While many teenagers are spending their high school years preparing for college, you may have a son or daughter who instead wants to go right ahead and start their own business. If so, this not only shows they are highly-motivated, but also willing to work very hard to see their dreams become reality. But like anyone starting their own business, teens need to know a few of the best steps to take. If you want to help them start their journey to success, here are four routes teens can take to become entrepreneurs.
Focus on Business Classes
While still in high school, you should encourage your teen to take as many business-related classes as possible. From accounting to business management and information technology, having a good background in these areas will set the stage for success.
Vocational Education
If your teen is eager to get their diploma and immediately become part of the business community, taking advantage of vocational education opportunities while in high school can pay big dividends. From cosmetology and auto mechanics to construction and online pest control CEU classes, learning these skills early on can give them the tools needed to build a thriving business.
Start Small
If your teen expresses an interest in becoming an entrepreneur, let them give it a try by starting one or two small businesses as soon as possible. This can include anything from pet sitting and mowing yards to baking cookies or even selling lemonade in the summertime. By taking this approach, they can find out for sure if being a small business owner is what they want to pursue.
Online Funding
Though your teen is still living at home and has few if any expenses, they still need to learn what is involved in raising the money needed to start their own business. In today’s world, that often means going online to one of the many crowdfunding sites. By getting creative with their website, it’s possible you and your teen may suddenly have thousands of dollars at your fingertips to make those business dreams come true.
While your teen may be extremely eager and excited at the thought of being a business owner, you may have some reservations. However, by working with them on these and other steps along the way, the picture should become much clearer. Whether you help your teen set up a lemonade stand or provide input into their fundraising efforts, you may someday be the proud parent of a young and successful entrepreneur.