Can a 13 year old be the owner of a company?

Question

I have about 20 SERIOUSLY amazing ideas and was wondering if I could bring these ideas to reality and be the owner of a company. If I can, how would I do it and where would I start?

(If you didn't read the question, I am 13 years old and am in South Carolina, USA)

So from everyone that has answered, it seems like I can be the owner of a company / business. Now how would I get started?

Answer 1

technically, yes. practically, it is questionable.

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at age 13, you legally can not enter into a binding contract to do anything in SC [or the rest of the US]. While title to the shares [corporate ownership] could rest in your name, your parent(s) would have the enforceable in court legal right to manage the corporation on your behalf. [IE: they could make any and all decisions any way they find appropriate.]

there is a legal pitfall as well -- if a corporation or business makes an agreement with an outside person or company who does not know that you are not an adult, the legal results may vary depending on where the agreement is made ["made" means where the contract says the agreement is to be enforced, not where you or they actually are]. Some states might conclude that the contract can be enforced only by the unknowing outside party (but not by you), some states might conclude that it can not be enforced at all. [A smart attorney for the other side includes a clause in the agreement specifying that you have the capacity to enter into this contract -- which lets his client out if you misrepresent yourself as capable when you are not.]

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that said ... there is no harm in trying.

Answer 2

I doubt a 13 year old would have the proper funding to become the owner of a company, it would be hard to find investors if they knew you were 13. I wish the world wasn't like this but it is. Otherwise there are no age requirements to own a company.

Answer 3

Easiest way of becoming an owner of a company is to buy its shares from the stock market, you can do that by asking your parents to buy them...
If you have your own ideas, tell your parents (other people might steal them if they really like the ideas), so first just share them with your parents and ask them how to start and also check if people in South Carolina like the services you provide (or things you do)...

Answer 4

Sure i guess. There have been young kids that have started websites and things, and actually turned into very big things. As for how you start, well you need to make a plan, and you need to share or even build that plan with a very trusted adult(preferably your parent) that will help you move forward with it. and if it is something that requires a good amount of money to start, then start saving now.

Answer 5

I believe it depends on what kind of company you will be the proprietor.

Congratulations on how your intelligence and your vision.

One word of caution; Be very careful about your ideas since people can take them as their own and that is why being an entrepreneur is difficult.

Best Wishes !!!

Answer 6

wow, evolution at last...
maybe you should discuss your ideas with adults who know the ins and outs of the business you are thinking... some ideas might be good enough for young minds but may not hold up when challenged by an adult's world.

Answer 7

I'm 13, i own a company/business.
i'm in Australia by the way.


so the answer is YES

Answer 8

Make some waves and speak to your mum and dad.... you will need there help if your only 13....

Also.... Maybe start hunting out a good laywer to speak with....

Answer 9

you can be any age to own a company but you have to be of legal age to work at a job.