Canadian boy's $10 bin-cleaning business goes viral, lands 40 clients

Ashton Meyer, an 11-year-old from East Gwillimbury, Canada, has turned a simple idea into a viral business, cleaning residents' trash bins for $10 each. His venture has not only provided him with pocket money but also garnered over 111,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok in just two months.

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I want to be an entrepreneur who owns his own business.

Meyer's initiative comes at a time when teenagers are facing one of the toughest summer job markets since 1948. High inflation, rising living costs, and reduced hiring by businesses have made traditional summer jobs like shop assistants, lifeguards, and babysitters scarce, pushing young people to find innovative ways to earn money.

Inspired by his father's suggestion to help with bin collection, Meyer decided to go door-to-door, offering his cleaning services. His mother encouraged him to film his interactions, which proved to be a key factor in his online success. Meyer's online videos showcase his polite approach to potential clients, offering to clean garbage, recycling, and green bins.

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The first no is the hardest. Keep going.

Despite facing rejections, Meyer remains determined, telling Fortune, "I want to be an entrepreneur who owns his own business." He learned to push past initial refusals, often leaving his phone number for interested neighbors. His advice to other young job seekers is to persevere and keep prices reasonable, emphasizing the importance of finding unmet needs in the community.

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Try and find a need that no one is filling and see if you can do it. Ask your neighbors if they need any help, maybe it's bin cleaning or weeding or watering their plants.

Meyer has already earned $700 and plans to continue his bin-cleaning business even after school starts in September, weather permitting. He also intends to expand his services to include leaf raking and snow plowing during colder months, demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial drive and adaptability.

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Offer a good price when you are a kid because you are still learning.