Teen Business
Updated: September 30, 2009
Given the struggling economy and more competitive college application atmosphere, many would be surprised at 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, watch our Teen Entrepreneur special or check out the gallery of "Real Teen Stories" below.
"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.
Teen Entrepreneurs: Part One
Watch our special segment devoted to enterprising teens and find out how they are starting their own businesses.
Teen Entrepreneurs: Part Two
The series continues with a 16-year-old who owns a t-shirt company called Muffin Milk.
Teen Entrepreneurs: Part Four
One teen makes and sells glass mosaics she creates in her spare time. (Find her work online here.)
Entrepreneur Week Wrap Up
Gary Hamilton provides some practical advice for developing a teen business.
Find out how other teens started their business and get some helpful tips.
Get a sneak preview of teen entreprenuer Katherine Deutch's novel, "Crack."
Mind Your Own Business
A website created by the U.S. Small Business Administration and Junior Achievement.
Junior Achievement The world's largest organization dedicated to educating students about entrepreneurship.
Global Student Entrepreneur Awards The premier award for students who own and run businesses in college.
DECA: Delta Epsilon Chi Association An association of high school and college students studying marketing, management and entrepreneurship.
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