Module 4: Child-friendly Business Ideas

FINANCIAL LITERACY LEARNING RESOURCES 

Brilliant Ideas For Kids Business

Objective:In this lesson, children will explore different small business ideas they can start themselves. They’ll learn how simple ideas can turn into ways to earn money while having fun and learning responsibility.

1. What is a Business?

A business is when you provide a service or sell something to other people in exchange for money. A business can be big, like a company that makes cars, or small, like a kid selling lemonade in their neighborhood. Starting a business helps you learn how to manage money and how to create things that others want or need.

2. Why Should Kids Start Small Businesses?

Starting a business is a great way for kids to learn important life skills, like:

• Responsibility: You’ll be in charge of your own business, so you’ll need to stay organized and make good choices.

• Creativity: Businesses are often about solving problems or creating things people need or enjoy.

• Money Management: You’ll learn how to earn, save, and spend your money wisely.

• Confidence: Running your own business can make you feel proud of your hard work and accomplishments.

3. Business Ideas for Kids

Here are some simple business ideas that kids can start with little or no money:

A. Lemonade Stand

This is one of the most popular kid-friendly businesses. You set up a small table, make some lemonade, and sell it to neighbors or people walking by. You’ll need to:

• Buy or make lemonade

• Set a fair price for each cup

• Advertise by making signs or telling your friends and neighbors

B. Selling Crafts

If you like making things, you can sell your handmade crafts. You could make:

• Bracelets

• Paintings or Drawings

• Decorated Rocks

• Slime

You could sell your crafts at school events, local markets, or even online with the help of a parent.

C. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals, you can offer to take care of people’s pets when they’re busy. You can:

• Walk dogs after school

• Take care of cats or small pets when neighbors are on vacation

• Offer to feed or play with pets during the day

This teaches responsibility and can be a fun way to spend time with animals while earning money.

D. Yard Work or Gardening

Kids who enjoy being outside can offer to help neighbors with simple yard tasks like:

• Raking Leaves

• Watering Plants

• Pulling Weeds

• Shoveling Snow in the winter

This is a great way to get some fresh air while earning money by helping others.

E. Online Sales (with Parent Supervision)

With a parent’s help, kids can sell things online. Some ideas include:

• Selling old toys or clothes you no longer use

• Creating digital art or writing and selling short stories

• Making homemade items like crafts, jewelry, or decorations to sell on websites like Etsy (with an adult’s account)

Online businesses teach kids how to interact with people from all over and manage orders and payments.

4. How to Start a Small Business

A. Pick a Business Idea

Choose something you enjoy or are good at. Make sure it’s simple and safe, and ask for help from a parent or guardian when needed.

B. Plan

Think about what you’ll need to start. For example, if you want to sell lemonade, you’ll need ingredients, cups, and a table. If you want to do yard work, you might need tools like rakes or gloves.

C. Set Prices

Decide how much you’ll charge. Make sure your prices are fair, so people will want to buy from you.

D. Advertise

Let people know about your business. You can make signs, tell your friends, or ask your parents to help you post on social media.