Many young student entrepreneurs started successful businesses with the ideas they had. For instance, Paige and Ashley, who were still in school, started their own homemade jewelry business called Stella Valle. They brought their business to Shark Tank and got investments from successful entrepreneurs. The sisters proved that age doesn’t limit business success.
If you’re wondering what kind of business to start, that’s where Shark Tank Ideas for School Students comes in. This article helps you explore business ideas that are perfect for students from elementary to high school. It also focuses on helping students learn valuable skills needed later in life.
Shark Tank has seen many successful kid entrepreneurs secure deals with the Sharks. Some of the most common themes have been tech gadget accessories and eco-friendly products. We’ve covered those ideas in our article and more. So, are you ready to explore what project ideas can help you get started today? Let’s get started!
Disclaimer: You’ll need a separate budget for marketing and promotions, as they’re not included in the profit figure.
An eco-friendly pencil case business is an outstanding project. It teaches elementary students about the circular economy and environmental responsibility while keeping production costs low and margins high through upcycled materials.Eco-friendly brands have seen massive success on Shark Tank. While the brand you are thinking of that partnered with Kevin O’Leary in the eco-friendly space is most likely Plaine Products or your local equivalent, massive valuations like Blueland backed by Kevin O’Leary have also grown into multi-million dollar giants by targeting zero-waste consumer goods.
Business Concept: Create and sell pencil cases made from recycled materials.
Pitch Focus: You can show how using recycled materials can make a difference in reducing plastic waste.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Fabric: 0.08 yards per pencil case. ($0.36)
Thread: 1 spool per pencil case. ($0.03)
Zip: $1.82 per zip.
Packaging: $0.35 to $0.75 per case.
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $2.76 per case.
Distribution: $0.50 per case
Price Point: $8.00 per pencil case
Profit Margin: 59.25%
Project Idea #2: Personalized Bookmarks
Elementary school kids can create custom bookmarks with any names they like using Personalized Bookmarks. It’s a great way for kids to learn about business and be creative. Another reason is that the project needs only three raw materials, which are quite inexpensive. Paige and Ashley took their homemade jewelry business, Stella Valle, to Shark Tank in 2013. It was a homemade jewelry business, but they secured investments from Lori Greiner and Mark Cuban.
Business Concept: It’s a fun way for kids to learn about business but at the same time, have fun creating customizable bookmarks with students’ names.
Pitch Focus: The project is going to use the student’s creativity and personalization skills.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Paper: $0.066 per bookmark
Glue: $0.042 per bookmark
Ribbons: $0.03 per bookmark
Packaging:
Bookmark Sleeves: $0.1199 per bookmark
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $0.25 per bookmark.
Distribution: $1.50 per bookmark
Price Point: $5.99
Profit Margin: 66.54%
Project Idea #3: Seed Planting Kits
Seed planting kits offer an ideal, hands-on way for children to learn about the plant life cycle, basic botany, and fundamental business principles. By sourcing basic agricultural materials in bulk and applying educational packaging, the kits maintain healthy profit margins while staying highly affordable for families and schools.Seed planting kits have proven to be a highly lucrative market, with companies like Seedsheet successfully securing a $500,000 investment on Shark Tank. A thriving educational seed kit business bridges the gap between fun and function, transforming elementary plant projects into accessible, commercial gardening solutions for urban dwellers and families.
Core Business Concept: Business model revolves around offering ready-to-grow, all-in-one gardening solutions.High-quality modular pots, nutrient-rich soil, organic/non-GMO seeds, and customizable templates.Pre-measured, mess-free planting pods eliminate the guesswork of seed spacing and depth, ensuring a high germination rate.
Pitch Focus:Educational Value: When presenting products to consumers, educators, or investors, the pitch should center heavily on “STEM in the Soil.Instead of just growing a plant, the kits should be marketed as interactive science lessons. Highlight how the kits teach biology, ecology, and botany by letting users track the complete life cycle of their food from seed to plate.Position the product as a tool for teaching eco-consciousness. The kits can demonstrate water conservation, organic composting, and the importance of localized food production. Pitch the kits as an engaging, hands-on educational activity that reduces screen time for children while teaching patience, responsibility, and the science of nature.Focus on confidence-building. By providing foolproof instructions, the kits empower users (especially children) to overcome the fear of gardening failure, turning every unsprouted seed into a teachable moment.
Cost breakdown:
Raw Materials:
Seeds: $1.95
Grow Pot: $1.80
Coco Peat Discs: $1.20
Plant Food: $0.0085
Plant Markers: $0.07
Tray: $0.50 (assuming a 2-for-1 or 1-to-1 kit ratio)
Water: $0.00 (Free)
Packaging:
Cardboard Boxes: $2.88
Profit calculation:
Price Point: $19.99
Profit Margin Calculation: 60.48%
Net Profit: $12.09 per kit
Project Idea #4: Homemade Slime Kit
Homemade slime kits make a fantastic, interactive project that beautifully blends sensory play with hands-on business skills. By keeping track of expenses, setting prices, and launching small marketing campaigns, kids can learn real-world entrepreneurship all while creating a fun product that commands great retail value. This pitch positions a non-toxic slime kit as a premium, mess-free sensory toy for elementary students. Similar to how Scrub Daddy transformed basic household items into branded success stories, this product elevates homemade slime into a safe, reliable, and convenient playtime experience.
Business Concept: This concept works well with kids to make non-toxic slime.
Pitch Focus: It’s a fun and safe playtime activity for kids, especially at the elementary school level.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
White School Glue (1 gallon): $0.14 per slime kit
Baking Soda (2.7lb): $0.19 per slime kit.
Food Coloring: $13.67
Packaging:
$1.00 (bottles) + $0.50 (tubes) = $1.50
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $15.50 per homemade slime kit.
Distribution: $0.65 per homemade slime Kit.
Price Point: $26.99
Profit Margin: 40.17%
Project Idea #5: Reusable Snack Bags
Reusable snack bags are a fantastic project that can yield high profit margins often between 15% and 35%. By utilizing a cost-effective bulk production approach, you can capitalize on a booming market. Bulk fabric and thread investments allow you to mass-produce units while keeping the cost-per-bag incredibly low.The global market for reusable snack bags for kids reached $325 million.
Parents are actively looking for eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.Like The Original Comfy which secured a deal with Barbara Corcoran and has since generated over $150 million in sales, your snack bag business solves a universal, everyday problem. You can draw direct inspiration from another highly successful Shark Tank eco-friendly product: Stasher Bags. Founded by Kat Nouri, Stasher scaled into a multi-million dollar business by replacing plastic baggies with high-quality, reusable food-grade bags.
Business Concept: It’s a simple concept. You make fabric snacks that can be easily washed and reused.
Pitch Focus: The main focus is to reduce waste using one bag.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Velcro Strip: $2.2 per strip
Fabric: $0.23
Thread: $0.01 – $0.02
Packaging:
$0.30 per bag.
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $2.57 per bag.
Distribution: $0.40 per bag.
Price Point: $7.99
Profit Margin: 62.83%
Shark Tank Project Ideas for Middle School
Project Idea #1: Upcycled Fashion Accessories
Selling upcycled accessories like bracelets is an ideal middle school business project. It teaches essential business and environmental skills while keeping startup costs low. By upcycling discarded materials, students achieve excellent profit margins while promoting a highly marketable, sustainable future for fashion.Sourcing repurposed materials such as old fabric scraps, leather, or thrifted jewelry means your initial costs are minimal, maximizing your profit potential. Upcycled goods allow for premium pricing.
Handmade and unique accessories can yield profit margins well over 50-80% because they are one-of-a-kind.Conscious consumerism is on the rise. Eco-friendly and sustainable fashion accessories are incredibly popular among young buyers.Supermix Studio offers a great blueprint. Founder Jennifer Stein-Bischoff appeared on ABC’s Shark Tank, securing $250,000 for her interactive, customized apparel and accessory brand. They operate on a model that empowers individuality and creativity.You can adapt this success story for middle schoolers by focusing the pitch on a core message: “Creative, sustainable, and 100% unique.”
Business Concept: It’s a simple concept. You sell accessories like bracelets made from upcycled materials.
Pitch Focus: It’s a sustainable way to make fashion accessories.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Newspaper: $0.28
Toothpicks: $0.05
Glue: $0.17
Stretch Yarn: $0.01
Packaging:
$0.86 per bracelet.
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $1.37
Distribution: $0.25
Price Point: $9.99
Profit Margin: 83.78%
Project Idea #2: DIY Science Kits
DIY kits are super popular with kids and keep growing. They’re perfect for middle school kids who are starting to get into science at their school. This project mixes their curiosity about science with learning about business. Starting this business can be pricey because you need a lot of materials for each DIY Science Kit. But, the good thing is that it retails for a higher price point than other products discussed in this article.
Business Concept: It’ll be a kit with all the necessary materials required for science experiments.
Pitch Focus: It focuses on education, fun, and a hands-on learning experience for the children.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Baking Soda: $2.32
Vinegar: $0.72
Corn Starch: $2.24
Nerds Candy: $0.62
M&Ms: $0.145
Food Coloring: $0.375
Elmer’s Glue: $1.84
Measuring Cups and Spoons: $6.96
Craft Sticks: $4.90
Packaging:
$0.49 per unit.
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $20.49
Distribution: $0.89
Price Point: $29.99
Profit Margin: 28.5%
Project Idea #3: Customizable Phone Cases
Customizable Phone Cases for Middle School Kids lets students design their own phone cases. It’s profitable due to low production costs and a high retail price. Middle schoolers should consider this project so they can explore their creativity and learn about business. Homemade accessory products have always appeared on Shark Tank. One of them was PurseCase. It’s a phone case company that was on Shark Tank in Season 5. Lori invested in the company, and it quickly topped over $400,000 in sales.
Business Concept: This concept involves the customers designing the case themselves.
Pitch Focus: It focuses on personalization and creative expression.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Silicon Mold Making: $2.32
Pigments: $0.21
Packaging:
$0.33 per unit.
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $2.86
Distribution: $0.10
Price Point: $8.99
Profit Margin: 67.1%
Project Idea #4: Eco-Friendly School Supplies
Eco-Friendly School Supplies is a smart business idea for middle schoolers. Using recycled materials makes things cheaper to make. This means you can sell your school supplies for less than the usual ones in stores. But you’ll still earn a nice amount of money on each sale. I checked if any eco-friendly school supply companies had been on Shark Tank before. It turns out there was one called Scout & Nimble. They went on the show back in 2019 and made a deal with Lori Greiner. They made $113,500 in revenue with just a four-person team.
Business Concept: The main concept is using recycled materials to lower costs and achieve a high-profit margin.
Pitch Focus: Using environmentally friendly but high-quality supplies.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Recycled Paper: $0.99 per notebook
Soy-Based Ink: $1.84 per notebook
Book Binding Recyclable Tape: $0.49 per notebook
Packaging:
$0.40 per notebook.
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $3.72
Distribution: $0.40
Price Point: $10.99
Profit Margin: 66.1%
Project Idea #5: Personalized Tote Bags
Starting a personalized tote bag business is a fantastic and low-cost way for middle schoolers to learn entrepreneurship. You can customize them using simple techniques like fabric painting, markers, iron-on transfers, or embroidery.
Business Concept: Custom-designed Tote Bags with unique prints.
Pitch Focus: Eco-friendly and stylish bags for everyday use.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Fabric: $15.00
Thread: $0.11
Dye: $0.65
Handles: 2 for $0.99
Interlining: $0.87
Lining: $0.87
Printing Materials: $2.00
Elastic: $0.91
Packaging:
$1.00 per bag
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $23.39
Distribution: $1.70
Price Point: $39.99
Profit Margin: 37.26%
Shark Tank Project Ideas for High School
Project Idea #1: Sustainable Skincare Products
Starting a sustainable skincare line is an incredible way to learn business fundamentals. To keep operations manageable for a high school team, launch with a single, high-margin hero product like an All-Natural Exfoliating Coffee Body Scrub or a Soothing Calendula & Chamomile Lip Balm.
Business Concept: Eco-friendly skincare products made from natural ingredients.
Pitch Focus: Highlight sustainability and health benefits.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Organic Aloe Vera: $2.00
Shea Butter: $1.99
Coconut Oil: $2.50
Lavender Oil: $0.41
Packaging: $0.50 per face cream.
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $7.40
Distribution: $1 per item
Price Point: $16.99 per item
Profit Margin: 50.56%
Project Idea #2: Eco-Friendly Water Bottles
Starting an eco-friendly water bottle business is a brilliant venture for high school students. It builds real-world entrepreneurial skills, promotes sustainability, and offers strong profit potential. By leveraging recyclable or upcycled materials, student entrepreneurs can keep initial costs down while marketing a high-demand, green product to their peers and community.LARQ offers a sustainable, self-cleaning water bottle using UV-C technology to purify water. Following its historic pitch on Shark Tank, the brand achieved a $50 million valuation. By eliminating single-use plastics and featuring durable stainless steel, it perfectly balances eco-friendly impact with premium longevity.
Business Concept: Reusable water bottles made from sustainable materials.
Pitch Focus: Emphasize environmental impact and durability.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Biodegradable Polymer: $0.0032 per gram
Bottle Cap: $0.05 per bottle cap
Packaging: $0.11
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $0.349 per bottle
Distribution: $0.25 per bottle
Price Point: $3.99 per bottle
Profit Margin: 84.99%
Project Idea #3: Personalized Apparel
Starting a custom apparel business lets high schoolers design and sell unique t-shirts and hoodies. It is an affordable, hands-on way to learn marketing and design. Mirroring the success of Shark Tank ventures like Quikflip Apparel, focusing on self-expression and functional innovation is the perfect hook for this venture.
Personalized Apparel products have appeared on Shark Tank and have been quite successful. One of those was Quikflip Apparel, which made backpack hoodies. They received a deal from Lori, and they continue to sell their innovative products to this day.
Business Concept: Custom-designed t-shirts and hoodies.
Pitch Focus: Emphasize unique designs and self-expression.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Fabric: $0.83
Thread: A small amount, roughly 10-20 yards per t-shirt. You have 300 Spools for $8.88, and Cost per t-shirt is negligible (less than $0.01)
Screen Printing Ink: $1.62
Squeegee: Reusable tool, not consumed. You have One for $9.98. Cost per t-shirt: Negligible when divided over multiple shirts.
Fabric Paint: $0.50
Packaging: $0.8
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $3.76 per item
Distribution: $0.75 per item
Price Point: $8.99 per item
Profit Margin: 49.83%
Project Idea #4: Tech Gadget Accessories
High school students can build a sustainable, profitable business by manufacturing eco-friendly tech accessories. Cable organizers are an excellent entry point due to their low production costs and high profit margins, offering hands-on experience with marketing, budgeting, and scaling a green business.Like the well-known smart lock startup LINKA, which took Sharks’ advice post-show to refine their product into a global success, this business thrives on adaptability.
Business Concept: Accessories like phone stands and cable organizers are made from eco-friendly materials.
Pitch Focus: Practical, eco-friendly, and stylish tech accessories.
Initial Expenses:
Raw materials:
Waterproof Nylon Fabric: $3.75
Zip: $1.82
Thread: $0.03
Packaging: $0.40
Ongoing Costs:
Production: $6 per item
Distribution: $1 per item
Price Point: $11.99 per item
Profit Margin: 41.62%
Final Verdict
Starting a business is a fantastic way for students to learn real-world skills like budgeting, marketing, and customer service. Whether you are in elementary, middle, or high school, these hands-on ventures are perfect for building a foundation while earning some extra money.Here is a quick guide to some of the best student-friendly business ideas:
Eco-Friendly Crafts: Tap into the growing demand for green products by making and selling upcycled pencil cases, tote bags, or handmade jewelry using recycled materials.
Custom Apparel: Use print-on-demand services to design and sell custom t-shirts, hoodies, or stickers tailored to local school clubs, sports teams, or community events.
Tutoring Services: Excel in math, science, or a foreign language? Offer peer tutoring or homework help for younger students in your neighborhood.
Pet Care & Yard Work: Provide highly localized services like dog walking, pet sitting, lawn mowing, or seasonal leaf raking for busy neighbors.
Baked Goods & Treats: Bake and sell custom cookies or cupcakes for family gatherings, local bake sales, or weekend markets.
Dream big, start small, and watch your business grow!
Hey there! I’m Fatima Shoaib, a passionate content writer who believes in creative solutions. Reading enthusiast and storyteller, dedicated and eager to apply my skills to a fast-paced environment and make a positive impact in the industry.Currently focusing on current business projects and goals, I aim to stay passionate about driving results in the business sector. This connection that I felt towards business was because of Shark Talent. I am always exploring to binge into new episodes of Shark Tank. Read more About me.
