How to Start a Business in High School: A Step-by-Step Guide
Starting a business in high school might seem like a challenging task, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and set yourself up for future success. Many successful entrepreneurs got their start at a young age, and with the right idea, determination, and a little bit of help, you can launch a profitable business even while you’re still in school.
In this guide, we’ll explore why starting a business in high school is a great idea, what types of businesses are ideal for students, how to get your family on board, examples of successful high school entrepreneurs, and how much it costs to get started.
Why You Should Start a Business in High School
Starting a business in high school offers several benefits that go beyond just making money. Here are a few reasons why you should consider launching your own business while still in school:
Learn Valuable Skills: Running a business teaches you real-world skills like communication, time management, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are invaluable no matter what career path you choose later in life.
Financial Independence: Having your own business means you don’t have to rely on part-time jobs or allowance money. You can start building financial independence at a young age, which can help fund college or future ventures.
Stand Out on College Applications: Colleges love applicants who show initiative and have unique experiences. Starting your own business demonstrates ambition, creativity, and responsibility—traits that will stand out to admissions officers.
Build a Network: Launching a business gives you the chance to network with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and professionals, all of which can open doors for future opportunities.
Best Types of Businesses to Start in High School
When choosing the right business to start in high school, consider ideas that don’t require a lot of startup capital, can be done part-time, and offer flexibility. Here are some of the best business ideas for high school students:
Tutoring Services
If you’re good at a particular subject, you can offer tutoring services to other students. You can tutor online or in-person, making it a flexible option that allows you to work around your school schedule.
Social Media Management
Many small businesses struggle to manage their social media accounts. If you’re tech-savvy and have experience with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, you can offer social media management services to local businesses.
Freelance Writing or Graphic Design
If you’re creative and skilled at writing or graphic design, freelancing is a great business to start. You can create content or designs for blogs, websites, and businesses in your free time.
Lawn Care and Landscaping
Lawn care is a classic high school business. It requires minimal upfront investment (just a lawnmower and a few tools), and you can easily find customers in your neighborhood.
Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
Pet sitting or dog walking is an ideal business for high schoolers. Many people need help caring for their pets while they’re at work or on vacation, and this type of business can be managed around your school schedule.
Getting Family Approval
Starting a business in high school isn’t just about making money—it’s also about balancing school, extracurricular activities, and your personal life. Before launching your business, it’s important to get your family on board and have their support. Here’s how to get family approval:
Show Responsibility: Your parents want to know that you can handle the responsibilities of running a business on top of your schoolwork. Create a plan that shows how you’ll manage your time and keep up with your grades.
Explain the Benefits: Highlight the skills you’ll learn and how the business could benefit you in the future. Explain how it could help fund college, give you work experience, and develop important life skills.
Discuss the Costs: Be upfront about any startup costs and how you plan to cover them. Whether you’ll use your savings, a loan from your parents, or reinvest your earnings, let them know you’ve thought about the financial aspect.
Set Boundaries: Assure your family that you won’t let the business interfere with family time or school obligations. Setting clear boundaries from the beginning can ease any concerns they may have.
Examples of Companies Started by High School Founders
You’re not alone in wanting to start a business as a high schooler—many successful companies were started by young entrepreneurs. Here are a few inspiring examples:
Michael Dell – Dell Technologies
Michael Dell started his computer repair business in high school, which eventually led to the founding of Dell Technologies, a global computer technology company. He’s now one of the wealthiest tech entrepreneurs in the world.
Catherine Cook – MyYearbook (now MeetMe)
Catherine Cook co-founded MyYearbook, a social networking site for students, with her brother while still in high school. It later became MeetMe, a popular social app, and was sold for $100 million.
Moziah Bridges – Mo’s Bows
Moziah Bridges started Mo’s Bows, a bow tie business, at the age of 9. By the time he was in high school, his company had grown significantly, and he even appeared on Shark Tank, receiving mentorship from Daymond John.
These stories prove that with creativity, hard work, and determination, you can build a successful business at a young age.
How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in High School?
The startup costs for your business will vary depending on the type of business you choose. Here’s a rough breakdown of some common costs:
Tutoring or Freelance Services: Minimal costs, usually around $100 to $500, for advertising, website setup, or software (like graphic design programs).
Social Media Management: Startup costs could be as low as $100, including a professional website or social media advertising.
Lawn Care: The biggest expense will be equipment like a lawnmower or gardening tools, which can range from $500 to $1,500, depending on whether you already own the tools.
Pet Sitting: This business requires minimal to no upfront costs. You may only need some basic supplies, which could cost $50 to $200.
Overall, most businesses started by high schoolers can be launched with less than $1,000, especially if you start small and reinvest profits back into the business.
How Much Money Can You Make?
The amount of money you can make depends on the type of business, how much time you dedicate to it, and the demand in your local market. Here's a rough estimate of potential earnings:
Tutoring Services: You could charge $20 to $50 per hour, depending on your expertise. Tutoring for standardized tests (like SAT prep) may allow you to charge more.
Social Media Management: Many small businesses are willing to pay between $300 to $1,000 per month for social media management services, depending on the complexity of the work.
Freelance Writing/Graphic Design: As a freelancer, you can earn between $25 and $100 per project, depending on the client and scope of work.
Lawn Care: For lawn mowing, you could charge $30 to $50 per lawn, making it possible to earn $500 to $1,000+ per month during the busy seasons.
With dedication and good marketing, some high school businesses can generate $10,000 or more annually, providing you with significant savings for college or other future ventures.
How to Start a Business from Home
Many businesses can be started from home, making it easy for high school students to manage their time and keep startup costs low. Here’s how to start your business from home:
Choose the Right Business Idea: Select a business that doesn’t require a lot of space or resources. Freelance services, tutoring, and social media management can all be done from home using a computer.
Set Up a Workspace: Even if you’re working from home, it’s important to have a dedicated workspace. Set up a small desk or area where you can focus on your business tasks without distractions.
Use Online Tools: Take advantage of free or low-cost online tools to run your business. Use platforms like Zoom for virtual tutoring or Canva for graphic design. Additionally, use PayPal or Venmo to handle payments easily.
Promote Online: Marketing is essential, and social media is a great (and often free) way to promote your business. Set up professional accounts on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn to reach potential clients.
Balance School and Business: Managing your time wisely is critical when starting a business in high school. Use tools like Google Calendar or a time management app to schedule business tasks around your schoolwork.
Conclusion
Starting a business in high school is an exciting way to gain valuable skills, earn money, and build your future. With the right idea, support from your family, and a strong work ethic, you can launch a successful business that grows with you. Whether you choose to tutor, manage social media, or offer lawn care services, the experience you gain will set you apart in the future.
Now is the time to start brainstorming your business idea, create a plan, and take the first steps toward becoming an entrepreneur.
