Episode 12 : Stuck? These 5 Roadblocks Are Holding You Back From Starting a Business

Have you ever had a GREAT idea to make money—like selling something cool, offering a service, or turning a hobby into cash—but then, something gets in your way? Maybe you don’t have enough money to start, or you feel like no one would buy from you. Maybe you're thinking, "I'm just a kid, how do I even start?"

I get it. I’ve been there. And guess what? So has every successful entrepreneur EVER. The difference between them and everyone else? They didn’t let obstacles stop them.

So today, I’m going to tell you the 5 biggest roadblocks that stop kids and teens from starting a business—and exactly how to break through them.

By the end of this episode, you’re gonna feel PUMPED to take action. No more waiting. No more excuses. Let’s go!

Hey, Cash Kids! Welcome back to the Cash Kid Podcast where I’m on a mission to teach  my generation (and some adults) how to earn, save, and invest money earlier in life. This season we’re focusing on kid and teen entrepreneurs. If you aren’t already, please subscribe to our show and share with a friend. Leave a comment from wherever you are listening and head to our website to purchase some Cash Kid merch to help fund our show. This is the best way for us to continue to grow and change the financial direction of the next generation.

Alright, now let’s get into the top roadblocks we face in starting a business. Let’s break it down starting with number 1.

Roadblock 1: Not Knowing Where to Start

Okay, let’s be real for a second. Starting a business can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s tough to know where to begin. You might think, “Should I sell cookies? Or start a tutoring business? Or maybe create a YouTube channel?” It can feel like there’s just too much to choose from.

Here’s the thing—I’ve been there, too. I spent weeks thinking about what I should do, and then I realized that the best place to start was with something I already loved. Do you have a hobby or a skill you’re passionate about? It could be anything—from baking, drawing, or even gaming! The key is to build your business around something you already enjoy. Trust me, that passion will make it so much easier to stick with it when things get tough.

And listen, don’t overthink it. I know it sounds like a lot, but sometimes the best business ideas come from the things you already do every day. Do people ask you to help with their homework? Maybe you could start tutoring! Do you love animals? Maybe it’s time for a dog-walking business. The key is to solve a problem—whether that’s helping someone with their homework or providing a service people really need.

Rockblock 2: Not Having Enough Money to Start
Now, let’s talk about something that trips up a lot of young entrepreneurs—money. It’s true that many businesses need some upfront costs, whether it’s supplies, marketing, or tools. But here’s a secret: you don’t need to spend a ton of money to get started.

Let’s use the classic lemonade stand business venture. Most kids who set these stands up don’t have much cash or budget. But they figured out they could use things they already had at home: cups, a table, some lemonade mix, and a pitcher. That was it! They didn’t need fancy branding or a high-end website—just a simple idea and a little bit of effort.

If you want to start a business that requires almost no money, consider service-based businesses like tutoring, babysitting, or offering to do yard work like raking leaves. These kinds of businesses have zero startup costs, and you can start making money right away. And once you earn some cash, you can reinvest it into your business to make it even better.

Also, if you need a little extra cash to kickstart your idea, don’t hesitate to talk to your parents. Maybe they can help with a small loan to get you started—or even help promote your business to family and friends!

Roadblock 3: Not Having Enough Time
I know this one all too well. Between school, sports, hanging out with friends, and just trying to enjoy your free time, finding time for a business can seem impossible. Trust me, I’ve had days where I felt like there was no way I could run my business AND do everything else I love.

But here’s the trick: treat your business like any other important commitment. That might mean setting aside just one hour a week to work on your project or business. Maybe it’s after school or on the weekends… I mean… we filmed this episode on the weekend. So, use your time wisely and take advantage of time away from school to work on your business. Do whatever works best for you. The important part is making time for it regularly.

You can spend one hour a day wasting time sitting in front of a TV or one hour a day focused on a ways to improve your skills in an area. That equates to 30 hours of progress after one month or 30 hours more of well… nothing. Think about it!

And don’t feel like you have to go big right away! Start small and build from there. Maybe you only take on one or two clients at first, or you offer just one product. As you get better at managing your time, you can scale up your business. This way it doesn’t become overwhelming and you quit not long after starting. 

Roackblock 4: Not Knowing How to Market the Business

Okay, so you’ve got your business idea, and now it’s time to let people know about it. But how do you actually get people to buy your product or use your service? This is where it gets fun—marketing is like the secret sauce to making your business stand out!

First, social media is your best friend here. You can use platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or even Facebook to share what you’re doing and get the word out. But before you go posting all over the place, make sure to talk to your parents about the best way to go about it safely. You don’t need to have your own account—maybe your parents can help you post for you! You can create fun, engaging content that shows off what you’re selling. And, if you’ve got a cool product, don’t be afraid to show it off in action!

Word of mouth is also super powerful. Ask your friends, family, and neighbors to help spread the word, and offer special deals for first-time customers to get them excited to try your product or service.

Roadblock 5: Fear of Failure
And now, the big one: What if I fail? 

What if I make a mistake, or no one likes what I’m doing? 

Believe me, that fear is totally normal. But here’s the thing—everyone makes mistakes, even the most successful entrepreneurs. And guess what? Those mistakes are where you’ll learn the most!

Instead of worrying about failing, I want you to focus on learning. Mistakes aren’t failures—they’re just lessons in disguise. Start small and take manageable risks. Test out your idea with a few people, then see what works and what doesn’t. And if things don’t go as planned, that’s okay! It’s just part of the journey.

Find a mentor, too—someone who’s been through it and can give you advice when things get tough. It could be a parent, a teacher, or even another Cash Kid! Sometimes, having someone to talk to can make all the difference in building your confidence.
Starting your own business is a challenge, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to learn, grow, and even make some money! Every entrepreneur faces obstacles, but if you push through, you’ll come out the other side stronger and more confident than ever.

So, Cash Kids—are you ready to tackle these so called “roadblocks” and start your own business? Whether it’s tutoring, pet-sitting, or selling crafts, I know you’ve got what it takes. And remember, if you ever feel stuck or need advice, the Cash Kid Podcast is here to guide you every step of the way.

Make sure to subscribe to the podcast, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube @cashkidpodcast, and stay tuned for future episodes.

Remember anyone can be a cash kid, you just have to learn how to become one. Cash Kid, Out!
Disclaimer: The information presented represents the views and opinions of the guest. This podcast does not intend to provide personal investment advice. This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. To make a full and informed investment decision, we advise you to speak with a financial advisor—and for kids, definitely your parents—before investing.