Business Ideas That Are Easy to Start for Teenager

What business can I start as a teenager?

The truth is, you can start almost any business an adult can. Today we are going to discuss some teenage business ideas that you can start right away.

Many of the suggestions have low costs and resources needed. Some of the ideas require no funding, which makes it easier to finance your operations.

Young people today want to do more meaningful work, and I think that is awesome!

Without further ado, here's the list!

1. Transcribing

Transcribing is documenting what is said during a meeting. Plenty of businesses need this service, and NYtimes Wirecutter found that humans are still better than AI at transcribing.

Combine both a human and AI in your business to help you serve multiple clients at once.

Transcription may be a slowing field due to technology, but if you know how to leverage the technology, it can be a great business for teenagers.

2. Blogging

Anyone can blog. You just have to find something you enjoy writing about. This is near the top of business ideas for teens because you can start blogging on sites like Medium for free.

How do you make money blogging though?

There are a few ways:

• Freelancing through Upwork and other sites.
• Use Affiliate links and get commissions based on referrals.
• Earn crypto by blogging on Publish0x .
• Allow Google to sell ads on your site .

3. Web Design

Web design can be a fun way for teens to make money. There are a ton of small business owners who aren't the most tech-savvy. help the older generations out and develop the skills for one of the fastest-growing careers in the U.S.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the need for web design to grow by 13%, and average wages are over $77k. Wages are typically less than 1/3 of a business revenue, so that means a business could make over $225k/designer.

4. Proofreader

Another good business for teens is becoming a proofreader. There are plenty of students who need help making sure their grammar is correct.

Your clients are convenient to you. You'll find them amongst the kids at your high school or college.

Students might not have the most money, but your social network will grow as students become professionals and need other quality control jobs performed.

Keep reading for more business ideas for teenagers.

5. Tech consulting

If you are great with computers, tech consulting can be an easy business for teens to start. Tech consultants can earn money through affiliate marketing and by advising people on the best way to achieve their desired results.

My brother started getting Apple certifications in his teens, and by the time he reached his 30s he was one of the most highly certified Apple network admins around and had helped companies like Electronic Arts and Intel integrate Macs with Microsoft to work seamlessly.

Check out this list of top 100 software companies and find one you are interested in. Businesses are definitely looking for help with implementing software more efficiently and effectively.

6. Graphic Design

Graphic design is another easy business to start as a teenager. Graphic design is focused on creating artwork and product information for businesses including:

• Logos
• Websites
• Product packaging
• Marketing materials

To find out more about different types of graphic design businesses, check out the blog 8 Types of Graphic Design .

Kids tend to start developing a skill in the arts before they ever go to school. As a teenager, you'll want to have some spending money. Graphic design can be a fun way to make money and prepare you for college and a career

7. Cleaning Service

One of the easiest business ideas to make money is cleaning people's houses.

Almost anybody with a job and kids needs help keeping their home clean. Young people can start a small business by using the cleaning products at their parents' homes and offering their services on social media.

If you are over 18, you can also use sites like bark.com and housekeeper.com to find clients.

Check out our interview with Austin from Spruse Clean to learn how he makes $62k/mo.

8. Photography

Photography is another business idea that offers career opportunities for teens.

As a photographer, you'll be taking pictures of people or products. The two types of photography that tend to have the highest booking fees are product photography and wedding photography.

My significant other started Raising Daisy Photography with a Nikon D300 and built up to a NikonD750 in about a year.

I will warn you, you will be investing in a lot of equipment because each camera lens has a different purpose. I would suggest renting lenses before you buy any new lenses.

9. Greeting Card Writer

Another business idea that creative teens can turn into a small business is as a greeting card writer.

They can sell their own greeting cards through sites like Shopify using print-on-demand company Card Isle . Alternatively, you can try freelancing for Hallmark .

Don't try to send them unsolicited card ideas though. I get the feeling the movie Mr. Deeds made it where they refuse to accept them. Check out why below.

10. Handmade Jewelry

If you like arts and crafts, many small businesses find success in making their own jewelry.

This consists of buying the raw materials for the jewelry and turning it into a piece of jewelry. Then you can sell them online or at craft fairs. 10times has a list of almost 25,000 events in the US .

11. Podcasts

Podcasts are an interesting online business. Podcasts are focused on discussing subjects that interest you. You'll need a webcam, recording software (I prefer OBS ), and microphones.

Podcasts generate revenue through a variety of methods. Check out this blog on some of the ways to monetize your podcast .

12. Tutoring

If you are good at math, science, or other subjects, tutoring can make great money helping students who are struggling. Most tutors will charge $25/hour, but some may be able to get rates up to $80/hr.

You can find clients at your school, or you can try offering your services on sites like tutors.com once you turn 18. What better way to start a business than to help others succeed?

13. Babysitting

Every family with kids will need a babysitter occasionally. Whether they need someone every day, weekly, or once a month, you can start a business babysitting and make money watching the kids.

Ask your parents to tell their friends, print up some business cards and leave them at places you frequent, and check on social media for people looking for help.

Finding clients shouldn't be too hard. Almost everyone I know has babysat at some point in their life.

14. Social media influencer

When it comes to marketing, social media influencers are the new celebrities.

They can reach millions of people with just one TV show or one tweet. The only thing that you need to do is become one and businesses will hire you to promote their products.

Influencers on social media are not just people who have a ton of followers. They are usually people who have something valuable to offer on their channels, whether it be their creativity or their expertise in some topic.

Start sharing more about the things you love, post regularly, and build your following.

15. Pet sitting

In the pet sitting industry, people are required to care for animals in someone else's home or property. Pet sitters should have experience with animals and a passion for caring for them.

They should also be responsible and trustworthy. In order to get started, you should start by signing up to be a pet sitter on websites such as Rover or Wag .

These websites will then help connect you with people looking for a pet sitter in your area.

It's not just a matter of hanging out with cats and dogs while their owners are away. It requires proper knowledge about animal behavior, nutrition, exercise, and basic first aid skills.

This is not an easy job, but it can provide numerous business opportunities for teens who want to make some cash while enjoying the company of furry friends.

Check out an interview we did with a pet sitter to learn more.

16. DJ

A DJ is a person who plays recorded music for an audience.

To become a DJ, you need to start by learning how to play with various turntables and mixers. You also need to learn about the different types of music and songs before becoming a professional.

If you want to become a DJ, you do not need any formal qualifications in most cases. Some professional DJs like Martin Garrix started in their teens, and by the time he was 21 he was worth $35 million . If you love music give it a shot!

17. Clown

There are many advantages to starting a business as a clown. Clowns are needed at parties, events, haunted houses, and other gatherings. This is because they entertain people with their juggling or magic tricks.

The best way to start a clown business is to create your own character and take on different personalities.

You'll probably want to develop some clown makeup skills and tricks by watching Youtube videos and practicing along. Check out this playlist from Clowns of America International .

The next thing you should do is find out if there are any local opportunities for children's parties, birthday parties, or other events. You can ask people for feedback on your performance so that you can improve your skills over time.

18. Fire spinner

It may seem daunting to start a business, but even if you are only working for yourself, it can be rewarding. It helps you become more independent and grow as an individual.

There are many ways that teens can start their own businesses. One idea is to become a fire spinner! With the increasing popularity of this activity, there are plenty of opportunities for teenagers who want to try something new.

If you're interested in learning how to spin fire, go talk to some performers at music festivals.

The performers most likely can point you in the right direction. If not, search for YouTube videos. When you first start practicing, use glow toys because they hurt far less than fire getting stuck on your arm.

19. Pet photographer

If you have a love for animals and photography or just have a lot of time to spare, then you should consider starting your own pet photography business.

There are plenty of online courses that can help you learn the skills needed to start this type of business. You can also use your creativity to come up with different ways to make money with your photography skills.

20. Pet grooming

Starting a pet grooming business can be a great idea to make money for teenagers or young adults.

The best way to start this business is by getting certification through the National Dog Groomers Association of America (NDGAA) and asking clients about their desired groom style.

It's also worth considering what type of services the prospective clients will need — whether that's basic bathing and clipping, or something more elaborate like shampooing, hair trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, etc.

21. Dog Walking

A dog walker's responsibilities include knowing how to pick up after the dog and transporting the animal from one location to another. That means they may need a vehicle or access to public transportation.

To become a successful dog walker, one should be patient, dependable, and comfortable working with other people's dogs. They should also be able to predict how their clients will react to their service and be able to work flexibly.

22. Errand running service

An errand running service is a business idea for teens that enables them to work as a personal shopper and a courier at the same time.

This kind of business idea can be started by recruiting people who have an Uber or Lyft driver's license.

After that, the person will go to a grocery store and buy all the items that correspond with the list of items that a customer has sent to him.

Once he returns from shopping, he will start delivering the goods. The customers will pay for these services through PayPal, Venmo, or your own payment processor.

23. Delivery service

The food delivery industry is a booming market with companies like Uber Eats and Grubhub making it easier for people to get their favorite food delivered to their doorstep.

This business idea is perfect for teens who want to make some money on the side or want a supplemental income. As a teen, you can start your own courier service where you pick up orders from restaurants and deliver them locally.

24. Packing business

A packing business is the perfect business idea for teens looking to get started in the world of entrepreneurship. They can start this enterprise on a small scale and eventually expand it into a larger-scale company.

Some of the benefits teens get from starting this kind of business include:

• Packing can be done at home, making it an easy venture for all family members to contribute to.
• It provides job opportunities to other family members like grandparents who might not be able to work anymore but still want some income.
• You don't need much capital to start these kinds of businesses because they are labor-intensive rather than capital intensive.

25. Holiday decorating business

Creating an appropriate and memorable holiday decorating business can be a great way to earn some extra cash during the holidays.

The major holidays that people or businesses tend to have decorative festivities for in the US are:

• Valentines Day- February 14th
• Easter- First Sunday after the full moon that follows the Spring Equinox
• St Patrick's Day- March 17
• Cinco De Mayo- May 5th
• 4th of July- July 4th
• Halloween- October 31st,
• Thanksgiving- 3rd Thursday in November
• Christmas- December 25th
• New Year- December 31

This is on the list of business ideas for teens because it is creative and lets them focus on their school and other activities while they are still in school.

26. Be a rockstar

There are many business ideas that young people can start to make money. One of the best is becoming a rockstar.

Becoming a rockstar is not all fun and games. If you want to be successful, you will need to practice, write songs, and play at different venues in order to build your fan base. It can be a lot of work, but also a ton of fun.

If you don't want to write the songs, many locations pay bands to perform at weddings, school dances, or even to be a touring musician with a band where one person writes all the songs and needs bandmates on tour.

27. Recycling business

Recycling is one of the most important things that we can do for our planet. It's also one of the easiest things to get into.

There are plenty of ways to make money with recycling, but it may be best to start with a simple idea like running a recycling business.

What you'll need:

• A space for storing and sorting recyclables
• A website or Facebook page to advertise your service
• Recycling bins for customers to use when dropping off materials at your business
• Deals with places to send the recycled goods to be processed

Two areas of recycling that are often overlooked when recycling are electronics boards and construction materials.

Both can make hefty returns if you start a business in an area that doesn't offer these services as a small business.

28. Provide art lessons

Another fun creative career on the list of business ideas for teens is providing art lessons. If you want to provide art lessons and earn some good money, you should know the following:

• You will need a set of materials and tools to use in your lessons.
• You will need your own studio or space to teach from.
• You may need to create a website or social media page where people can learn about the class.
• You may even want to register as a business with the local government.

As your business grows, you can start doing more lessons and do group sessions.

Once you reach the age to legally serve alcohol, you can even do wine and arts nightlife events. Every one I've ever been to has been a blast. It's definitely a fun business to be in.

29. Washing cars

There are many ways to make money as a teenager, and one of those ways is by starting a car wash.

The idea of starting up a carwash is not only an easy way to make money, but it is also an interesting and enjoyable pastime.

It can be done either with or without machines. With low start-up costs, you can start small and then grow the business to include mobile carwashes, and maybe even become a car wash chain.

30. Gaming livestreams

This section will discuss the various ways in which gaming livestreams can be used as a business idea for teens.

Gaming livestreams are live videos where gamers play video games and allow viewers to watch them.

These can be of two types: Non-professional livestreams, which are done by the players themselves, and professional streams, which are done by professional gamers.

Non-professional streams are usually on platforms like YouTube or Twitch, where users can stream themselves playing video games. Professional streams usually take place on platforms like Twitch or YouTube Gaming.

Professional gameplays on these platforms involve high production quality with professional graphics and sound effects for an enhanced gaming experience.

You can also host competitions where you get sponsorships and give prizes. Those can be super fun.

31. Music lessons

What better way to start a new business than with something you enjoy and love?

Music lessons: A service that provides music lessons to both children and adults. Most of these music lessons are done in person, but they can also be done via video chat.

It's not too difficult to imagine a time where people will pay for someone else to provide them with a service/product they would otherwise find very difficult or cumbersome.

If you want to start it as an online business, many talented musicians provide Masterclasses or create YouTube tutorials.

32. Sports Promotion

The internet is a vast space, and there are business ideas for teens in most niches. Starting a business in sports promotion is a great idea for a teenager who loves sports and has the time to dedicate to it.

The most important thing about starting a business in sports promotion is being aware of the different obstacles that come with this type of business.

For example, you have to know how to promote yourself on social networking sites, have connections with people in the sports industry, and be open-minded enough to try new things when interacting with consumers.

33. Social media marketing

Social media is a powerful marketing channel that every business should take advantage of. It's the easiest way to get in contact with your target audience, build your brand, increase sales, and attract new customers.

There are tons of social media channels out there to explore. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat are just few examples. But it's not enough to just have an account on these channels.

You need to post content regularly in order to have a consistent engagement with your followers. And it doesn't have to be big content either!

The most popular social media marketing strategies for teens that work well are posting photos of their day-to-day life or sharing motivational messages or quotes that can inspire other people.

34. Gift wrapping

The idea of starting a gift wrapping business for teens is perfect for creative, entrepreneurial teens.

Gift wrapping is an art form that has been around for centuries. Gift wrapping can be done in many ways depending on the occasion, the person to whom the present is being given, and the person who will be receiving it.

35. Videography

Video is going to be the most important form of marketing in the future. It's a powerful way of connecting with your audience, and you can use it to promote all kinds of products and services. But it's not easy to become a videographer.

The first thing you need to do is find out what equipment you're going to need. That will depend on whether you're just starting out as an amateur or if you want to become more serious about videography.

As a business idea for teens, this one ranks at the top.

You'll also need to set up some kind of recording space so the quality of the video is good enough for your audience.

And don't forget about editing capabilities! That's an important part of creating videos, too, so make sure that you have some kind of software at your disposal.

36. Landscaping

A landscaper is a person who designs, builds, and maintains gardens and landscapes.

Landscapers usually require a lot of time, patience, and creativity to create the perfect garden for their clients. This is not a business that most teens can think about starting up on their own.

Landscaping is an extremely diverse field with many different opportunities for those who are interested in it.

The first step is to find out if you're really interested in this type of work, by reading forums or watching videos online to get an idea of what it's like to be a landscaper.

After that, you should brainstorm some business ideas based on your interests and research the types of equipment that may be needed for this type of job (such as power tools) to figure out how much investment would be required.

Legends Lawn Care was one of the landscaping companies we talked to that was started by a teen.

37. Laundry service

Starting a laundry service is a great way to make money, and it can be very profitable. A ton of people are too busy to do their laundry and would be happy to have someone come to their home and do it for them.

As you grow, you can get a location where they can just drop off the clothes on the way to work and pick them up on the way home.

You'll need more than one washer and dryer to have a location with drop-offs to serve the client though. You will most likely have to buy or rent them from a company that provides laundry equipment for entrepreneurs.

You will also need to get the supplies, such as detergent, fabric softener, bleach, and other things needed for washing clothes. After you have purchased the necessary supplies, start marketing to more people in the area.

Check out our interview with Ferndale Laundry to find out how lucrative a laundromat can be.

38. College Prep Classes

College is becoming more expensive every year. It is no surprise that many teenagers are looking for entrepreneurial opportunities to make some extra cash. Some of the most popular businesses for teens are college prep courses.

These types of courses help high school students prepare for college, whether they want to attend a four-year university or go into trade school.

College prep courses can be profitable, but they also require a lot of time and effort on the part of the teen business owner.

39. Cake Maker

Many teenagers start their own businesses when they are in high school. Some business ideas for teens include cake making or any other food-related business.

If you enjoy cooking, baking and decorating cakes, then it might be a good idea for you to start your own cake-making business in your free time.

You can sell them to your friends and family members, or in some cases, you can even open up a cake-making stall in the local area.

Another option is to create an online bakery where people can order cakes through the website and have them delivered on-demand with additional customization options depending on what they order (flavor, toppings, etc.).

Check out this video about how this bakery owner started his bakery.

40. Online reseller

Starting an online reseller business is a good idea for teens who want to earn some money and explore their entrepreneurial spirit.

Opening an online reseller business is a great option. It can be as simple as buying clothes, collectibles, or any other item from local stores and reselling them on your own website or on eBay.

41. House sitting

House sitting is the act of caring for someone's home while they are away. It can be done with or without rent or utility payments.

There are many benefits to becoming a house sitter, but it does require a certain level of trust and responsibility. House sitting gives you a chance to live in a different environment and keep a close eye on people's homes and pets.

House sitting can be done through many different platforms, such as websites, classified ads, word of mouth, etc. One great website for house sitting is TrustedHousesitters.com.

42. Leaf Removal

There are a lot of business ideas for teens, including starting a leaf removal business.

A leaf removal service is a small business that offers to remove leaves from the property of the client on a regular basis throughout the year.

For example, if you live in a city and have a lot of trees around your house that shed leaves all year round, you can see success in cleaning up the leaves every week or two.

43. Publish your own magazine

Starting up your own magazine can be a difficult endeavor. But with the right company, you can make sure that you are getting everything done in order to ensure the success of your project.

The first thing to know about publishing a teen-oriented magazine is it has to be relevant and tailored towards teens in order to make it interesting for them.

Good thing you are one.

Don't make the mistake of having old people tell you what to write about, cause we have no clue! There are plenty of great examples out there of successful teen magazines that have been created by teens themselves.

44. Lemonade Stand

Sure this idea sounds like it is for little kids, but hear me out. It can be fun hanging out with your friends on a busy street and selling people driving by lemonade, water, energy drinks, and more.

It's way more convenient than a convenience store, and people will love seeing a group of friends working together.

That's why this made the list of teenage entrepreneurship ideas.

45. Ice Cream Cart

An ice cream cart is another small business idea for teens.

If you live near a park, just get an ice cream cart and some of your favorite treats that you can get at low costs from the grocery store, then sell them individually for 3x as much as you paid.

Make sure you have a little radio with the ice cream man music playing and your job's done.

All the kids will rush your ice cream, and you'll be ready for your next journey to the grocery store. If you want to hire your friend to work jobs at other parks, the growth can compound quickly!

46. Sell Art

There are a ton of ways to sell art.

Here are some tips for success while selling art:

• Decide what kind of art to sell – original, commissioned, or prints.
• Find a niche to sell your art in – digital art? watercolor paintings? photographs?
• Create a website or blog where you display your work and provide contact information for potential buyers.
• Showcase your work at galleries, small art festivals, local events – keep in mind the goal is to have people see your work and want to buy it.
• Consider using social media sites like Facebook and Instagram as a marketing platform.

47. Data Entry

Companies need a ton of data entry. You could start a small business helping other small business owners do their data entry.

This is a job that can be done from home with remote access, or you can go to local companies and do the work on-site.

As long as you can type, data entry should definitely be on the list of teenage business ideas.

48. Pressure Washing Company

Young entrepreneurs can work in all types of industries. We had an interview with Stephen, who was only 19 when he started NW Softwash.

He started with less than $1,500 and today is making $120K/month.  It's definitely one of the teen business ideas we have seen have the most success.

Check out the interview below

49. Craft Fair Vendor

Entrepreneurship ideas for teenagers include being a craft fair vendor. Good business ideas for teens typically need to be low-cost and should include small business ideas from home.

A craft fair vendor is a great opportunity because you can sell your arts and crafts projects or purchase goods for reselling.

50. Inventor

If you see a problem you want to solve, an inventor would be an example of small business ideas for 17-year-olds.

Just research what is already created, find a way to improve on the tools out there, and build a prototype. Test it out and establish whether it works.

Then all you need to do is apply some motivation and research how to start producing it in mass.

51. Tech Support

If you have a knack for technology, have a positive attitude, and are great with people, then your business idea might be to start a tech support business.

You might not realize that there's a huge demand for tech support. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that there were currently 110,000 jobs in this field. And they're expected to grow by 10 percent from now until 2024!

52. Tech Tutor for the Elderly

Technology is the future, and yet it can be overwhelming for the elderly.

One way to make technology more accessible to the elderly is to create business ideas that provide tech tutorials for people who are not familiar with technology.

This is on the list of teenage entrepreneurship ideas because younger people normally get technology quicker and can pass on what they know to the rest of the world.

53. Computer setup company

Business as a teen can be a challenge, but if you know how to do a process well, then you can repeat it and see tremendous growth. Another technical job on the small business ideas for teens list is starting a computer setup company.

An entrepreneur in this field would typically go to a person's home or work, establish what they need the computer to do, then set it up to optimize the computer for the owner to use.

It requires a little technical skill, but there are tons of free educational tools from major tech companies.

54. Event Photographer

Photography is a growing industry for both professional and amateur photographers. The event photographer focuses on taking photographs at any event they are commissioned to photograph.

The main responsibility of the event photographer is to capture the essence of the event.

They must be able to capture shots from different angles and heights, as well as with various lenses, in order to offer a comprehensive overview of what is going on.

They must also be willing to work with deadlines and follow instructions from the client or organizer.

Event photographers often work with a team that includes lighting technicians, coordinators, models, and assistants in order to provide a cohesive product for their clients or organizers after their services are rendered.

The demand for event photography has increased over the last few years because of its many use cases. As a young creative entrepreneur, this is a great business idea for 18-year-olds.

55. Caricature artist

A caricature artist aims to make the person look like a cartoon by exaggerating features to create a caricatured portrait.

The primary goal of a caricature artist is to make the person look how they perceive themselves.

The caricaturist should be able to uncover what makes them unique and then exaggerate it. This will result in the finished product being something that they are happy with.

A teen tends to be great at exaggerating reality, and that make this an easy businesses to start as a teenager.

56. Window washing

If you're wondering how to start a business as a teenager with no money, consider a window-washing business.

The world loves to be able to see through their windows, and a teen can start this business with a roll of paper towels and some window cleaner they can get for free from their parent's cleaning closet.

Even after you run out of paper towels and free window cleaner, you can easily buy more after the first job.

If you really want to get creative, use a squeegee and develop your own cleaning products that you can sell to your clients.

As a teen, this is great because it combines low costs with lots of opportunities to increase your skillset.

57. Sign spinner

If you are a teenager who loves music and being outside and wants to help promote other people promote their businesses, sign spinning is a creative option on the list of teen entrepreneur ideas.

As a teen business owner, you can hire your friends to support more businesses per day.

There's even a World Sign Spinning Competition where teen sign spinners can earn cash prizes for being the best in the business. For teenager participation, some states may need a work permit.

58. Loan shark

This one is mostly a joke, but if you wonder how to start a business as a teen, loaning people money is lucrative. Las Vegas just auctioned off a pawn broker license for nearly $2m .

When your broke friends need money, accept something valuable in exchange with the agreement that if they don't pay it back with interest in 90 days, you get to sell it to recoup your loss.

It might not make you many friends as a teen, but it will get you everything you desire at low costs (and maybe make you a profit).

Pointers on How to Start a Business as a Teenager

This article didn't cover how to start your own business as a teenager, but I'm going to give you a few pointers based on other blogs I've written and some of the laws involving contracts.

If you are a teen under 18, you may need your parents to help you start the business legally.

If so, make sure that you trust the adult who signs the contracts to be honest and fair. Lives have been ruined by greedy parents. Don't let people steal the gains you make as a teen entrepreneur.

Use your resources. Adults love seeing teens develop their skillsets and are happy to give input on their areas of expertise.

The whole world is going to social media marketing. No matter what business you are in, start developing your status as a social media influencer. It will make the process easier in any business.

Always encourage people to help you get more business through word of mouth.

Check out some of our most viewed videos and blogs to understand different aspects of starting a business including:

• How to write a business plan
• How to start a business
• How to start a cleaning business

If you have started a business as a teen, we'd love to hear from you about how you started your business.

If you decide to start one after reading our blog or watching our videos, we definitely want to keep track of how you're doing. Let us know so we can follow your journey.

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Source: https://www.upflip.com/blog/business-ideas-for-teens

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