Entrepreneurship has no age limit when it comes to ingenuity and aspiration. From selling lemonade on the intersection to launching a clothing brand online, young people all over the world are justifying that age is just a number. But while anyone can come up with a business idea, there are legal rules and constructive steps that disturb how young you can be when officially starting a business. In this article, we’ll break down the details: the legal requirements, your options if you’re under 18, and inspiring examples of young entrepreneurs who’ve made it happen.
No Age Limit on Ideas or Hustle
Let’s get this straight: there is no minimum age to have a business idea or even to start making money from it.
Many young entrepreneurs start small:
- Selling homemade crafts or baked goods
- Offering lawn care or babysitting services
- Creating content on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram
- Running an online store for stickers, jewelry, or art prints
- Offering tutoring or homework help
You can create, build, market, and even acquire income from a business idea at any age. But when it comes to the legal side, such as signing an industry or opening a business bank account, there are age limits that come into play.
Legal Requirements: What the Law Says
In most U.S. states and many other countries, you must be at least 18 years old to:
- Register a legal business (LLC, corporation, etc.)
- Sign contracts
- Apply for a business license
- Open a business bank account
- Apply for loans or credit under your business
This is because contracts signed by minors (under 18) are commonly not legally binding. That means if a 14-year-old elects a contract and later wants to cancel it, the law usually grants them the right to back out—so most banks, landlords, or partners won’t take the risk.
What If You’re Under 18? Here Are Your Options
Just because you’re under 18 doesn’t mean you’re stuck.
Here are several ways young people legally start and run businesses:
1. Operate as a Sole Proprietor with Parental Help
You may not be able to sign authoritative documents, but your parents or guardian can help by registering the business in their name while you run the day-to-day enterprise.
You’ll need their involvement to
- Register a business name (DBA or “Doing Business As”)
- Get permits or licenses if required
- Manage banking and tax responsibilities
Once you turn 18, you can transfer the business fully into your name.
2. Use Online Platforms With Age Restrictions
Many platforms (like Etsy, Amazon, Shopify, or YouTube) have age constraints, often requiring users to be 18 or older. However, many young entrepreneurs work around this by getting an adult to co-sign or manage the account.
Example: A teen artist wants to sell art prints on Etsy. They create the products and handle packaging, but their parents technically own the shop and manage payments.
3. Set Up a Custodial Account or Trust
If the business is generating symbolic revenue, parents can help set up a defensive account or trust to manage the revenue until the child turns 18. This is common for actors, influencers, or inventors.
Real Examples of Young Entrepreneurs
Need some inspiration? Here are just a few young business owners who started before they could drive:
Moziah Bridges – Mo’s Bows
Started making and selling bow ties at age 9. Appeared on Shark Tank, landed licensing deals with NBA teams, and ran a six-figure company by his teens.
Mikaila Ulmer – Me & the Bees Lemonade
Started her lemonade company at age 4 using her grandmother’s technique and a mission to save bees. Her commodity is now in Whole Foods and other major retailers.
Alina Morse – Zolli Candy
Created a line of sugar-free, dentist-authorized candy at age 7. Her company is now worth millions, and she became the youngest person to ever appear on the cover of Entrepreneur Magazine.
Don’t Forget the Business Basics (Even If You’re Young)
No matter your age, starting a business involves some important steps:
- Do Market Research : Who are your customers? What makes your product different?
- Create a Business Plan : Even a simple one helps you stay focused.
- Set Up a Budget : Know your costs and track your profits.
- Learn About Taxes : Yes, even young entrepreneurs may need to pay income taxes.
- Get Parental Support : You’ll need an adult’s help with the legal and financial stuff.
Final Thoughts
The law may prevent you from signing certain documents if you are under the age of 18, but it cannot prohibit your ambition, drive, or inventiveness. Many prosperous businesses were founded by young people without waiting for permission in school halls, backyards, and bedrooms.