Four Summer Activities For Teen Entrepreneurs

Teens are enthusiastic about entrepreneurship. Two-thirds of teens ages 13 to 17 said they are “likely” to consider starting a business or becoming an entrepreneur, according to a recent survey by ENGINE Insights for Junior Achievement (JA) and the Brian Hamilton Foundation.

Summer is the perfect time for teens to cultivate the skills and mindset needed to become successful entrepreneurs. With no schoolwork to distract them, they can dive into experiences that foster creativity, leadership and business acumen. Here are four activities that can help teens gear up for their entrepreneurial journey.

1. Start a Small Business

One of the most effective ways for teens to learn about entrepreneurship is by starting their own small business. This doesn’t have to be a full-scale company; it could be as simple as a lemonade stand, a lawn-mowing service or an online store selling handmade crafts.

Julia Howe, 16 years old and founder of the Hitting The Wall podcast, aimed at teenage female athletes, spent last summer developing and launching her podcast. Through the process of reaching out to guests, running team meetings, coordinating community events and managing social-media accounts, Howe’s confidence and business acumen have grown. Now, she’s ready to launch season two.

Why it helps:

• Real-world experience: Running a small business teaches valuable lessons in marketing, customer service and financial management.
• Problem-solving skills: Teens will face challenges that require creative solutions, honing their problem-solving abilities.
• Confidence: Successfully managing a business, no matter how small, can boost a teen’s confidence and entrepreneurial spirit.

2. Attend Entrepreneurial Camps and Workshops

Many organizations offer summer camps and workshops focused on entrepreneurship. These programs provide structured learning environments where teens can develop their business ideas, network with like-minded peers and gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs. Some even offer college-credit classes that help enhance a teen’s resume and college application.

Ruby Chalupka,15 years old, from Austin, Texas, and founder of LunchLine Candles, whose proceeds help to pay off school-lunch debt, has been using summer break to participate in an entrepreneur program and develop her first product. During the school year, she didn’t have the money or time to execute her idea.

After winning a recent entrepreneur competition sponsored by a snack company, Frigo Cheese Heads Build A Bright Future, Chalupka is using the funds to enroll in an entrepreneur class and buy supplies for her first product line.

“Being involved in a community where other teens are putting in their best effort has inspired me and made me want to put my best foot forward,” she says.

Why it helps:

• Mentorship: Summer camps facilitate access to mentors who can provide guidance and share their entrepreneurial journeys.
• Networking: Building connections with other young entrepreneurs can lead to future collaborations and partnerships.
• Skill development: Camps and workshops often include training in essential skills such as pitching, business planning and marketing.

When looking for an entrepreneur camp or program, make sure the focus is on actual application of entrepreneurship, not just talking about entrepreneurship and famous entrepreneurs or case studies. Teens do best when there is a hands-on approach and real application of learning.

4. Develop a Podcast

Felix Levine started his podcast six years ago at 19 years old. His show, “Unlike Me,” features interviews with a wide range of high-profile guests, including politicians, world-champion athletes and billionaire entrepreneurs. It has been listened to by more than a million people in 65 countries.

As a full-time podcaster, Levine recently decided to help teens launch their own podcasts. In the month-long program, teens develop, create and launch a podcast. Levine explains, “I want to help teens learn how podcasting can help them grow their network, make money, and develop skills like public speaking and marketing strategies.”

Why it helps:

• Visibility: A strong online presence, like having a podcast, can attract opportunities from internships to business partnerships.
• Marketing skills: Managing a podcast helps teens understand the basics of marketing and digital communication.
• Professionalism: Developing a professional persona can set the stage for future business endeavors and career opportunities.

When it comes to developing a podcast idea, it’s best to think about the things you’re interested in or a subject you want to explore at a deeper level. When I decided to launch the DO WIT podcast, it was because I wanted a place to talk more in depth about entrepreneurship and a place to feature young entrepreneurs.

4. Participate In Free Online Courses

Online learning platforms like Coursera, Udemy and Khan Academy have become invaluable resources for teen entrepreneurs. These platforms offer a wide array of courses covering essential topics such as entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and much more. The flexibility of online courses allows teens to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, making it an ideal option for summer.

Why it helps:

• Filling in the gaps: Teens can improve in the areas that aren’t being taught in traditional school settings. Business finance isn’t usually covered in school, but a teen can take online courses and develop their understanding.
• Business planning fundamentals: Teens can learn the basics of creating and managing a business plan.
• Competitive edge: Online courses give young entrepreneurs a chance to gain more business savvy and knowledge. This sets them apart when it comes to applying for internships, colleges and jobs.

Samuel Lim, a 15-year-old from St. Louis, participated in a virtual entrepreneur program earlier this summer. “I feel so proud of my clothing line idea and the productivity and passion I brought to the program,” he says. “I wanted to come up with a business plan I could put in motion … and I did!”

By engaging in these four activities, teens can make the most of their summer break and lay a strong foundation for their future entrepreneurial pursuits. Encouraging them to explore, experiment and learn will not only prepare them for the business world but also instill a lifelong love for innovation and creativity.