Last updated: February 2026
Being 13 is the perfect age to start a business. You’re old enough to handle responsibility but young enough to experiment without major risks. This guide compiles 27 real business ideas that 13-year-olds across Australia are successfully running right now—from neighborhood services to digital ventures that can scale.
Quick Start Checklist for 13-Year-Old Entrepreneurs
- ✅ Talk to parents first—they can help with safety, accounts, and legal stuff
- ✅ Start with one idea and test it before expanding
- ✅ Use flyers, word-of-mouth, and social media to find first customers
- ✅ Track every dollar earned and spent (this is how you learn profit)
Part 1: Local Services & Neighborhood Jobs
These ideas require minimal startup costs and build face-to-face confidence.
🐕 Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
What it is: Caring for pets while neighbors are away or walking dogs after school.
Startup cost: $0-20 (leash, poop bags, flyers)
Why it works at 13: You’re mature enough to be trusted with keys, and pet owners are always looking for reliable help.
Pro tip: Create a simple business card with your photo and parent’s contact info.
👶 Babysitting
What it is: A classic, high-demand job that teaches real responsibility.
Startup cost: $50-100 (Red Cross babysitting course recommended)
Why it works at 13: Parents prefer sitters who are old enough to handle emergencies but still connect with kids.
Pro tip: Take a first aid course—it’s the #1 thing parents ask about.
🚗 Car Washing
What it is: Simple service requiring only soap, buckets, and sponges.
Startup cost: $15-30 (bucket, car soap, sponges, microfiber cloths)
Why it works at 13: No special skills needed, just hard work and attention to detail.
Pro tip: Offer a monthly subscription—$20/week for a weekly wash builds recurring income.
🌱 Lawn Care & Gardening
What it is: Services like mowing, weeding, raking leaves, or watering plants.
Startup cost: $0-50 (if you need your own mower; borrow from parents initially)
Why it works at 13: Many adults hate gardening and will pay well for help.
Pro tip: Start with elderly neighbors who can’t do yard work themselves.
📱 Tech Tutoring & Support
What it is: Teaching older neighbors how to use smartphones, computers, or social media.
Startup cost: $0
Why it works at 13: You grew up with this stuff—seniors will pay $20-30/hour for patient explanations.
Pro tip: Create a simple one-page guide to common problems and give it free with your first session.
Part 2: Creative & Digital Ventures
For teens who prefer screens over lawns, these ideas can scale beyond your neighborhood.
🖐️ Handmade Goods
What it is: Creating and selling jewelry, candles, or custom art at local markets or online.
Startup cost: $10-40 (materials depend on craft)
Why it works at 13: Markets love young vendors—it adds character to their events.
Pro tip: Check your local council’s youth programs—many offer free market stalls for teens.
🖨️ Print on Demand (POD)
What it is: Designing t-shirts, mugs, or posters to sell online without managing inventory.
Startup cost: $0 (platforms like Redbubble are free to join)
Why it works at 13: No inventory, no shipping—just design and promote.
Pro tip: Create designs for specific niches—gaming memes, school inside jokes, local sports teams.
📱 Social Media Management
What it is: Managing TikTok or Instagram accounts for small local businesses.
Startup cost: $0
Why it works at 13: You understand trends better than most business owners do.
Pro tip: Approach a local cafe or shop and offer to run their Instagram for free for one month as a trial.
🎥 Content Creation
What it is: Starting a YouTube channel or blog focused on hobbies you love.
Startup cost: $0-200 (your phone camera works fine)
Why it works at 13: Authenticity matters—audiences love teen creators who are genuine.
Pro tip: Pick ONE niche (gaming, crafts, book reviews) and post weekly. Consistency beats perfection.
🎨 Digital Design
What it is: Creating logos, flyers, or simple websites for clients.
p>Startup cost: $0 (use free tools like Canva)
Why it works at 13: Many small businesses need design help but can’t afford agencies.
Pro tip: Create 5 sample designs and show them to potential clients—they’ll see what you can do.
Part 3: Community & Service Projects (Great for Building Resume)
These aren’t for profit, but they build skills and look amazing on high school applications.
🎓 Mentorship & Education
Tutor younger students, become a peer mentor through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters, or volunteer at library storytime.
🐾 Animal Welfare
Walk dogs, clean cages, or organize a donation drive for food and blankets at local animal shelters.
🌍 Environmental Action
Participate in beach or park cleanups, plant trees, or maintain community gardens.
👵 Senior Support
Visit nursing homes to play games, teach seniors how to use smartphones, or read to them.
🍞 Community Assistance
Organize a food drive with friends, run errands for neighbors who cannot drive, or volunteer at food pantries.
How Much Can You Actually Make?
| Business Type | Typical Hourly Rate (AUD) | Monthly Potential (Part-time) |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Sitting/Dog Walking | $15-25 | $200-400 |
| Babysitting | $18-30 | $300-600 |
| Lawn Care | $20-40 per yard | $400-800 |
| Tech Tutoring | $20-35 | $300-500 |
| Handmade Crafts | $10-50 per item | $100-500 (varies widely) |
Australian-Specific Resources for Teen Entrepreneurs
- MoneySmart Teaching (ASIC): Free financial literacy resources designed for young people
- Youth Central (VIC): Grants and programs for young entrepreneurs
- Service NSW Youth: Business workshops for teens
- Your local council: Many offer free market stalls for young vendors
- ReachOut.com: Mental health support for young business owners dealing with stress
Safety First: Rules Every 13-Year-Old Business Owner Must Follow
✅ Always have a parent present when meeting new clients
✅ Never go inside a customer’s home without a parent
✅ Use a parent’s PayPal or bank account for payments
✅ Tell your parents where you are at all times
✅ Trust your gut—if a situation feels wrong, leave immediately
Ready to Start?
Pick ONE idea from this list. Not five, not three—ONE. Talk to your parents tonight. Take one small step this week. The best time to start was yesterday. The second best time is now.
Know a teen entrepreneur with a story to share? Contact us—we’d love to feature real Australian kids in our next update.