Janice-Campbell.com:
I have enjoyed several microbusinesses throughout my life, and I believe they can be great learning experiences for teens. With the economy in its present disturbed state, I believe that a microbusiness can be helpful to any family.
What is a Microbusiness? A microbusiness is a very small business that is created without a large investment of capital. Another way I like to describe it is “doing with your might what your hand finds to do” (from Ecclesiastes 9:10).
If you have extra produce from your garden, sell it. My first microbusiness was selling avocados from our tree. I would fill my little red wagon with avocados, priced according to size, and go around the neighborhood selling them, almost every weekend during avocado season. I averaged close to a $100 a year doing this, until I got too old to be seen in public with a red wagon!
If you have a special skill, such as sewing, playing a musical instrument, writing college admissions essays, or grooming dogs, teach it. You can do this at home, your local parks and recreation department, a community college, or private studio. (Check zoning laws before deciding on a teaching location.)
If you have a working lawnmower, tractor, or snowblower, learn to use it well, and offer your services to neighbors.
If you do small handcrafts, create some to sell. Make sure that the product you want to offer is something that customers will want to buy. Not many people are interested in coffee-can-with-macaroni-glued-on pen holders, but you may find a ready market for beaded bracelets, embroidered baby bibs, or hand-painted greeting cards. Look at Etsy for ideas on the type of handcrafted items are available.
Photo by Marcos Vasconcelos.