Introduction
Kids Can Run Real Businesses
Children aren’t just pretending to do business—they’re doing it for real. From lemonade stands and handmade crafts to digital services and educational games, kids across the world are turning their ideas into action. They’re not waiting to grow up to create change. They’re doing it now—by noticing problems, exploring their talents, and offering something valuable to others.
This course is for kids who are curious and ready to try something new, and for the parents, teachers, and mentors who want to support them. It’s full of practical knowledge, examples, and tools that guide children through the real process of building a business, one step at a time.
What Kids Learn from Starting a Business
Running a business teaches much more than how to sell a product. It offers kids powerful experiences and skills that shape who they are and how they grow. These include:
- Confidence: Turning an idea into action shows kids they are capable and creative.
- Responsibility: Making decisions about time, effort, and money builds independence.
- Communication: Kids learn to express ideas clearly and interact with customers and supporters.
- Creativity: From brainstorming to marketing, business encourages inventive thinking.
- Financial Literacy: Planning, budgeting, and setting prices build money awareness.
- Resilience: Mistakes and feedback become part of learning, not something to fear.
Many of these lessons are not taught in school, but they come to life when kids try something real. Running a business can leave lasting memories—like making a first sale, solving a tough problem, or hearing someone say, “That’s a great idea!”
How to Use This Course
This course is designed to grow with you. Each module builds on the last, but you can also jump to topics that match your interests or progress. Every lesson gives you information, examples, and ideas you can apply right away.
You’ll also use the Business by Kids Map—a one-page visual guide that helps you keep track of your idea, what you’re offering, who it’s for, how much it costs, and how you’ll share it. It turns business planning into a fun and clear process.
The optional Business by Kids AI Assistant is also available to help you:
- Brainstorm and improve your ideas
- Write or revise your business plan
- Prepare to talk about your project
Whether you’re working on your own, with friends, or with support from an adult, you’ll have tools to help you every step of the way.
What’s Inside
The course is organized into five modules:
- Module 1: Shows how kids already have what it takes to be entrepreneurs and guides the first steps from idea to plan.
- Module 2: Shares real stories and helps kids learn by doing, including how to choose what to sell and how to grow from both success and failure.
- Module 3: Teaches practical business skills—like budgeting, promotion, and working with customers and teams.
- Module 4: Offers ideas for how families, schools, and community events can support kid-led businesses without taking over.
- Module 5: Provides templates, inspiration, and tools to help kids keep building and dreaming big.
Throughout the course, you’ll be invited to take action, reflect on your learning, and build something meaningful. Business becomes more than a lesson—it becomes your project, your story, and your way to make a difference.