Dream Big or Go Home
Are you a teenager with big dreams and passionate about making a difference? Have you ever wondered what it takes to start your own business and become a successful young entrepreneur? If so, you’re in the right page. Let’s explore, through this blog, what entrepreneurship for high school students is and provide you with the guidance and the resources you need to start your entrepreneurial journey of success.
But first let’s discuss what is an entrepreneur. An entrepreneur is a problem-solver, a dreamer, and a risk taker, the list of those adjectives can go on forever, but let’s read and understand the definition more from this story.
When a young girl, Portia, was a high school student, she struggled to find worthwhile internships. She made the decision to act independently and founded InternEd. This company’s mission is to democratize high school internships by offering virtual, project-based internships. She offered a unique value to the market by enabling businesses to gain an alternative viewpoint from students at no cost to them. Her business grew and her revenue broke the 12-thousand dollars benchmark, read more here. Too young to start a business, believe me, absolutely not, you can be like her too!
How to Get Started: First Steps for Entrepreneurship for Teens
The journey of a thousand miles has to start with a step, and the same holds true for aspiring young entrepreneurs. As a high school student, you have a unique opportunity to explore your interests and develop valuable skills that will serve you well in the future. By starting early, you can gain a head start in your career exploration and discover your passions.
Build your skill set
“The mind that opens to a new idea never returns to its original size.” Albert Einstein. Curiosity my friend. You should always begin and maintain curiosity. Any entrepreneur has to be flexible and receptive to new knowledge because there is a lot more out there to learn than they will ever have time to fully comprehend. Although it may seem overwhelming, there are a few steps you can take to make the process of lifelong learning less complicated. As Elon Musk has stated, applying “first principles” to problems is a “good framework for thinking…boil things down to their fundamental truths and reason up from there, as opposed to reasoning by analogy.” 
Get familiar with conducting research.
To find out what’s popular in a given business, subscribe to trade journals. Do some research on the market you want to investigate. Go out and interact with those who are engaged in. Do some research on the market you want to investigate. Go out and connect with people who are pursuing your goals; they will not only be a wonderful source of advice, but also a valuable addition to your network.
Concentrate on what matters.
Although some serial entrepreneurs are known for being masters of all crafts due to their industry-hopping, you will probably have greater success if you concentrate on your area of interest and area of expertise. I couldn’t find a better story to share than AirBnb, a perfect example of how should you concentrate on what matters, and know your niche market! You can watch the full story here! Another piece of advice, go after a degree or program that imparts knowledge and abilities related to entrepreneurship in the field you wish to enter.
Explore High School Entrepreneurship Programs
What Entrepreneurship Programs Are Available to Teens?
Fortunately, there are numerous programs available specifically designed to foster entrepreneurship among high school students. These programs provide a structured environment where you can learn the fundamentals of business and entrepreneurship while networking with like-minded peers.
There is a wide range of high school entrepreneurship programs available, each with its own unique focus and offerings. One of these programs is LaunchX-a highly regarded entrepreneurship program for high school students that provides a comprehensive and immersive experience that empowers young individuals to develop their entrepreneurial skills and launch real businesses. Another program is the Young Entrepreneur Institute that offers programs and resources for children and young teenagers to learn about entrepreneurship by learning how to create products, present their ideas, and engage with clients by attending day-long events. Last but not least, Ascend Now has its own virtual Entrepreneurship Program, Startup Warriors! It takes you throughout a long journey, from Entrepreneurship 101 till it teaches you on how to launch your own business as a high school student. Read more here!
Benefits of joining these programs
Some programs focus on teaching business skills and providing mentorship, while others emphasize hands-on experience through internships or startup incubators. By joining these programs, you can gain valuable knowledge and experience that will set you apart from your peers.
Innovative Startup Ideas for Teenagers
Tech-based startups
One area that has seen tremendous growth is tech-based startups. In recent years, we’ve seen remarkable success stories of teenagers developing and launching their own tech ventures. From mobile apps to e-commerce platforms, the possibilities are endless. Teenagers who have taken the initiative to create and start their own tech enterprises have inspired success stories in recent years. These businesses operate in a variety of sectors, from e-commerce platforms that sell distinctive goods and services to mobile apps that cater to particular needs or give amusement.
One success story is that of Maya, a seven year old. When she joined Etsy that year, Maya had an idea to open her own store. She made the decision to sell accessories and headbands. She started and launched at the age of eight out of curiosity. After deciding to only produce eco-friendly goods and donate a portion of her sales to charities, Maya constructed the website herself. At the age of ten, Maya was highlighted in Forbes magazine. She has given three TED talks and been recognized by former President Barack Obama for her exceptional accomplishments in environmental excellence.
Low-cost, high-impact ideas
Not all startups require substantial investments. In fact, there are plenty of low-cost, high-impact business ideas that you can pursue as a teenager. These ideas often leverage your existing skills and resources, allowing you to start a business with minimal financial investment. Whether it’s offering tutoring services, creating handmade crafts, or providing social media management for local businesses, there are countless ways to turn your passion into a profitable venture. An example of that is Moone. Moone was diagnosed with a cardiac condition when she was younger, and the doctor advised her to eat healthily in order to recover. Moone’s family devised numerous methods to make eating healthily joyful because it was all she could do.
This began Moone’s interest in cooking. Her ambition is to create an online platform (itcan be on wix or any other software as a service plaftorm) that can provide high-quality, wholesome food to all Singaporeans and then spread to the rest of the world. She previously won two Ascend Now Bullpen competitions!
Leveraging Local and Online Resources
As a teenager, you have access to a wealth of resources both locally and online that can support your entrepreneurial endeavors. Local resources may include business incubators, community centers, and mentorship programs. Online resources, on the other hand, provide a global platform for networking, learning, and marketing your business. Some of those local business resources for student entrepreurs are:
- Youth Business International (YBI) Singapore: https://www.syba.sg/
- Startup Incubation Program (SIP) by Youth Co:Lab: https://www.youthcolab.org/singapore
- Ngee Ann Polytechnic’s Startup Xchange: https://www.np.edu.sg/student-life/the-sandbox-innovation-entrepreneurship/kickstart-fund
- NUS Enterprise Startup SG Student: https://enterprise.nus.edu.sg/
- SMU Institute of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (IIE): https://iie.smu.edu.sg/
- TeenTech SG: https://teentech.com/
By utilizing these teenage business ventures, you can take advantage of the opportunities available to you. There are numerous success stories of teenagers who have leveraged local and online resources to launch and grow their businesses. From crowdfunding platforms to social media marketing, the possibilities are endless when it comes to reaching your target audience and building a strong brand presence.
A great example of bootstrapping your business is Annika, a serial social entrepreneur. She started a thrift store on Instagram called ThriftedGalore which re-sold over 400 pieces of clothing in Indonesia and won the Ascend Now Women’s Entrepreneurship Competition with her idea of CircleShare, an app that helps students cope with their mental health issues.
Challenges and Solutions in Teen Entrepreneurship
Starting and running a business is not without its challenges, and teenage entrepreneurs face obstacles along the way. However, with the right mindset and support, these challenges can be overcome. To help you navigate the path of entrepreneurship, we’ve gathered advice from established entrepreneurs who have been through similar experiences.
From the words of Jared Atchison, WPForms, “ Ditch perfectionism is the best piece of advise I’ve ever heard, and it has had a significant impact on both my career and my personal life.” When it comes to knocking chores off their to-do lists, perfectionists are slow. As a result, projects rarely get beyond the conceptual stage. Work keeps piling up, and you’re under increasing stress. This not only impedes your professional development, but it also throws off your school-life balance. What is the solution? You have to keep the needle moving, keep up the momentum. This is what that guidance taught him, and he has been doing it ever since.
Some common challenges faced by teen entrepreneurs include a lack of experience, limited resources, and balancing business responsibilities with school commitments. However, by seeking guidance, building a strong support network, and staying resilient, you can find solutions to these challenges and turn them into opportunities for growth. You can read more about the best pieces of advice from this Forbes article!
The Future of Teen Entrepreneurship
The future of entrepreneurship belongs to those who dare to dream and take action! Don’t just wait for the perfect moment, create the moment! As a teenager, you have the power and time to shape your own destiny and create a startup that makes a difference in the world, or perhaps in your neighborhood. By searching the available opportunities to you, sharpening your skills, and leveraging the resources at your disposal, you can pave the way for a successful entrepreneurial journey.
Starting a business as a teenager is an exciting and rewarding endeavor, you’ll never forget. It allows you to follow your passions, gain valuable skills, and make a positive impact on your community. So, what are you waiting for? Embrace the world of teen entrepreneurship, share your ideas and stories, and let your entrepreneurial spirit soar.
We invite you to explore more resources and connect with like-minded individuals through Ascend Now, we are dedicated to supporting teenage entrepreneurs. Together, let’s embark on this incredible journey and shape the future of entrepreneurship!
- Summary: Recap the importance and potential of teen entrepreneurship.
- Final Thoughts: Offer words of encouragement and motivation.
- Call to Action: Invite readers to share their ideas or stories, and explore more resources. Contact Ascend Now…
References:
1) Protia Hartono.Intern-Ed. Retrieved from https://www.intern-ed.com/about-us
2) Youth Entrepreneurship Programs
- https://www.launchx.com/
- https://ascendnow.org/college-admission-counseling/extracurricular-activities/entrepreneurship/
- https://www.youngentrepreneurinstitute.org/
3) Expert Panel (2022). Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2022/08/19/the-best-business-advice-these-10-entrepreneurs-have-ever-received/?sh=50f3cbc04444
4) Mitchel York (2018). 7 Steps to Starting Your Own Business Quickly and Effectivel. Retrieved from https://www.thebalancemoney.com/starting-own-business-1200678
