Youth Entrepreneurship: Preparing Teens to Go After their Ambitions

In today’s digital era, launching a successful business has never been easier — and teens are taking notice. 

With social media and popular DIY selling platforms like Etsy or freelancing platforms like Fiverr, it’s easier than ever to get products and ideas in front of new audiences and even have them go viral. And with the rise of social media influencers, app developers and other tech-savvy entrepreneurs, inspiration is all around for anyone looking to take the business world by storm with the click of a button.

It’s no wonder that more than 60% of teens are considering entrepreneurship as a career path while more than half are seeking resources to turn their own business dreams into a reality. 

While entrepreneurship may seem like a fast pass to big bucks for teens, it’s also a smart investment in their future. Here’s why encouraging youth to pursue entrepreneurship early on can set them up for success in any career path.

The Benefits of Youth Entrepreneurship for Kids & Teens

Youth entrepreneurship is the process of young people starting and running their own businesses, and it’s becoming increasingly trendy. Here are just a few reasons why more kids and teens are interested in becoming a young entrepreneur:

• The potential to turn hobbies or interests into a money-making opportunity, such as selling handmade jewelry, bedazzled phone cases or self-coded video games.
• The ability to use your business as a platform for addressing social or environmental issues.
• The power of being your own boss and setting your own work schedule.

Youth entrepreneurship can also build kids’ confidence in their ideas and themselves. By setting goals and making meaningful contributions to society, they can boost their social-emotional development in a big way.

How to Help Teens Build an Entrepreneurial Mindset

The digital age has helped young people see that entrepreneurship is possible and exciting. But becoming a successful entrepreneur takes more than just luck and a viral video. 

Finding opportunities where teens can build valuable entrepreneurial skills — like earning and managing finances, project leadership and essential social-emotional skills for the workplace — will better equip them to achieve their business goals.

“Entrepreneurial mindsets are some of the best transferrable skills an employee can have, particularly for young people with less job experience,” says Greg Wise, Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s managing director or national workforce readiness. “Many of these are social-emotional skills that bring value to colleagues and employers like collaboration, creativity, communication and critical thinking. These are the qualities that allow people at all stages of their careers to adapt, deliver and thrive.”

Here are a few ways to help the young entrepreneur in your life build an entrepreneurial mindset:

• Find a problem and solve it. A real-life problem is a great place to start an entrepreneurial journey. Have teens look for opportunities to address needs in their school, neighborhoods or community as the inspiration behind a brilliant business idea.
• Capitalize on passions. Choosing an entrepreneurial venture that relies on teens’ natural interests and skills will not only make the process more fun but increase their chances of success.
• Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a natural part of everyone’s entrepreneurial journey. Encourage  youth to learn from what doesn’t work and keep pushing forward.
• Have fun! Entrepreneurship should be an exciting and fulfilling experience. Remind young people to enjoy the process and take time to celebrate major wins.

Young people can also team up on business ventures or gain access to resources through a variety of organizations to help launch their businesses. Through Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley’s AZYouthforce program, teens have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas to community leaders and get funding to kickstart their start-ups. From homemade body butter designed for sensitive skin to an online fitness coaching business and female barbershop — dozens of youth entrepreneurship ideas have come to life thanks to investments from local business leaders.

Giving Teens Hands-On Youth Entrepreneurship Education

No matter what career path a young person takes after high school, entrepreneurial skills are certain to come in handy, which is why many Boys & Girls Clubs offer youth entrepreneurship programs to support workforce readiness. One of the ways we do this is by partnering with local and national organizations to connect teens with workshops, job shadowing and networking opportunities.

Through their “Franchisee for a Day” program, Papa Johns provided members at Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta with a behind-the-scenes look at restaurant operations by following a franchisee throughout their work day. During the experience, Club members engaged with franchisees and leaders to learn about inventory, quality control, customer care and delivery as well as developing and marketing new tasty products in the Papa Johns test kitchen.

“Many young people don’t know what they want to be when they grow up, I certainly didn’t,” says Joe Johnson, Papa Johns franchise owner and foundation board member, and Boys & Girls Club alum. “Exposing them to many career pathways, including entrepreneurial skills, can have a significant impact on their career choice and, ultimately, the trajectory of their life.”

Encouraging the Next Generation of Young Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs play a vital role in promoting innovation and job creation in the economy. As the next generation of professionals prepares to lead the nation’s workforce into the future, Boys & Girls Clubs are dedicated to making sure they have the inspiration, skills and resources they need to achieve whatever they dream. Learn more about how Clubs support kids and teens in workforce readiness, college preparation and career success. 

The Papa Johns Foundation has united with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to support communities and work together to develop the next generation of leaders. Together, these organizations equip young people with the experiences and resources they need to succeed in school, career and life. Read more about how The Papa Johns Foundation and Boys & Girls Clubs of America empower youth to graduate from high school fully prepared with a plan for the great futures that lay ahead of them.  

Ignite the Potential of Tomorrow’s Leaders & Change-makers

Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides caring adult mentors and life-shaping programs to millions of kids and teens each year. In safe, inclusive places, youth build the skills and resilience to thrive in school, the workplace and in life. Join us on our mission of helping all young people reach their full potential: