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The Young Entrepreneur

Introduction

Do you dream of owning a business, have a passion for change and desire to succeed? Pursuing business knowledge while you’re young is an important factor in future success. The following resources are designed specifically for young people who are interested in following their entrepreneurial dreams.

Internet Links

Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation
http://www.bedc.org/
Kingsborough Community College
2001 Oriental Boulevard, Building T4, Room 4162
Brooklyn New York 11235.Phone: (718) 368-6790.
Consulting services for start-up and early-stage entrepreneurs in NYC, including technical assistance and advice on growing a business. Visit website to learn about their products and services, some of which are free. Services provided by an experienced business analyst and planner. Call number for a free consultation.

My Own Biz

http://myownbiz.brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Provides information and resources to help teens start their own business.
 

New York State Small Business Development Center
http://manhattan.nyssbdc.org

Directions: Pace University
163 William Street, 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10038  Phone: 212.618.6655, Fax: 212.618.6669 / Provides management and technical assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs. Offers free, one-on-one counseling, which focuses on the development of business plans and locating appropriate sources of funding.

Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE)

26 Federal Plaza, Room 3100, New York, NY 10278 / Phone: 212.264.4507 / SCORE’s “Counselors to America’s Small Business” provides free and confidential small business advice and training. Staffed by volunteers who are working or retired business owners, executives and corporate leaders.
 

Entrepreneur

http://www.entrepreneur.com/tsu
Provides tips on starting a teen business, covering topics such as how to raise money and handle sales and marketing, as well as other business basics. Also provides teen entrepreneurial success stories.

My Own Business
Provides a free and comprehensive online entrepreneur course. Spanish version also available.

Young Biz

Offers innovative youth programs, including in-school and after-school instructor-led classes, special events camps, rallies and conferences to help teens learn entrepreneurial, business and financial skills. Check out the YoungBizNet link on the home page for a fun exploration of starting a business.

Youth Venture

434 West 33rd Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10001 / Tel: 212.278.8930, Fax: 212.541.7806 / Provides youth (aged 12-20) with tools to create civic-minded organizations, clubs or businesses. Resources include a national network of like-minded young people, media opportunities and up to $1,000 in start-up monies.
Print Resources
Babysitting
Frances S. Dayee
A guide to earning money as a babysitter, with advice on getting customers, safety, and handling emergencies.
 
The New Totally Awesome Business Book for Kids (and Their Parents) : With Twenty Super Businesses You Can Start Right Now!
Arthur Bochner & Rose Bochner
658.041 B

SUMMARY A comprehensive look at the basic financial and management aspects of money-making businesses for children.

The Young Entrepreneur's Guide to Starting and Running a Business

Steve Mariotti with Debra DeSalvo and Tony Towle

Q: What are some ideas for my own business?
A: Some businesses that young people can start are:

Neighborhood Ventures - Outside Work

  • Car washing and cleaning
  • Delivery or errand service
  • Dogwalking
  • Garage cleaning
  • Garage sale service
  • Gardening
  • Grocery shopping
  • Home improvement
  • Laundromat pick-up/delivery
  • Painting houses/fences
  • Pool cleaning/maintenance
  • Snow shoveling

Inside Work

  • Home bakery service
  • House cleaning/window washing
  • Laundry/ironing service
  • Organizing and running special events

Catering

  • Serving food, cleaning up, catering

Special Trusted Services

  • Babysitting
  • House sitting, mail pick-up
  • Pet sitting, plant watering

Ventures Using Special Skills or Training

  •  Bicycle repair
  •  Calligraphy
  •  DJ or live music service
  •  Handicraft/jewelry making
  •  Photography
  •  Designing and selling clothes
  •  Tutoring in math, reading or other subjects 
  •  Videotaping

Ventures with Your Computer

  • Blogging 
  • Brochure/flyer design service
  •  Computer consultant/instructor
  •  Computer typing service
  •  Greeting cards (design/sell)
  •  Neighborhood/block newsletter
  •  Neighborhood directory of services

Tips to Become Known

  •  Advertise in school newspaper
  •  Door-to-door flyer distribution
  •  Post notices on bulletin boards in stores, houses,  libraries and throughout community centers
  • Tell everyone you know and tell them to pass it on