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.