| Micro businesses are a perfect business for teenagers | | | | students work a temporary job to earn their start up |
| to start for several reasons. Micro businesses are | | | | money. Some teenagers babysit more or mow a few |
| usually easy to start, can be run from home, are | | | | extra lawns. Try running a garage sale or selling |
| manageable and will teach a teenager a lot. But | | | | something on eBay or Craigslist to raise your start up |
| another great reason that micro businesses work | | | | funds. Finally you could start with a small loan from |
| especially well for teenagers is that they do not require | | | | mom and dad. Just remember to use your first profits |
| a lot of start up money. | | | | to pay them back. You do not want to be in debt-you |
| Starting a micro business should not mean dishing out | | | | want the profits to all be for you! |
| a lot of cash. You may already have all you need to | | | | Matthew started his first micro business buying and |
| get started! Most micro businesses can be started | | | | selling pocket knives at age 12. He borrowed $100 |
| with equipment you already have at home such as a | | | | from his parents to buy a his first knives, sold them at |
| computer, a kitchen stove or a piano. Also, you can | | | | enough profit to pay back his loan and buy more |
| use the knowledge you already posses such as | | | | knives. The business was launched from there. |
| artistic talent or web design skills. | | | | Ask yourself: |
| Emily started her tutoring business with what was | | | | - What do I need to start my micro business? |
| between her ears (her brain!), Lucas started with the | | | | - What do we already own? |
| family lawnmower and his muscles and Ashleigh | | | | - Can I sell something to raise the cash? |
| started her micro business with her knowledge from a | | | | - Can I borrow some cash from my parents? How will |
| babysitting class. | | | | I pay them back? If you can answer those questions, |
| Some businesses might need a small amount of start | | | | then you have started a plan to launch a micro |
| up funds for advertising or purchasing the first pieces | | | | business. But before you jump in, you will to read about |
| of inventory for resale. If start up funds are needed, | | | | a few more of things like finding customers, marketing |
| there are several ways to raise the cash. Some | | | | and keeping good records. |