Resources for young founders
The practical stuff: how-to guides, what you'll need to get started, and real programs that help kids like you. No account needed to read.
✨ Looking for a spark? Meet real kid founders on the Inspiration page →📚 How-to guides
🛎️ How to run your stand
- Pick a spot where lots of people already are — with a grown-up nearby.
- Make a big, bright sign people can read from far away.
- Smile and say hello first. People buy from people they like!
- Have change ready, or a way to get paid (ask your grown-up).
- At the end, count what you sold and what you learned. Every time counts!
🏷️ How to pick your price
- First, figure out what ONE costs you to make (your supplies ÷ how many you made).
- Your price should be MORE than that, so you keep some money (that's your profit).
- Look around — what do people pay for things like yours?
- If nobody's buying, your price might be too high. If you sell out super fast, maybe too low. That's all learning!
🎯 Finding your customers
- Ask: who would LOVE this? Kids? Neighbors? Grown-ups at church?
- Then go where they already are: school events, church, family gatherings, your street — with a grown-up.
- Tell everyone you know. Word of mouth is free and powerful.
- Make a flyer or business card so people remember you.
🗓️ Make time vs. sell time
- You need time to MAKE your product and time to SELL it — they're different jobs.
- Make a batch before your selling day so you're ready.
- Take orders ahead of time (pre-orders!) so you know how many to make.
- Don't make way more than you can sell — start small and grow.
🛡️ Staying safe while you sell
- Always sell with a grown-up nearby. Never go off with a stranger.
- Never share your address, school, phone number, or last name.
- Let your grown-up handle the money and any payments.
- If a food item, keep it clean and covered — ask a grown-up about food rules.
🔁 When a try doesn't work
- A flop is NOT a failure — it's a lesson. It's only a failure if you stop trying.
- Ask: what would I do differently next time? Write it down.
- Change ONE thing and try again. That's how every great business grows.
- Being brave enough to try is already a win. 🌟
🧰 What you'll need (starter supply lists)
Rough costs to help you plan. Prices vary — a grown-up can help you find deals.
Slime Shop
- Clear or white glue (large bottle) — $6.00
- Contact solution / activator — $4.00
- Food coloring or paint — $3.00
- Glitter & fun add-ins — $4.00
- Little containers with lids (10) — $6.00
Bake Sale
- Flour, sugar, butter, eggs — $8.00
- Chocolate chips / toppings — $4.00
- Baggies or napkins — $3.00
Lemonade Stand
- Lemons or lemonade mix — $6.00
- Sugar — $2.00
- Cups (25) — $4.00
- Ice — $2.00
Craft Maker
- Beads / string / basic craft supplies — $10.00
- Little bags or boxes — $5.00
Card Company
- Cardstock / blank cards — $8.00
- Markers, stickers, decorations — $6.00
- Envelopes — $3.00
Garden Goodies
- Seeds or small plants — $6.00
- Soil — $4.00
- Little pots or bunches/ties — $5.00
🏆 Programs & grants (ask a grown-up)
Real organizations that teach, celebrate, and sometimes fund young entrepreneurs. Explore these with a grown-up.
Lemonade Day ↗
A free, fun program that walks kids through starting their own lemonade stand — plus a big annual event.
NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) ↗
Free entrepreneurship education for youth, plus a Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge that awards startup funding (up to ~$10k).
Junior Achievement ↗
K–12 programs on money, work, and running a business, offered through local chapters.
VentureLab ↗
Free and paid hands-on activities and curriculum that spark an entrepreneurial mindset in kids.
Acton Children's Business Fair ↗
Free one-day marketplace events where kids sell what they made to real customers.
Ready to try a real idea?
A grown-up sets up the family, then you pick a dream and take the next brave step.
Start your family's Dreamstand