How Kids Can Start a Business: The First Step

If you're a kid reading this — congratulations. Starting a business is one of the most fun and brave things you can do. It's also way easier than adults make it look. Here's the simple version.

Step 1: Pick something you'd want to make on a Saturday for fun

If you wouldn't enjoy doing it for free, you won't enjoy doing it for money. Pick something you like.

Step 2: Make ten of them

Ten of whatever you're going to sell. Cookies, friendship bracelets, drawings, slime, lemonade. If you can't make ten in one weekend, the idea is too complicated. Pick something simpler.

Step 3: Pick your first place to sell

Your driveway. A relative's garage sale. A church coffee hour. A school spirit night. A community market like Colorado Family Market's Young Entrepreneur Village. Easier first audiences are better.

Step 4: Make a sign with three things on it

• What you're selling
• How much it costs
• Your business name

Step 5: Say hi to every person who walks by

Most adults won't know what to say. You go first. 'Hi! Would you like to see what I made?' That sentence works every time.

Step 6: Split your money three ways

Save some. Give some. Spend some. This is what makes you a real business owner instead of just a kid with a cash box.