How to Build a Business as a Minor

Although it may seem like an impossible feat, building a business as a minor may not be that farfetched of an idea. Weekly lawn mowing gigs and babysitting jobs could turn into a lawn service or a nanny business with just a few small steps and the right motivation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Decide what kind of business you want to build. Be creative in doing this by thinking about skills or resources that you already have. The most unlikely ideas can turn into small businesses. As a minor, you have the flexibility of time to safely decide what type of business you want to build as you develop your ideas.
2. Choose a business idea and then begin the start-up process. After choosing what you want your business to be, figure out what things you need in order to start it up. For example, you may need fliers and business cards for advertising or perhaps a permit. Depending on where you live, there may be restrictions on your business pursuit.
3. Develop a marketing plan for your new business idea. As a minor, you may not be able to take out a classified ad in the newspaper, but you can place flyers on car windowsills and tape flyers onto the outside of house doors. Be creative in marketing since there are very few legal ways that minors can solicit business.
4. Open up a bank account with your parents acting as co-signors on the account. Minors are generally not allowed to open up a bank account unless they have a parent's co-signature.
5. Find customers for your new business through word-of-mouth referrals. Ask your parents, neighbors and friends to tell everyone about your new business.