Look, we get it. The idea of waiting tables or scanning groceries doesn’t exactly scream “future billionaire.” But here’s the thing – what you do today might just be the perfect launchpad for your entrepreneurial dreams. With a smartphone in your pocket and the entire internet at your fingertips, you’ve got more opportunities to start a business than any generation before you. So let us show you how to turn your skills and interests into real money as a teen entrepreneur, all while building something that’s actually yours.

Why starting young changes everything

Remember Mark Zuckerberg? He wasn’t sitting around waiting for someone to give him permission – he started Facebook from his dorm room. But here’s what’s even cooler: you don’t have to wait for university. Starting your entrepreneurial journey in high school can give you a massive head start.

Think about it – while your friends are stressing about their first job interviews, you could be building valuable skills, making real money, and creating something that grows with you. Plus, imagine dropping “CEO of my own company” on those college applications. That’s the kind of stuff that makes admissions officers sit up and take notice.

Now let’s dive into some ideas to help you get started.

Digital content creation

These days, you don’t even need to leave the house to make money – your bedroom could be your studio!

The YouTube gold rush

Heard of MrBeast? He started posting videos as a teenager. Now he’s making millions. But here’s what most people don’t tell you about starting a YouTube channel: success leaves clues.

The secret isn’t just about hitting record and hoping for the best. It’s about finding your angle. Maybe you’re the person who makes physics actually make sense to other teens. Or perhaps you’ve got a knack for explaining the latest gaming strategies. Whatever it is, the key is to start with what you know and love.

Getting started is simpler than you think. Your smartphone’s camera is probably better than what most YouTubers had five years ago. Add a $20 microphone from Amazon, and you’ve got everything you need to start producing content that could reach millions.

YouTube Quick Facts:

• Potential Income: $$$ – $$$$$ (1,000s to 100,000s annually once established).
• Career Pathways: Digital Marketing, Video Production, Public Speaking, Brand Management.
• Start Today: Film a video about your biggest passion using just your phone.
• Pro Tip: Focus on a specific niche instead of trying to be everything to everyone.

Twitch: Where gaming meets business

“But my parents say gaming is a waste of time!” Well, tell that to the teenage streamers making more than doctors. Twitch has transformed gaming from a hobby into a legitimate business opportunity.

Twitch Quick Facts:

• Potential Income: $$$ – $$$$$ (1,000s to 100,000s annually for established streamers).
• Career Pathways: Entertainment, Community Management, ESports, Tech Industry.
• Start Today: Do a test stream playing your favorite game for one hour.
• Pro Tip: Focus on being entertaining first, gaming skills second.

Podcasting: Your voice, your rules

Think about your favorite conversations with friends. Now imagine getting paid for them. That’s essentially what podcasting is. And with platforms like Spotify actively promoting new voices, there’s never been a better time to grab a microphone and start talking.

Podcasting Quick Facts:

• Potential Income: $$ – $$$$ (100s to 10,000s annually).
• Career Pathways: Audio Production, Journalism, Content Creation, Public Speaking.
• Start Today: Record a 5-minute pilot episode using your phone’s voice memo app.
• Pro Tip: Interview interesting people in your community to build content quickly.

Digital services

There’s more to do online than become a content creator – in fact, some of the skills you already have might come in handy for these opportunities.

Web development

Here’s a mind-blowing fact: thousands of small businesses in your area still don’t have a decent website. And many that do need serious updates. This is where you come in.

Web Development Quick Facts:

• Potential Income: $$$ – $$$$$ (1,000s to 100,000s annually).
• Career Pathways: Software Development, UX Design, Digital Agency Owner.
• Start Today: Build a free website on Wix or WordPress for yourself.
• Pro Tip: Start with local businesses who need simple, clean websites.

Turn your social media time into a career

Let’s be honest – you probably understand Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat better than most business owners. That knowledge is valuable.

Social Media Management Quick Facts:

• Potential Income: $$$ – $$$$ (1,000s to 10,000s annually).
• Career Pathways: Digital Marketing, Brand Strategy, Communications.
• Start Today: Audit a local business’s social media and make three improvement suggestions.
• Pro Tip: Create a portfolio by managing accounts for family businesses or school clubs.

E-commerce: Print-on-demand

Remember when starting a clothing brand meant investing thousands in inventory? Those days are gone. With print-on-demand services, you can sell your designs without holding any stock.

Print-on-Demand Quick Facts:

• Potential Income: $$ – $$$$$ (100s to 100,000s annually).
• Career Pathways: Fashion Design, E-commerce, Brand Development.
• Start Today: Create one design and upload it to Redbubble or Printful.
• Pro Tip: Start with designs for a specific niche or community you’re part of.

Local services

Not that into the internet? There are heaps of things you can do with your hands too – here are just a couple:

Mobile car detailing

Think bigger than your neighborhood car wash. Mobile detailing is about bringing a premium service directly to busy professionals who value their time more than their money.

Car Detailing Quick Facts:

• Potential Income: $$$ – $$$$ (1,000s to 10,000s annually).
• Career Pathways: Automotive Industry, Small Business Management, Luxury Services.
• Start Today: Detail your family car and document the transformation.
• Pro Tip: Create packages at different price points to attract various customers.

Pressure washing

There’s something oddly satisfying about pressure washing videos on TikTok, right? Now imagine getting paid to create those satisfying transformations in real life.

Pressure Washing Quick Facts:

• Potential Income: $$$ – $$$$ (1,000s to 10,000s seasonally).
• Career Pathways: Property Maintenance, Contract Services, Business Management.
• Start Today: Make a list of 10 houses in your neighborhood with dirty driveways.
• Pro Tip: Create before/after content for social media marketing.

Making it all work

Let’s get real for a minute. Starting a business while juggling school isn’t easy. But here’s the thing – it’s not supposed to be. The challenges you face now are building the resilience and problem-solving skills you’ll need throughout your life.

Quick tips for success

• Use your phone’s calendar to block out specific business time
• Start with just 5 hours per week
• Pick ONE business to focus on first
• Document everything you learn
• Network with other teen entrepreneurs online

The bottom line

Here’s the truth about teen entrepreneurship in 2024: you don’t need permission to start building your future. You don’t need to wait until you’re older, and you definitely don’t need a huge investment to get started.

What you do need is creativity, dedication, and the willingness to learn from your mistakes. Every successful entrepreneur started somewhere, and many started right where you are now – as a teenager with a dream and the determination to make it happen.

So, what are you waiting for? Pick one idea that resonates with you and take that first step today. Future you will thank you for starting early.

If you want more tips and advice on entrepreneurship, you can check out the other resources on our website here.

Note: Always check with your parents or guardians before starting any business venture, and make sure to understand any local regulations that might apply to your chosen business.

Thinking about starting your own business after graduation? Maybe you’re already earning money from your social media presence, or planning to start a side hustle while studying? Understanding different business structures might seem boring, but it’s actually super important for your future business journey. Let’s look at the difference between being a sole trader vs a company owner, and explore the main ways you could potentially structure your business.

NOTE: before anyone gets all excited, this is not financial or accounting advice – always ask a professional about your options before making any big decisions.

What is a sole trader?

A sole trader (known as a sole proprietorship in North America) is the most straightforward way to run a business. Think of it like this: you and your business are basically the same thing in the eyes of the law.

Common terms around the world include:

• Australia/New Zealand/UK: Sole Trader
• USA/Canada: Sole Proprietorship

What being a sole trader might look like

Imagine you’re a talented makeup artist doing formal makeup for fellow students, or maybe you’re great at graphic design and creating logos for local businesses. As a sole trader, you could start taking bookings or clients right away without too much paperwork. You might operate under your own name like “Sarah’s Beauty Services” or choose a business name like “Glow Up Studio.”

What is an incorporated company?

An incorporated company creates a separate identity for your business. In Australia, you might hear people talk about “Pty Ltd” companies. Other countries have similar structures with different names.

Common terms around the world include:

• Australia/New Zealand: Proprietary Limited (Pty Ltd)
• UK: Private Limited Company (Ltd)
• USA: Corporation (Inc.) or Limited Liability Company (LLC)

When might someone choose to be a sole trader?

Let’s look at some real-world scenarios where starting as a sole trader might make sense.

For the creative entrepreneur

• Imagine you’re a budding copywriter taking on freelance work while studying
• Maybe you’re building a following as a fitness influencer on social media
• Perhaps you’re selling handmade jewellery through Etsy

For the trade professional

• You might be an apprentice electrician planning to go out on your own
• Or a qualified beauty therapist starting with a small client base
• Maybe you’re a personal trainer building up your client list at the local gym

The great thing about being a sole trader instead of a company owner in these situations is that you can start small and test your business idea without a lot of upfront costs or paperwork. You might find this structure works well while you’re building your client base and learning the ropes of running a business.

When might someone consider an incorporated company?

Let’s look at when some of these same businesses might think about incorporating.

Growing your creative business

• Your copywriting business has grown and you’re thinking about hiring other writers
• Your fitness influence has led to creating your own supplement line
• Your jewellery business is now supplying to major retailers

Scaling your professional services

• Your electrical business has expanded to managing multiple jobs and contractors
• Your beauty therapy practice has grown into a full salon with staff
• Your personal training has evolved into a chain of boutique fitness studios

Things to think about

Remember, this information is just to help you understand the basics – it’s not financial or legal advice! When thinking about business structures, here are some things you might want to consider:

As a sole trader

• You might find it easier to get started quickly
• Your accounting could be simpler at first
• You might have more flexibility while figuring out your business model
• You could be personally responsible for business debts (something to think about!)

With a company

• You might find it easier to grow and bring in partners
• Your personal assets could be better protected
• You might look more professional to bigger clients
• There could be more paperwork and costs involved

Starting your journey

Many successful businesses start small and change their structure as they grow. Take the example of a student starting as a freelance graphic designer: they might begin as a sole trader, taking on small projects between classes. As their client base grows, they bring in other designers, and eventually might choose to incorporate their growing design agency.

Important note

This article is for general information only and doesn’t consider your situation (of course).

Business structures can affect your taxes, legal obligations, and financial future. So, it’s always important to chat with qualified professionals like accountants, lawyers, or business advisors before making any decisions about your business structure. They can look at your specific situation and help you understand what might work best for you.

Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer – the right structure depends on your unique circumstances, goals, and the type of business you want to build. The key is to get some good advice before you get started. Running a business can be one of the most amazing experiences, so best of luck to you whichever way you go.

If you want to find out more about starting your own business, we also have other blogs on entrepreneurship you might like to check out.

Ever dreamt of making your own money without having to rely on your parents or getting paid minimum wage at some big company? It’s easier than you think. All it takes is a bit of skill, some motivation, and a good idea. Being a young entrepreneur doesn’t mean you need a ton of cash to start—it’s all about finding a smart way to earn, with low startup costs, that can grow over time.

Here’s the recipe:

• Skillset: What are you good at? Whether it’s art, organisation, or just a willingness to roll up your sleeves and work hard, identify your strengths.
• Drive: Got the energy? Turning a side hustle into a money-maker takes motivation. If you’re ready to put in the work, you’re already halfway there.
• Simple marketing: Get the word out with minimal effort. Use social media, tell your friends, or make flyers. You don’t need to spend big bucks on ads.
• Business model: Think about how your business will make money. Focus on something that people need regularly, so they keep coming back to you.
• Low startup costs: Start small and scale up. Choose a business idea that doesn’t need a lot of money to get going.
• Meet a real need: Find something people actually need. Whether it’s cleaning, creating, or helping out, the more useful your service or product, the more money you can make.
• Room to improve: Look for areas where you can be better than the competition. If you can do something a little differently or offer something extra, people will choose you.

You won’t believe these can be real businesses

With these simple ingredients, you can whip up a business that’s fun, profitable, and entirely your own. Now, check out these unique and achievable ideas you can start after school, on weekends, or during holidays.

1. Pet poop patrol

It might sound odd, but cleaning up after pets can turn into a money-making machine. All you need is a bag, a scooper, and a willingness to get your hands dirty (literally). Pet owners who are too busy or just don’t want to deal with the mess will gladly pay you to do it for them. As your customer base grows, you could even offer subscription services for weekly clean-ups. It’s simple to start and, believe it or not, there’s real demand for this.

2. Lawn art business

If you’ve got an eye for design and love spending time outdoors, why not turn lawns into works of art? Using tools like lawn paint or creative mowing techniques, you can offer to transform plain lawns into something cool and unique. Maybe it’s a sports team logo, a fun pattern, or even custom requests. This is a niche idea with room for creativity, and it could catch on fast with neighbours wanting to stand out. Even if you wanted to stick to regular old mowing, you’d be surprised at just how much you can earn when you put effort into something with as much demand as this.

3. Mystery shopper

Ever wanted to get paid to shop? Mystery shopping lets you do just that. Companies pay you to shop at their stores or eat at their restaurants and report back on your experience. It’s like being a secret agent but with the perk of making money on the side. This could easily be done in your free time and gives you a chance to explore new places while earning cash.

4. Rent-a-charger service

Got a portable phone charger? You’re set to make some money. People are always running out of battery, especially at events, malls, or parks. Offering a quick charge service at a small fee can be a real lifesaver for those in need. It’s a low-cost, high-demand service, especially during school events, local gatherings, or places with lots of tourism.

5. Online video game coaching

If you’re great at video games, why not coach others? With so many people wanting to improve their skills in popular games, offering coaching sessions could be your golden ticket. Set up a simple website or promote your services on social media, and you can charge by the hour and even offer bundles for ongoing coaching. Plus, you’ll be doing something you love!

6. Subscription snack boxes

People love snacks, especially unique or homemade ones. You can start a small subscription service where you deliver a box of snacks to your customers each month. Whether it’s homemade cookies, themed candy, or healthy options, there’s a market for tasty treats. As your business grows, you can expand into offering different types of boxes or partnering with local suppliers.

7. Social media manager

Small businesses often need help creating content for their social media, like photos, videos, or posts. If you’ve got a knack for creating cool content, this could be an excellent way to earn money. You can offer packages where you take photos, create short videos, or even manage their social media for a few hours a week. It’s a skill that’s in high demand and doesn’t require much investment.

Your turn

These ideas are just the beginning. With a little creativity, determination, and the right strategy, you can turn any of these into a successful side hustle. So why wait? Start planning, get the word out, and watch your business take off.

You can find lots more useful resources and tips on how to handle money on our website here.

If you think only old people get to be rich, think again. There are tons of amazing young people out there turning their dreams into a reality. We’ve gathered a list of some inspiring teen bosses that might help spark your passion.

Bath bomb sisters

Teenage sisters Isabel and Caroline Bercaw were a bit disappointed in the quality of the bath bombs they were buying; so they took matters into their own hands and tried making their own. From their start mixing up bath bombs in the kitchen sink, they’re now in charge of a business that has sold over 10 million bath bombs to suppliers and customers all over the world.

The girls credit their family for the help and support that led to their success.

“We’re really lucky that we grew up surrounded by such smart people. We’re super grateful that they believed in our idea and wanted to get on board with it.”

Caroline Bercaw, co-founder of Da Bomb Bath Fizzers

Read their full story here.

JoJo bows

Young entertainer JoJo Siwa got her start on reality show Dance Moms, but it was her entrepreneurship that saw her real success. Originally striking a deal with Nickelodeon, JoJo now has her own brand, selling things from toys to shoes, as well as her biggest seller – her signature bows, of which she’s sold more than 80 million worldwide. She’s also an avid content creator.

“YouTube is what I’m invested in. YouTube is my life. I love YouTube. Next is TikTok. I love it because you can just make a dance video.”

JoJo Siwa

Read more about JoJo’s journey here.

AI for good

At just 17 years old, Richard Black founded California-based startup Halfcode, a company that uses Artificial Intelligence to develop smart technology to help people with disabilities. One of their products, smart glasses, is designed to help people with visual and hearing impairments. For Richard, the social aspect of his business is just as important as making money.

“I know for me personally, the social mission is what drives me and no matter what I will be doing in the future, I’ll always be a social entrepreneur.”

Richard Black, founder of Halfcode

Read more about Richard’s story here.

Changing the way we browse

Working as an intern for Netscape when he was just 15, Blake Ross was frustrated by the web browser he had to use. So he decided to make his own. Today, Firefox is one of the most widely-used internet browsers, with nearly 200 million users each month. Blake has since developed other software and worked for Facebook, and is constantly pursuing his own passion for software innovation.

“We weren’t trying to strike it rich with Firefox. It’s open source and it’s free. We weren’t trying to take over the world; we had kind of modest goals, and it was OK if it failed. We were a lot freer to make risky decisions. If you can afford to do things that way, it’s just so much better. You’re not thinking about venture capitalists or marketing or sales. Just product and users, all day every day.”

Blake Ross, co-creator of Firefox

Read more about Blake here.

Want more?

There are heaps more stories of inspiring teen bosses making a difference in the world. You can see more here:

• 5 incredible teen entrepreneurs
• 16 young and successful entrepreneurs who prove that age is nothing but a number
• Meet 9 inspiring young entrepreneurs

Or you can read more about entrepreneurship and find ideas for starting your own business on our website here.

Coming up with a business idea while you’re still at high school might seem like a bit of a stretch, but over a million Australians were self-employed in 2022, and they all started somewhere.  If your venture is successful, you never know where it could all end, but one thing is for sure – you’ll definitely learn a lot along the way. So, if you’d like to earn a bit of extra cash, start saving for your future goals, or dream about becoming a business guru, we’ve come up with a few ideas that could work for you (or at least spark your creativity).

Keep your business idea simple and safe

Before you race off and get started, spend a while considering your business plan. Do some research into the potential demand for your goods or services, ask for advice and input from other people, and check out competitors as well.

Pare back if necessary – keep your idea as basic as possible. You can always build on your business and expand later on. Try to reduce your risks so you don’t end up wasting your time or money.

Small business ideas and inspiration to consider

Lots of goods and services are more in-demand than ever, and you could come up with a genius new way to appeal to lots of people and start making money quickly. Here are some business ideas you can still do while at high school:

Get creative

Make handmade items then sell them online, through local social media groups, or sign up to sites like Etsy. As well as traditional goods, you could create custom portraits of people or pets, create bespoke artwork, posters, illustrations, murals and more.

Sell your skills

Sign up with freelancing marketplaces such as Fiverr, Airtasker, Upwork, Guru, or Design Crowd if you have a particular set of skills you can use to help other people. Offer to tutor other students, either in person or online, if you’re doing great in a particular subject.

Get handy around the home

There are lots of odd jobs people need done around the house that they are willing to pay someone else to do. You could do car washing and detailing, lawn mowing and weeding, simple repairs and DIY jobs, bin cleaning, or looking after plants and pets for people while they’re on holiday.

Be a content creator

Nowadays, there are heaps of avenues for making money on the internet. Pick a topic you’re passionate about and produce your own podcasts or YouTube videos, start a TikTok channel, or even become a blogger.

Create culinary delights

If you’re great in the kitchen, consider baking delicious treats to sell to friends and family or at community markets. You could also make picnic or gift hampers, start a meal delivery service, or teach others how to make delicious and nutritious meals.

Leverage your tech knowledge

Got technical skills and a fantastic idea? Use them to create an app, develop a game, or design a website. You could even provide technical support for people who need to set up IT systems or an online presence for their business.

Get sporty

Love being active and staying fit? You could offer personal training or group fitness services, start an inspo Instagram, or help to run sporting and fitness events in your community.

Don’t overcommit yourself

Before you start, you’ll need to figure out how much time you can commit without interfering with other aspects of your life that are important too – especially school work and sleep. Remember to always make sure you can meet your business obligations so you don’t let customers down. A good reputation is really important in helping you keep and grow your customer base.

Find out more

If you’re feeling inspired, you can find more business ideas and information for high school students about work on our website here.

Did you know you can start your own business before you even leave school? There are no age limits on how old you have to be before you can start, although you may need some help from an adult to get set up.

In this blog we’re going to look at how you can start a business while you’re in high school. We’ll cover the things you need to think about before you start, and then go over the steps to get your business up and running.

Step 1 – Start with a problem

Before you can get down to making the money, you need to work out what problem you are going to solve for your customers. Perhaps they have stinky rubbish bins that need cleaning, or energetic dogs that need walking, or something else entirely – the point is that you need to identify a problem that they will pay for you to solve. If there’s no problem (or no ‘demand’) then your business is going to struggle from the start.

If you’re reading this you may already have identified your problem, but if not that’s OK – check out this article which is jam-packed with great high-school business ideas.

Step 2 – Do the maths

This is the fun bit where we work out how much money you could make. There’s no point in starting a business unless you have a fair idea that you’ll be able to make money out of it – you are not a charity – so sit down with a calculator and Google and work out the numbers.

You’ll need to work out two things:

1. How much you can charge for the product or service you’re going to offer – look for similar products and services and work out how much they charge, and don’t forget to take into account that you’re just starting out, so you may not be able to charge as much just yet.
2. How much it will cost you to deliver the product or service. This amount needs to include everything from the cost of materials to advertising, packaging, and postage.

Once you have both of these numbers you can then work out your likely profit margin – this is the amount you think you can charge minus the amount it will cost you. So if you think you can charge $20 and it will cost you $12 to deliver the product, then your profit margin is $8.

You also have to think about how long it will take you to deliver each product or service, and if the amount you make will be worth the effort. For example, if your profit margin is $8 per product, and it takes you an hour all up to make and sell 10, then you’ll have made $80 per hour. On the other hand, if you make $8 for each bin you clean and it takes you 30 minutes to clean each bin and 30 minutes to advertise and liaise with each client then you’ve only made $8 per hour.

You’ll need to compare this amount with what you could earn in another job to decide if you think it’s worth it. You can explore pay rates depending on your age and industry using the Fair Work Ombudsman’s Pay and Conditions Tool; but we found that for anyone under 16 working in fast food you can expect to take home around $11.16 per hour. If you add in the time it takes you to get to work and back, and the fact that you have little control over your work hours, you may think $8 an hour is a good trade off.

Unless your business goes nuts, you’re unlikely to need to pay tax for a while, as the amount you earn will be under the low-income tax threshold, but you can find out all the details here.

Step 3 – Test your MVP

MVP stands for minimum viable product. Many small business owners fall into the trap of waiting too long to test their product in the market – they don’t release an MVP. This is pretty normal – we’d all like to wait until our product or service is ‘perfect’ before releasing it into the wild, but it can cost you big time if you haven’t read the market need. Waiting too long also robs you of vital feedback at the start of business, and it could end up taking you longer to get to product-market fit. Product-market fit is what happens when you have a good product that people want to buy at the price you want to sell if for.

In this step, you need to create the most basic version of the product or service you really want to sell and see if you can sell it. Some entrepreneurs will literally just pay for an ad on Facebook for a product and count how many clicks they get – this is a totally OK MVP. Work out what the most cutback version of your product or service looks like, and get it off the ground.

To get started you need to consider both your product and your market:

• If you’re offering a local service such as lawn mowing or dog walking, you could post an ad into a local social media group (Facebook, Whatsapp, or whatever else works for you).
• Test physical products at the local markets or community sports days, or take them down to your local shopping centre (although you may want to ask permission first).
• Try old-fashioned letterbox drops in your area and other places you want to target.

Where you can, avoid relying on friends and family to test your MVP; they may be good for feedback, but you need to see how your product will go ‘in the wild’.

Step 4 – Write a plan

Chances are you’ll be able to get through the first three steps without much of a plan, but once you’ve done the numbers and launched your MVP, you’ll need to work out what comes next. By this point you should have more information about how much you can make and how keen the market is for your product, so you’ll need to sit down and write a detailed plan so you know how and where you are going to scale.

Business plans can be a bit intense, so we won’t cover all the details here. Youth Central have a great guide to writing your plan, and watch out for our course coming later in the year.

Don’t wait, start now

The hardest part of starting a business is taking the first step, so if you’ve got an idea then now is a great time to get started. Starting your own business takes time and energy, but can be much more rewarding than a casual job, plus you’ll be learning a whole range of entrepreneurial skills as you go that will help you throughout life.

We’ll delve into why starting a business now can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make, plus offer some practical tips to help you kickstart your journey.

Why start your own business?

Starting a business in high school isn’t just about making some extra cash; it’s a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow, and set yourself up for future success. Here’s why you should consider it:

• Learn valuable skills: You’ll learn about budgeting, time management, problem-solving, and communication. These skills are invaluable and will benefit you no matter where your future takes you.
• Shape your own future: You get to choose what you want to do, how you want to do it, and when you want to do it. It’s a taste of independence and self-determination.
• Gain real-world experience: Imagine having a business on your resume before you even graduate high school – this will definitely set you apart from the crowd when it comes to uni applications and future job interviews.
• Potential for financial rewards: While not every business becomes a money-making machine (and that’s OK!), the potential for financial rewards is there.

Some ideas to get you started

If you’re not sure where to start, here are a few ideas to get you thinking. Here’s a tip to keep in mind while you brainstorm: the key to a successful business is to identify a problem that someone will pay for you to solve.

• Tutoring: Offer your expertise in a particular subject to help fellow students with their studies.
• Handmade crafts: If you’re crafty, create and sell handmade jewellery, candles, or artwork.
• Lawn care: Mow lawns, trim hedges, and tend to gardens in your neighbourhood.
• Pet sitting or dog walking: Love animals? Offer pet sitting or dog walking services for your friends and neighbours.

Tips for startup success

Now that you’ve got a business idea in mind, let’s look at some key strategies to set you on the right track.

Discover your passion

Choose a business idea that excites you. Starting a business is hard work, but it can be much more enjoyable if it’s something you’re passionate about.

Plan and research

Research your market, create a business plan, and set clear goals. This will guide your efforts and help you stay on track.

Keep your finances in check

Learn to manage your finances wisely. Keep track of expenses and revenue, and save a portion of your profits.

Build an online presence

In today’s digital world, having an online presence is crucial. Create a simple website (you can use tools like Squarespace or Weebly), or use social media to promote your business.

Seek guidance

Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and assistance from teachers, family, or mentors. Their wisdom can be invaluable.

Take the first step

Starting a business in high school might seem difficult, but the earlier you start, the more time you’ll have to grow and learn. Plus, you never know where it could lead you – Melanie Perkins, the founder of Canva, started out at age 14 selling scarves in local markets, and now owns one of the most successful startups in the world.

If you’re looking to explore your future work options further, check out more blogs and tips on our website.

If you’re Indigenous and thinking of starting up your own business, get some inspiration from the Indigipreneur Podcast.

Produced by Barayamal, the podcast interviews some of Australia’s most successful Indigenous entrepreneurs. Find out about how they started their business and the success they have now.

Listen here.

Entrepreneurs need resilience, initiative, determination, and confidence

The mindset you bring will dictate where you end up, because in this field there are less rules and less clear paths to determine your success.

In this area, you will find livestock veterinarians working on ground-breaking AI technology that tracks herd health, operating theatre nurses opening drone companies, and university drop-outs with billion dollar companies.

Here are 7 Australian Entrepreneurs who’ve made it

If you’re looking for inspiration and motivation, or you just need some reassurance to help you make the leap into your first venture, we’ve found some people who’ve been successful. Check out their stories and be inspired.

1. Melanie Perkins the Founder and CEO of Canva

Melanie’s company, Canva, is a ‘unicorn’ (valued at over $1 billion), and around 75 million people use her product. She started her first business at 14 while still at Sacred Heart College in WA. After dropping out of the University of Western Australia at 19 Melanie started Fusion Books, the predecessor of Canva.

She was rejected by hundreds of Venture Capital funds before she found the right people to grow her business, and she continues to innovate – Canva has just launched a productivity suite to rival Microsoft.

2. Scott Farquhar co-Founder and co-CEO of Atlassian

Scott grew up in Western Sydney. After leaving James Ruse High School he met co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes at university, where the pair came up with the idea for an IT Support business. That didn’t work, so they decided to sell the software they had been developing to run the IT support service, and the rest is history.

Twenty years down the track, Atlassian is one of the world’s largest tech platforms and employs almost 9,000 people.

3. Kayla Itsines co-Founder of Sweat

After starting work as a personal trainer at 18, Kayla started posting workout routines and her clients transformations on Instagram. She quickly gained a huge following and started selling her workout guides as e-books. Her career boomed and she went on to launch Sweat a platform for her followers to connect on, which she sold in 2021 for $400 million with over a million followers.

4. Eric Peck CEO and co-Founder of Swoop Aero

Eric graduated from uni with a degree in technology majoring in aerospace. He went on to complete his MBA, and was a Royal Australian Air Force Hercules pilot before launching Swoop, a drone delivery service,….. and he’s still only 30!

5. James and Adam Gilmour Founders of Gilmour Space Technologies

Brothers James and Adam started their venture-backed Australian company back in 2013. Their Queensland based start-up is now one of the leading space companies pioneering new and innovative hybrid propulsion technologies designed to offer lower cost access to space. They’ve received over $26 million in backing to date.

6. Vu Tran and Andrew Barnes co-Founders of GO1

Childhood best mates Vu and Andrew started their first business Busy Links when they were just 16. Vu the son of Vietnamese refugees is also a qualified Doctor and still works one day a week in that role.

They went on to start GO1 in a garage in Brisbane in 2015, helping businesses and individuals to find the training that they need. There are already over one million users on the website and GO1 is now valued at over $1 billion.

7. Angus Goldman and Alex Harper co-Founders of Swyftx

Angus and Alex started their crypto exchange business Swyftx in 2018 after meeting on school science camp at the University of Sydney. By 2021 their trade volumes were reaching over $3 billion a month and they have no plans of stopping there.

Ready to launch your own venture?

If Entrepreneurship sounds like a path that’s perfect for you, you’ll find lots more information in our Pathways to Entrepreneurship Guide https://studyworkgrow.com.au/product/pathways-to-entrepreneurship-2022/.

Be warned, you will need to make your own way and do your lots of your own research to succeed in this field