Updated: April 30, 2013
With the struggling economy, competitive college admissions and the high cost of paying for a higher education, most people aren't surprised by the recent surge of young entrepreneurs. In fact, some experts, like business journalist Donna Fenn, believe "It's the perfect storm for a youth entrepreneur revolution," since this generation knows how to turn their own needs into commodities other teens want in a simple and cost-efficient way."The best thing about this generation is they are very collaborative with each other and they have many resources available to them," said Fenn, the author of Upstarts! How GenY Entrepreneurs Are Rocking the World of Business.
With the rise of young, cool business owners and the ease of selling products and services over the internet, starting a business is not only easier than in previous decades, it's down right trendy for teens. To see a collection of real teen stories, check out our slideshow of Theil Fellowship winners and watch our series on young entrepreneurs.
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"Their big advantage is an incredible support network of parents and technology -- they can be very frugal," said Fenn.
Alright, so you know how to use a computer and have a great idea, but still need advice on what to do next? As the go-to gal for all things business, Fenn says the best thing you can do is to: "Find a mentor, someone who is really smart and understands what you want to accomplish."
With a mentor, you have someone you can turn to for questions, or some much needed encouragement, because as Jessica Lighter, founder of Cliche Cosmetics explains below: "You will be told 'no' a million times before you make it and even after. You have to think that for every no that you get, you are getting closer to that 'yes.'"
Find out how you can start your enterprise with the help of Shonika Proctor, Founder of Renegade CEOS.
Find out how other teens started their business and get some helpful tips.
With more young people entering a tight job market, one startup is helping them employ themselves.
A blind La. teen started a business creating Braille restaurant menus.
Find out more about the projects that landed these young people $100k.
Jessica Kumari asks tech-entreprenuer Peter Thiel if college is really important.
Gary Hamilton meets several teens who have a mind for business. Find out how these teens are innovating new ideas for their own companies.
Watch our special segment devoted to enterprising teens and find out how they are starting their own businesses.
The series continues with a 16-year-old who owns a t-shirt company called Muffin Milk.
Find out what it takes to publish your own book from a teen author.
One teen makes and sells glass mosaics she creates in her spare time. (Find her work online here.)
Gary Hamilton provides some practical advice for developing a teen business.
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