7 Business Ideas for Teens in the Philippines

Summer is soon here in the Philippines—and this means vacation for students (except for those taking summer classes of course). Parents are thankful too since their pockets will have a break from allowances. This is a time for beaches, sleepovers, and 24/7 Facebooking or DOTA—this means fun for many.

Nevertheless, for some this is a chance to work hard and save for the next semester or school year tuition. There are many Filipino teenagers who see the hardship that their parents go through just to send them to school. For this reason, they want to use the summer vacation to earn instead of just going out with their friends. Lucky are those who get accepted in summer jobs. However, how about those who cannot get into any work? What are their other options?

It’s business time
One effective way to earn money this summer is to have a business. Not only adults can get into this, but even teens as well. What is good about business is that there are no qualifications and number of hours to comply. Moreover, this can be done even at home, so they can still enjoy summer with their family. So, what are the best business ideas that Filipino teens can venture into?
For teenagers who want to earn their own income, here are some business ideas that they can try themselves. The good thing is they can do this even when summer is over. Here they are:

1. Encoding
For those who have personal computers at home, or who can find a low rate computer shop, encoding gig can be a good business. Since teenagers these days are computer literate, they can offer their service to the older generation professionals who are not that techie. Other students, including their classmates, who are too busy to do their projects can also be their customers. All they need is fast and accurate typing skill for this business.

2. Hotdog stand
Everybody loves hotdogs. This is the reason why a lot of hotdog stalls can be found in malls and other public places. Teens can have this kind of business since it is not that difficult to establish. They just have to sell hotdogs on sticks or hotdogs in buns. They are easy to prepare too. If they cannot find any affordable stall for rent, they can ask their friends or older individuals like their father or older brothers to help them build their own stall. They can have it outside their house especially if their place has a good location where there are a lot of passersby. If it is not possible for them to have a stall, they can do it in their garage or any convenient space at their house.

3. Homemade sweets
Teens who love sweets and have creativity in the kitchen can make homemade goodies that are affordable and easy to sell. Among these are Graham or Ace munchkins, polvoron, yema, cookies, and maja. These sweets are easy to prepare and their ingredients are very affordable. They can sell them in the neighborhood during summer, but they can also sell them at school when classes start. This business will surely be a hit in classrooms, but they need to ask permission from the teachers or school head first to allow them do this.

4. Fruit shakes and juices
Aside from being naturally hot, summer time is outdoor time for many. It is the season for sports lovers to spend a lot of time in their favorite hobby—probably basketball, badminton, cycling, or volleyball. Beaches are also filled with tourists and locals alike. Teen entrepreneurs can take advantage of the season. They can set a fruit shake and juice stand in any busy outdoor hangout. For sure, their thirst-quenching business will be in demand in such places.

5. Babysitting
This kind of business is usually common in countries like the U.S.A. Nevertheless, since the number of families with both parents working is growing in the Philippines, the need for trusted nannies is increasing too. Furthermore, there are homes which only need a babysitter for a short period of time in a day, so they do not need to hire a fulltime nanny. Teenagers who love kids and have experience in taking care of their small siblings or cousins can provide this kind of service. They can offer this to neighbors, relatives, or family friends who personally know them.

6. Fancy fashion
Burluloy or fashion accessories are an attraction to teens especially girls. Those who dream of becoming fashion designers someday can start with this business. They can sell handmade earrings, bracelets, rings, or necklaces. They only need to buy materials like beads, strings, locks, and anything depending on their designs. Creativity is the only limit in this kind of business. This is best when they have a lot of kikay friends.

7. Tutorial
During summer vacation, some parents want to use the time to prepare their kids for the incoming school year. Some want their kids to develop skills like playing the guitar, painting, or dancing. Teenagers who love teaching can offer a tutorial service for younger kids. If they are good in Math or English, they can have an academic or educational tutorial. Those who are talented like in music, visual arts, and other crafts can also share their expertise. Skill tutorial can last a whole month or until the summer ends. However, academic tutorials can go on when the classes start, depending on the parents’ choice.

As early as possible, Filipino teenagers should learn to be financially independent. Being an entrepreneur is the best way to do it. Having a business would not only help them earn, but it will also train them to be responsible managers of their resources, skills, time, and life. This is the secret why many advanced countries like the U.S. and China have competitive and productive people. Even at a young age, their kids are taught to be self-reliant, encouraging them to build their own business or balance work and studies. If Filipino teens will grow up this way, then the future will look brighter for the Philippines.

Also read:
45 Small Business Ideas in the Philippines for 2016
40 Internet Business Ideas You Can Start at Home
Business Ideas and Trends for the Future