Follow these general steps to starting your own business. For more professional support, view the Resources & Support page under Start a Business. (Note: Artificial Intelligence was implemented for portions of this page)
Start with a problem you can solve or a skill you already have.
Examples:
Lawn care or snow removal
Pet sitting
Tutoring
Graphic design
Selling handmade products
Social media management
Ask:
Who needs this?
Why would they pay for it?
What makes my idea different?
Before spending money, make sure people actually want your product or service.
Actions:
Talk to potential customers in person or by survey.
Look at competitors.
Search online for similar businesses.
Estimate how many customers you could realistically get.
Goal: Confirm that people are willing to pay for your solution.
A business plan does not need to be complicated.
Include:
What you sell
Who your customers are
How you will market your business
Startup costs
Pricing
Revenue goals
Try to keep it to 1–2 pages.
Many Wisconsin students under 18 will need help from a parent or guardian.
They may be needed for:
Business registrations
Bank accounts
Contracts
Insurance
Tax-related matters
Having adult support also helps with decision-making and credibility.
Decide how your business will operate legally.
Common options:
Sole proprietorship
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
Many youth businesses begin as sole proprietorships because they are simple and inexpensive.
Some businesses require licenses or permits.
Examples:
Food businesses
Childcare services
Certain home-based businesses
Check state and local requirements before launching.
Keep business money separate from personal money.
Actions:
Track income and expenses
Save receipts
Create a simple budget
Open a business bank account if appropriate
Good financial habits make growth much easier.
Create a professional identity for your business.
Consider:
Business name
Logo
Colors
Social media accounts
Simple website
A strong brand helps customers remember you.
Start small and gather feedback.
Examples:
Offer your service to a few customers.
Sell a small batch of products.
Run a pilot program.
Use feedback to improve before expanding.
Let people know you exist.
Ideas:
Social media
Flyers
School events
Community groups
Word-of-mouth referrals
Focus on where your customers spend their time.
The goal is not perfection, rather getting real customers.
Track:
Number of customers
Revenue
Customer feedback
Most effective marketing methods
Learn from each sale.
Keep organized records from day one.
Track:
Income
Expenses
Mileage (if applicable)
Receipts
Good recordkeeping saves time and prevents problems later.
Once you start earning money, reinvest some profits.
Examples:
Better equipment
Marketing
Inventory
Training and education
Growth comes from continuously improving your business.
Take advantage of programs designed for young entrepreneurs.
Look for:
School entrepreneurship clubs
Youth business competitions
Local chambers of commerce
Small business development programs
University entrepreneurship camps and events
These organizations can provide mentors, funding opportunities, and networking connections.
Successful entrepreneurs are lifelong learners.
Learn about:
Sales
Marketing
Leadership
Finance
Technology
Customer service
The more skills you develop, the more opportunities you'll create for yourself.
Find an idea
Research the market
Create a simple business plan
Get parent/guardian support
Choose a business structure
Check licenses and permits
Set up finances
Build a brand
Test your product or service
Market your business
Make your first sales
Manage taxes and records
Reinvest and grow
Use Wisconsin resources
Keep learning and don't be afraid to fail