---
title: Starting a Business as a Minor
date: 2026-08-28T07:33:24Z
modified: 2026-08-28T07:33:24Z
permalink: "https://rubensutton.com/2026/08/28/starting-a-business-as-a-minor/"
type: post
status: publish
excerpt: Turns out starting a business as a minor is actually easy!
wpid: 47
categories:
  - Uncategorised
tags:
  - Uncategorised
  - Business
  - Programming
  - Projects
  - SuperCode Studios
author: Ruben Sutton
timestamp: 2026-08-28T07:33:24Z
---

When people hear about a teenager starting a business, I think there’s an assumption that it either isn’t a “real” business, or that an adult has to own and operate it on their behalf.

At least in Australia, that’s not necessarily the case.

I started **SuperCode Studios**, my web development and technology business, while under 18. Since then, I’ve taken on two clients, issued invoices, managed hosting and domains, built websites, dealt directly with clients and generally done most of the same things I’d be doing if I were 18.

What has surprised me most isn’t how difficult starting a business as a minor is. It’s how much of it has been completely normal.

There are definitely limitations, particularly when contracts and financial services get involved, but being under 18 doesn’t automatically prevent you from starting and running a real business.

## Actually starting the business

When I first thought up the idea to start my own business, I was really surprised at first because I found out that I _can_ legally start one and it is actually really easy!

In Australia, it’s possible for a minor to operate as a sole trader and apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN). You can also register a business name with ASIC, meaning you don’t necessarily have to trade under your personal name.

It’s pretty easy to register an ABN. You can do it easily [here](https://abr.gov.au/ABRweb/AbnApply.abr?pid=71&_gl=1*1gdl0kb*_ga*MjExMjA4MDc5MC4xNzg2NzU1ODk3*_ga_QP99W18DN6*czE3ODY3NTU4OTYkbzEkZzEkdDE3ODY3NTU5MTEkajQ1JGwwJGgw). All you need is a TFN.

Of course, having an ABN doesn’t magically make something a successful business. You still need to actually find people willing to pay you.

For me, that has so far resulted in two real clients.