10 Business Ideas for Teens in 2025

This article explores business ideas that Aussie teens can realistically implement in 2025. It’s not going to be one of those boring “get a job babysitting” lists, though babysitting is still solid, don’t get me wrong. Instead, we’ll look at realistic ideas that mix creativity, online platforms, and real-life hustle. And don’t stress, I’ll keep it in teen-friendly language, not like a lecture from your careers teacher.

When you’re a teenager in Australia, people often expect you to just focus on school, sport, hanging out with mates, and maybe doing a part-time job at Macca’s or the local café. But honestly, 2025 is different. There are way more ways for teens to make money now compared to even five years ago. Thanks to tech, social media, and everyone’s obsession with convenience, teens can actually start proper little businesses without needing a big budget or a fancy office.

Why Teens Should Think About Business in 2025

Before jumping into ideas, let’s talk about why starting a small business as a teen is actually worth it.

1. Extra cash – Obvious one, right? Having your own business means you don’t have to wait for payday shifts at some underpaying retail job.
2. Independence – Running your own gig means you’re the boss. You don’t have to deal with dodgy managers who schedule you on every Saturday night.
3. Skills for the future – Even if your business doesn’t blow up, you’ll learn heaps: marketing, money management, talking to people, problem-solving… all that looks good on resumes and helps in adult life.
4. Flexibility – You can actually work around school, sport, and social life. Some businesses you can run straight from your phone or laptop.
5. The world’s changing – The old “get a degree then get a 9–5” pathway isn’t the only option anymore. Side hustles are normal, and many young people build careers off businesses they started as teens.

10 Business Ideas for Aussie Teens in 2025

Here are some ideas you can actually try out. Some need almost no money to start, just time and effort.

1. Social Media Content Creation

If you’re already spending hours on TikTok, Insta Reels, or YouTube Shorts, why not make money off it?

• How it works: Build a page around something you’re into—skateboarding tricks, cooking hacks, fashion, memes, even just documenting school life in a funny way. Once you grow followers, you can earn from brand deals, affiliate links, or even just TikTok’s Creator Fund.
• Why it’s great for teens: You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to be relatable. Other teens and even adults love authentic content, not polished ads.
• What you’ll need: A phone with a decent camera, some creativity, and patience—it takes time to grow a following.

2. Reselling Clothes & Thrift Finds

Op-shopping is massive in Australia, and thrifting culture has blown up.

• How it works: Hit up Salvos, Vinnies, or Depop online, grab cool vintage clothes cheaply, and resell them on Depop, Instagram shops, or at local markets.
• Why it’s great for teens: Teens know fashion trends better than most adults. You can spot what’s cool (like Y2K, oversized hoodies, baggy jeans) and flip them for profit.
• What you’ll need: Some start-up cash ($50–$100 for your first few pieces), time to find gems, and good photos for online listings.

3. Tutoring Younger Students

If you’re decent at maths, English, or even coding, younger kids (and their parents) will pay for help.

• How it works: Offer tutoring sessions after school or online over Zoom. Parents want reliable tutors who aren’t boring, and teens often connect with younger kids better than adults do.
• Why it’s great for teens: You can charge $20–$30 per hour, which is way better than most part-time jobs. Plus, it’s flexible—you choose when to do sessions.
• What you’ll need: Knowledge in a subject, confidence in explaining things, and maybe Canva to make a flyer.

4. Local Pet Services

Aussies love their pets like family.

• How it works: Start offering dog walking, pet sitting, or even grooming (if you’re good with animals). Lots of people are too busy with work to do it themselves.
• Why it’s great for teens: Low cost to start, easy to advertise locally, and you get to hang out with dogs (or cats).
• What you’ll need: Flyers for your neighbourhood, social media page, and reliability—people need to trust you with their pets.

5. Gaming & Streaming

If you spend hours gaming anyway, you might as well turn it into content.

• How it works: Stream on Twitch or YouTube, or create gaming tutorials, funny edits, or esports commentary. Build a community and you can make money from ads, donations, or sponsorships.
• Why it’s great for teens: Gaming is already huge, and Aussie teens can bring their own humour and style.
• What you’ll need: A decent PC or console, mic, and consistency in streaming/uploading.

6. Lawn Mowing & Odd Jobs

Good old-fashioned work still makes bank.

• How it works: Offer lawn mowing, car washing, or basic handyman jobs around your suburb. Older neighbours are often willing to pay teens to save them the effort.
• Why it’s great for teens: You can start right now with minimal tools and grow just by word-of-mouth.
• What you’ll need: A mower (yours or borrowed), broom, and some hustle.

7. Handmade Jewellery & Crafts

If you’re creative, you can sell stuff online.

• How it works: Make beaded necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or even resin phone cases and sell them on Etsy or Insta.
• Why it’s great for teens: Crafting is relaxing, and people love buying unique handmade pieces.
• What you’ll need: Supplies (beads, resin, string), packaging, and a small online store.

8. Food & Snack Businesses

School kids LOVE food.

• How it works: Bake brownies, make sushi rolls, or create unique snacks to sell at school (check your school rules first!) or at local markets. Even homemade boba tea kits are trending.
• Why it’s great for teens: Everyone eats, and if your food is good, word spreads fast.
• What you’ll need: Cooking gear, ingredients, and a bit of branding (like a funny business name).

9. Graphic Design & Digital Services

If you’re into design, music editing, or video editing, other people will pay for it.

• How it works: Offer logo design, TikTok edits, or even intro music for small businesses and creators. You can find clients on Fiverr or just advertise locally.
• Why it’s great for teens: You’re already on Canva or CapCut making stuff for fun—might as well get paid.
• What you’ll need: Design apps and some creativity.

10. Eco-Friendly Business Ideas

Sustainability is massive in 2025.

• How it works: Sell reusable items (like bamboo cutlery packs), upcycled clothes, or run a recycling collection service in your area.
• Why it’s great for teens: People like supporting eco-friendly brands, and it gives your business a purpose.
• What you’ll need: Some products or service idea, and the ability to market your eco-friendly angle.

Tips for Running Your Teen Business

Here are some expanded tips to help you actually pull it off.

1. Start small and test first 

Don’t go spending hundreds of dollars on supplies before knowing if your idea works. Try a small version of your business, see if people are interested, and then grow from there.

2. Use free tools and platforms 

Social media is free advertising. Canva is free for design. Google Docs is free for planning. Use what’s available before paying for fancy apps.

3. Advertise locally and online 

Put up flyers at school, ask mates to share your posts, join local Facebook groups, and use TikTok or Insta to show off your work. Even word-of-mouth from your friends can spread fast.

4. Be reliable 

If you say you’ll deliver brownies on Friday, they better be ready on Friday. People trust businesses that stick to their word. Even one mistake can lose you repeat customers.

4. Keep money separate 

Open a teen bank account just for your business money or at least keep track with a simple spreadsheet. This makes it easier to see if you’re actually making a profit. We recommend that you invest in a point of sale system to track your cash flow along with your profits and losses. 

5. Price fairly but confidently 

Don’t undersell yourself just because you’re a teen. People are paying for your time and effort. Do a bit of research and set prices that make sense.

6. Ask for feedback 

If someone buys from you, ask them what they liked and what could be better. This helps you improve and makes customers feel valued.

7. Stay safe online 

If you’re selling on social media, be careful with personal details. Use business accounts, meet in safe spots if doing exchanges, and involve your parents if needed.

8. Balance school and business 

A business is great, but school is still important. Set aside certain hours for your side hustle and stick to it. Burning out helps no one.

9. Think long-term 

Even if this business doesn’t last forever, the skills you’re picking up—communication, time management, problem-solving—will stick with you for life.

Final Thoughts

Being a teen in 2025 means you don’t have to wait until you’re 18 or 21 to start hustling. You’ve got tech, social media, and creativity on your side. Whether you’re flipping thrift shop finds, walking dogs, or blowing up on TikTok, there are so many ways to make money and learn real-life skills.

The best part? You’re young! You’ve got time to experiment. Not every idea will work, but every attempt teaches you something useful. So pick one business idea from this list, give it a crack, and see where it takes you. Who knows? Your “teen side hustle” could turn into your future full-time gig.