You don’t need to be an adult to pursue entrepreneurship. All you need is a solid business idea—a concept that can be turned into a venture to provide products or services in exchange for money. If you can identify a genuine public need and come up with a solution that people are willing to pay for, then you’re ready to explore entrepreneurship. In our blog today, we’ll explain how you can start a business in middle school using your skills, interests, and available resources.

Why pursue entrepreneurship in middle school? The things it can teach you are numerous:

• Skill development: Running a business helps you develop problem-solving, financial literacy, and communication skills.

• Entrepreneurial mindset: Learning to manage a business fosters creativity, resilience, and decision-making abilities.

• Financial responsibility: Earning money at a young age teaches budgeting, saving, and investing.

• Community engagement: Businesses can address local needs, helping you contribute positively to your communities.

• Preparation for the future: A business venture can be an impressive accomplishment that prepares you for high school and beyond. 

How does starting a business help you develop transferable skills and build a portfolio?

The real-life experience of running a business allows you to learn lessons that school can’t teach you. This helps you build specific skills that are easily transferable to other efforts, such as:

• Leadership and teamwork: Managing a business often involves working with others, which helps in learning how to delegate tasks and collaborate.

• Problem-solving and critical thinking: Business challenges require quick thinking and innovative solutions.

• Marketing and communication: Selling a product or service helps improve verbal and written communication skills and teaches you to pinpoint and communicate user value in a precise fashion.

• Time management and organization: Balancing a business with school responsibilities helps students develop efficiency and responsibility.

A successful business venture also provides tangible proof of these skills, which you can showcase in portfolios for future academic opportunities.

Selecting a business idea

To choose the right business idea, the following steps can help point you in the right direction:

1. Identify your interests and strengths: What are you interested in, and what skills do you already have?

2. Assess market needs: Are there gaps or unmet demands you can identify in your school, community, or online space?

3. Evaluate resources: What tools, materials, and funds do you have access to? What resources can you secure if you make the effort?

4. Start small and scale gradually: Begin with an idea that requires minimal investment and build it up as your experience grows.

25+ business ideas for middle school students

Below is a list of business ideas that require relatively fewer resources and can be started on a smaller scale, allowing a motivated middle schooler to pursue entrepreneurship.

1. Academic tutoring

If you excel in a particular subject, you can offer tutoring services to younger students or peers who need extra help. Sessions can be in person or virtual, covering subjects like math, reading, or science. You can charge hourly rates and use free online resources to enhance lessons.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Strong knowledge of the subject; good communication skills

• Resources Needed: Study materials, quiet space for sessions, a streaming setup (webcam, microphone, internet) if you want to do it virtually

2. Pet sitting and dog walking

Many pet owners need someone trustworthy to look after their pets while they are away. You can offer services such as feeding, walking, and playing with pets. This business requires patience and responsibility, but it’s a great way to earn money while spending time with animals.

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Prerequisites: Comfortable handling animals; responsible nature

• Resources Needed: Leash, pet toys, schedule planner, and lots of patience

3. Lawn care services

Many homeowners need help maintaining their yards, especially during busy seasons. You can offer services such as mowing lawns, pulling weeds, raking leaves, and watering plants. This business is ideal if you enjoy working outdoors and can handle light physical labor. It is also largely seasonal and can have a steady, repeating customer base, allowing you to balance it with schoolwork better.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of lawn care equipment

• Resources Needed: Lawnmower, rake, gardening gloves

4. Handmade crafts sales

If you enjoy creating things, consider selling handmade items like jewelry, candles, greeting cards, or keychains. You can sell your crafts online through platforms like Etsy or at local markets and school events. Unique, well-made products can attract a steady customer base.

• Difficulty Level: Challenging

• Prerequisites: Artistic skills, creativity, operational skills to secure supplies, assistance from a parent or guardian to help manage finances and storage

• Resources Needed: Craft supplies, online store account (if selling online)

5. Car washing and detailing

People often look for affordable car cleaning services. You can offer exterior washing, interior vacuuming, and detailing for neighbors and family members. Investing in quality cleaning supplies and advertising your services through flyers or social media can help grow your client base.

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Prerequisites: Attention to detail and physical stamina

• Resources Needed: Cleaning supplies, access to a water source

6. Babysitting services

If you enjoy caring for children, babysitting can be a profitable business. Parents often need responsible babysitters for a few hours while they work or go out. Taking a basic babysitting or CPR course can make you more qualified and increase trust from parents.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Responsibility, patience

• Resources Needed: Babysitting certification (optional), first-aid knowledge

7. House cleaning services

Many families need help with simple household chores. You can offer services such as dusting, vacuuming, and organizing cluttered spaces. A cleaning business requires minimal startup costs and can be a great way to earn money with flexible hours.

• Difficulty Level: Easy

• Prerequisites: Attention to detail, time management, basic cleaning techniques

• Resources Needed: Cleaning supplies and safety gear for products such as bleach

8. Personalized gift baskets

People love customized gifts for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. You can create themed gift baskets with snacks, self-care items, or handmade products. Marketing on social media and offering delivery options can help you attract more customers.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Creativity, knowledge of trends, funding for the supplies

• Resources Needed: Plenty of baskets, decorative materials, themed items

9. Digital art and illustrations

If you have a talent for drawing, consider selling digital art or custom illustrations. You can create artwork for social media users, book covers, posters, or personalized gifts. Offering commissions on platforms like Instagram or Etsy can help you build a customer base while improving your artistic skills.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging, depending on the complexity of your work

• Prerequisites: Digital art software and artistic ability

• Resources Needed: Tablet or computer, a paid subscription to a drawing app (Procreate, Photoshop, etc.)

10. Social media management

Many small businesses and local shops struggle to maintain an online presence. If you're good at creating engaging content, you can offer to manage their social media pages, post updates, and interact with customers. Learning about social media algorithms and trends will help you grow accounts effectively.

• Difficulty Level: Challenging

• Prerequisites: Strong understanding of social media platforms

• Resources Needed: Smartphone or computer, basic marketing knowledge

11. Greeting card or sticker business

Custom-designed greeting cards and stickers are always in demand for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. You can design and print unique cards or stickers and sell them online or at local markets. Digital design skills and a printer or sticker-cutting machine will be helpful.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Creativity and design skills

• Resources Needed: Drawing software, printer, sticker paper

12. Blog or YouTube channel

If you love writing or creating videos, you can start a blog or YouTube channel on a topic you care about, such as gaming, book reviews, or DIY projects. While it takes time to grow an audience, consistent content can eventually lead to monetization through ads and sponsorships.

• Difficulty Level: Hard

• Prerequisites: Content creation skills and content marketing skills

• Resources Needed: Camera or smartphone, editing software, niche expertise

13. Custom t-shirt and merchandise business

Designing and selling custom t-shirts, tote bags, and mugs can be a fun business. You can use print-on-demand services like Redbubble or Printful to sell without managing inventory. Unique and trendy designs can help attract customers looking for personalized merchandise.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Design skills and trend awareness

• Resources Needed: Design software, online marketplace account, some funding to get your initial lot off the ground

14. Coding and website design

If you enjoy coding, you can offer web design services for small businesses, schools, or individuals who need simple websites. Learning platforms like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp can help you build skills. A professional-looking portfolio will make it easier to attract clients.

• Difficulty Level: Hard

• Prerequisites: Knowledge of HTML, CSS, JavaScript

• Resources Needed: Computer, coding software, certifications for relevant programming languages

15. Photography services

If you have a good eye for photography, consider offering event photography or portrait sessions. You can take pictures for birthdays, school events, or even pets. Selling stock photos online is another way to make money from your photography skills.

• Difficulty Level: Hard

• Prerequisites: Photography knowledge and editing skills

• Resources Needed: Camera or smartphone, editing software

16. Upcycled fashion and accessories

Turning old clothes into stylish, upcycled fashion pieces is a creative business idea. You can sew, paint, or modify second-hand clothes and sell them online or locally. This is a great way to reduce waste while earning money from fashion trends.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Sewing skills and creativity

• Resources Needed: Fabric, sewing machine, design ideas

17. Virtual assistant for small businesses

Many business owners need help with scheduling, emails, and organization. As a virtual assistant, you can handle tasks like data entry, responding to messages, and social media scheduling. This is a great way to develop professional skills while working remotely.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Organization and communication skills

• Resources Needed: Computer, scheduling tools, email management skills

18. Event planning for kids’ parties

If you’re good at organizing, consider offering event-planning services for kids' birthday parties. You can create fun themes, plan activities, and even manage decorations. Parents will appreciate the help in making their child's party special.

• Difficulty Level: Hard

• Prerequisites: Organization; creativity

• Resources Needed: Event supplies, planning checklist

19. Subscription box service

A curated subscription box with themed items (such as school supplies, self-care kits, or mystery snack packs) can be an exciting business idea. Customers subscribe to receive a new box each month, creating a steady revenue stream.

• Difficulty Level: Hard

• Prerequisites: Sourcing products; marketing skills

• Resources Needed: Packaging materials, supplier contacts, funding to secure at least the initial few lots of supplies

20. Homemade soap and skincare products

With natural and handmade skincare products trending, you can make and sell soaps, bath bombs, or lip balms. Learning about safe ingredient mixing and packaging design can make your products stand out.

• Difficulty Level: Very hard

• Prerequisites: Knowledge of skincare ingredients, expertise in crafting your own soaps etc.

• Resources Needed: Soap-making kit, packaging materials, ingredients

21. Custom jewelry business

Designing and selling handmade jewelry, such as beaded bracelets or resin earrings, can be a profitable creative business. Unique and trendy designs will attract customers looking for personalized accessories.

• Difficulty Level: Very hard

• Prerequisites: Crafting skills; creativity

• Resources Needed: Jewelry-making supplies, online store or local selling venue

22. Digital marketing for local businesses

If you understand social media trends and digital marketing, you can offer advertising services to local businesses. Managing social media ads and optimizing their online presence can help them attract more customers.

• Difficulty Level: Hard

• Prerequisites: Marketing knowledge; social media expertise

• Resources Needed: Computer, social media ad budget

23. Selling baked goods

If you enjoy baking, you can sell homemade cookies, cupcakes, or other treats. Selling at local markets or offering custom event orders can help turn your hobby into a business.

• Difficulty Level: Hard

• Prerequisites: Baking skills, food safety knowledge

• Resources Needed: Baking ingredients, packaging, permits (if required)

24. Voice acting or audiobook narration

If you have a clear and expressive voice, you can record voiceovers for animations, ads, or audiobooks. Websites like Fiverr allow voice actors to offer their services.

• Difficulty Level: Hard

• Prerequisites: Good voice control; recording setup

• Resources Needed: Microphone, audio editing software

25. Sports coaching for younger kids

If you play a sport well, you can offer private lessons to younger kids looking to improve their skills. Many parents seek extra training for their children outside of regular practice sessions.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Sports experience; ability to teach

• Resources Needed: Sports equipment, space for training

26. Reselling collectibles or vintage items

Many people are willing to pay a premium for rare or vintage items like trading cards, sneakers, or retro video games. If you have an eye for valuable items, you can source them from thrift stores, yard sales, or online marketplaces and resell them for a profit. Learning about pricing and demand is key to making this business successful.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Research skills; knowledge of collectibles

• Resources Needed: Initial inventory, access to resale platforms like eBay or Depop

27. Language translation services

If you are fluent in more than one language, you can offer translation services for students, businesses, or content creators. This can include translating documents, subtitles, or even tutoring others in a second language. As global communication grows, language skills are in high demand, making this a profitable venture.

• Difficulty Level: Moderate

• Prerequisites: Fluency in at least two languages; attention to detail

• Resources Needed: Computer, translation software (optional), networking with potential clients

Consider a mentored research program

Another way to learn entrepreneurship, but in a less risky and more structured fashion, is via mentored research programs that allow you to conduct business research. Lumiere Education’s Junior Explorers Program and Veritas AI’s Trailblazers Program provide structured mentorship, helping middle schoolers work on research projects in various aspects of business, from customer acquisition to market growth. These programs allow you to gain hands-on experience while working 1:1 with expert mentors, making research more accessible and rewarding.

Starting a business or conducting business research in middle school is an excellent way to gain valuable skills, financial independence, and a strong foundation for future endeavors. Whether you launch a small venture or explore business concepts through research, the experience is likely to be rewarding.

Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.

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