More than four in 10 Australian teenagers would consider starting a business if they knew where to begin, new NAB research shows, highlighting a gap that could limit Australia’s next generation of entrepreneurs.
03 July 2026 | 2 min read
9 July 2026
The first step is often simpler than you think
Starting a business as a teenager can feel out of reach but young founders say the first step is usually simpler than people think: start small, solve a real problem and learn as you go.
New NAB research shows more than four in 10 Australian teens would consider starting a business if they had the skills and confidence,highlighting a clear gap between interest and action.
To help bridge that gap, young founders are sharing what it really takes to start a business while still at school.
Melbourne-based Eliana Saad and Amy Manole know that challenge well. Both started young and say the same thing: start small, solve a real problem and learn as you go.
Start with a business idea that solves a real problem
Amy Manole, founder of I Heart Hoops
Amy Manole launched I Heart Hoops in December 2024 after spotting a gap in the market for basketball-inspired jewellery that felt more personal and wearable.
“One of the most important lessons is understanding the problem you’re solving,” Amy, 17, said.
“I’d played basketball for years and couldn’t find jewellery that felt like me. Everything was too tacky, bulky or not designed for girls, so I decided to create it myself.”
Learn the basics of starting a business early
“You need to understand the basics: things like setting up an ABN, finding a manufacturer, checking samples and knowing what each item costs to make and sell.”
Now in year eight, she runs the business alongside school, packing orders from home with her sister Hannah, aged nine, and reinvesting earnings back into growth.
Start small and test your business ideas
Eliana Saad started her activewear brand La Forte after struggling to find activewear that suited her age group.
“I started by sketching designs, but that was almost the easy part,” Eliana, 13, said.
Both founders say the biggest mistake young people make is waiting for the ‘perfect’ idea or plan.
“I’d say to others: start small,” Amy said.“There are heaps of ways to get started. Some people mow lawns, pressure wash rubbish bins, resell clothes or offer face painting and hair braiding services. The main thing is just to begin.”
Amy’s first business started with a simple idea: custom Crocs accessories, known as Jibbitz,featuring local basketball team and school logos. After building early interest, she used the experience and earnings to launch her current brand.
Listen to customers and improve your product
Customer feedback has played a key role in shaping Amy’s products. “People kept asking for a gold version of one of my designs, the Love of the Game Basketball Necklace,” she said.
“I launched it in February 2025, and now it’s my best seller.” Ask for help from people who have done it before.
Eliana credits conversations with other business owners as a turning point.
“I’ve learnt a lot by asking questions and speaking to people who’ve done it before,” she said. “Hearing what worked, and what didn’t, made it feel achievable.”
For more practical guidance, read NAB’s 11 simple tips for teens starting a business in Australia.
The bottom line
For Australia’s next generation of entrepreneurs, the challenge isn’t ambition. It’s knowing where to start.
As Eliana and Amy show, the pathway is rarely perfect.
But with a simple idea, a willingness to learn and the confidence to take the first step, it is possible to turn an idea into something real.
