top of page

Entrepreneurship for Teens –
Launch your own venture

 
Teens today are launching real businesses, pitching investors, and creating products that change lives—and you can too. Whether you're exploring a new side hustle, building a brand, or solving real-world problems through innovation, this guide is your launchpad. Discover step-by-step startup toolkits, youth-friendly funding opportunities, online platforms for business building, and real success stories from teen founders.

From learning how to write your first business plan to connecting with national youth entrepreneurship organizations like NFTE, Junior Achievement, and DECA, you'll find resources to grow your skills and your network. This curated list also features interactive websites, mentorship programs, and funding opportunities tailored to help young entrepreneurs succeed—especially those from underserved communities.

Whether you're 13 or 18, this is your space to dream big, start small, and build something that matters. Dive in and start your entrepreneurial journey today.
 

 


Startup Guides & Toolkits for Teens

Starting a Business: A Guide for Young Entrepreneurs (NW Bank)

Step-by-step toolkit: from business plan structure and market research to financing, organizing, and legal setup.

GO

Business StartUp Guide for Young Entrepreneurs (IgniteSpot)

​Covers startup planning essentials: zoning, budgeting, financing, and small-business basics.

GO

NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship)

A nonprofit offering entrepreneurship training programs and curriculum to empower teens from underserved communities.

GO

Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!)

A yearlong program that teaches students about business ideas, market research, business plans, and pitching to investors.

GO

 


Youth Entrepreneurship Websites & Blogs

Biz Kids

Teaches kids and teens about money, business and entrepreneurship through engaging videos, games, and activities. 

GO

Young Entrepreneurs Council (YEC)

A community of young entrepreneurs sharing insights, advice, and resources through articles, podcasts, and events.

GO

VentureLab

Online platform helping kids and teens develop entrepreneurial skills through interactive courses, hands-on experiences and mentorship.

GO

LaunchX

An online platformdesigned to help students develop their business ideas, build prototypes, and launch successful ventures.​

GO

 


Youth Entrepreneurship Organizations

Future Founders

Supports young entrepreneurs through programs, events, and resources designed to help them launch and grow their businesses.

GO

Junior Achievement (JA)

provides programs focused on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and workforce readiness for students.

​

GO

TiE.org

teaches high school students entrepreneurship skills through workshops, mentorship, and business plan competitions.

 

GO

DECA

Prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs through competitions, conferences, and experiential learning opportunities.

GO

 


Funding & Grants for Young Entrepreneurs

Funding Options for Teen Entrepreneurs (TechDevAcademy)

Highlights government-backed youth grants, such as the SBA Youth Program offering $5K–$25K for startups.

GO

Whole Kids Foundation: Young Entrepreneurs

​

Grants for youth-led ventures that improve how kids eat, through gardening or nutrition-based business ideas.​

GO

Burton D. Morgan Foundation Youth Entrepreneurship Grants

Local programs offering funding ($5K–$150K) to schools and youth groups creating enterprise-focused initiatives.

GO

Biz Kids/Kid Everest
(US Chamber resources)

​

Platforms for teens, along with templates and guidance for goal-setting and pitching.​

​

GO

 


Success Stories of Youth Entrepreneurs

Kidpreneurs: Inspiring Youth Business Stories

Real accounts of teens who launched ventures, from lemonade stands to online stores, highlighting the mindset and grit behind their journey.

GO

Business Insider: Teen Raised $1M from HS Bathroom

Eric Zhu co-founded his tech startup at 14 and raised $1M by pitching investors from his high school bathroom. 

GO

Mikaila Ulmer – Me & the Bees Lemonade

Started bottling her great-grandmother’s lemonade recipe at age 4; now it’s sold in 1,500+ stores nationwide, plus a “Shark Tank” success story.​

GO

Wired: Clickzen.com Founders

Two teens launched a million-dollar ad network during the dot-com boom—demonstrating how creative ideas + determination pay off.​

GO
bottom of page