Why Teen Entrepreneurship could be the New Power Move!!
Think you have to wait until college to start a business? Think again. Teen entrepreneurship is booming and teens around the world are launching apps, fashion brands, eco-businesses, and even nonprofits before they can legally vote. The best part? Research says you don’t need millions to start just an idea, internet access, and the guts to try.
According to a 2023 report by Junior Achievement USA, 60% of teens want to start their own business someday, and over 40% are already exploring side hustles while in school. And with tools like Canva, Shopify, Instagram Reels, and ChatGPT, starting a business has never been easier or more affordable.
Take 16-year-old Mikaila Ulmer, who turned her great-grandma’s lemonade recipe into Me & the Bees, a brand now sold in major U.S. stores. Her mission? Saving bees and inspiring kids to do good while making money. Or Indian teen Tilak Mehta, who launched Papers N Parcels at 13, a logistics startup in Mumbai that’s now delivering thousands of packages daily all run by dabbawalas.
Science backs this trend too. Studies published in the Journal of Youth Entrepreneurship show that starting a business young builds grit, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills traits essential for any future career. Plus, the dopamine kick of earning your own money and solving real-world problems? Nothing beats that.
So, where do you start?
Spot a Problem, Think Solution
Look around your school, community, or social media—what annoys people or could be better? That’s your business idea.
Start with What You Have
Use free tools like Canva, ChatGPT, and Instagram to create, promote, and test your idea. No fancy setup needed.
Build Your Learning Circle
Follow teenpreneurs, join youth startup clubs, or ask a mentor questions. CEOs don’t grow alone, they grow with others.
You don’t have to go viral, you just have to go real.
Why does this matter to You?
- Entrepreneurship builds independence and confidence
- You learn life skills school rarely teaches (budgeting, pitching, branding)
- You could build something the world actually needs
Don’t wait for a degree or an investor. Your age isn’t a limitation, it’s your superpower. The world needs young minds with fresh ideas, bold moves, and hearts that care. So go ahead and launch that dream. CEO status looks good on you. Let us know what you think about the post at friends@genwe.today.