites.

Teens with special interests and hobbies can also turn them into businesses. Calligraphy and sewing can become service businesses. Teens can sell their craft items such as hand-made jewelry, knitted or crocheted items, or any decorative crafts. Talented teens who can entertain can perform at parties and events. Teens can also do office-type work as a business. For example, many businesses need help filing but do not need another staff member.

Like anyone else, a teen should consider his or her interests when choosing a business. One who hates being outdoors will have a hard time succeeding at doing yard work, even though it pays pretty well. Many times, teens who run their own businesses are able to make significantly more money than those who work in typical “teen” jobs. Plus, you will have more freedom in scheduling.

Check with your city or county government for regulations and laws concerning business licenses and permits, your accountant for tax information, and your insurance representative for insurance needs and coverage.

These books can help teens get started on the right path to running their own successful small business:

Teen Entrepreneur Success Secrets: The Essential Guide To Starting And Growing A Business (Volume 1)

Conversations with Teen Entrepreneurs: Success Secrets of the Younger Generation