Summer break usually means more free time. For some people, that means sleeping in and gaming all day. For others, it’s a chance to make real money.
Here are the 10 Summer businesses teens can start with under $100.
1. Lawn Mowing
Startup cost: $0–$100+
If you already have access to a mower at home, you’re already halfway there.
You can start by:
- Mowing lawns for neighbors
- Offering edging or weed pulling
- Creating simple flyers
- Asking customers if they want recurring weekly service
Why it works: Grass doesn’t stop growing.
Potential earnings:
$20–$60+ per yard
2. Car Washing & Basic Detailing
Startup cost: $30–$80
Basic supplies:
- Bucket
- Soap
- Sponges
- Towels
- Tire cleaner
- Window cleaner
You don’t need to become a professional detailer overnight. Start with basic wash packages and improve over time.
Potential earnings:
$20–$100+ per vehicle
3. Trash Bin Cleaning
Startup cost: $25–$75
People rarely think about cleaning their bins until someone offers.
Supplies:
- Gloves
- Cleaner
- Brush
- Hose access
Many customers also repeat every month.
Potential earnings:
$15–$40 per bin
4. Dog Walking
Startup cost: $0–$20
Start with:
- Friends
- Family
- Neighbors
If you build trust, repeat customers can happen fast.
Potential earnings:
$10–$30 per walk
5. Window Cleaning
Startup cost: $20–$50
Supplies:
- Squeegee
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber towels
Start small with exterior windows.
Potential earnings:
$25–$100+ per house
6. Mulch & Yard Cleanup
Startup cost: $10–$50
Offer:
- Pulling weeds
- Leaf cleanup
- Spreading mulch
- General yard cleanup
Potential earnings:
$30–$150+
7. Power Washing
Startup cost: $0–$100+
If your family already owns a pressure washer, your startup cost may be almost nothing.
You can clean:
- Driveways
- Sidewalks
- Fences
- Patios
Potential earnings:
$50–$200+
8. Pet Sitting
Startup cost: $0
Summer vacations mean people need help with pets.
Services:
- Feeding
- Walking
- Checking in while owners are away
Potential earnings:
$15–$50+ per visit
9. Bike Cleaning & Tune-Ups
Startup cost: $20–$50
Many kids and families have bikes that haven’t been touched in months.
Offer:
- Cleaning
- Tire inflation
- Chain cleaning
Potential earnings:
$15–$40 per bike
10. Flyer Delivery / Neighborhood Marketing Help
Startup cost: $0–$25
Small local businesses often need help getting their name out there.
You can help distribute:
- Door hangers
- Flyers
- Neighborhood promotions
Potential earnings:
$20–$100+
A Few Tips Before You Start
Start small
Don’t wait for the “perfect” setup. Your first customer is more important than your perfect logo.
Ask for repeat business
One customer every week is better than finding a new customer every week.
Leave something behind
Flyers or business cards help people remember you.
Stay organized
Once jobs start coming in, keeping track of customers, appointments, and earnings becomes important.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a lot of money to start a business.
Most people think they need expensive equipment, a website, or years of experience. Usually they just need to start.
Your first customer might come from a neighbor. Your tenth customer might come from a recommendation.
That’s how a lot of neighborhood businesses begin.