That’s an awesome place to be at 16 — having an idea and the drive to build something real. Here’s what I’d recommend, step by step, from one entrepreneur to another:

1. Validate Your Idea First
Before spending money or bringing others on board, make sure people actually want what you’re building.

Talk to 10–20 people who might use it.

Ask them: “Would this solve a real problem for you?”

If possible, sketch out your idea on paper or in a free tool like Canva or Figma to show what it might look like.

2. Start Small with an MVP
Your MVP (Minimum Viable Product) doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to work well enough to test the idea.

If it’s simple, use tools like Carrd, Notion, or Webflow to build a basic version yourself.

If it needs more coding, hire a freelance developer, but keep the first version tight — just the core features. Sites like Upwork or Toptal can help, but be clear on what you want.

3. Don’t Rush to Find a Co-Founder
A co-founder should bring something important to the table — like coding, marketing, or deep industry knowledge. But only team up if you’ve known them for a while or trust them. Otherwise, it can get messy.

4. Find a Mentor (This Is Key!)
Find someone who’s built something before. Reach out on LinkedIn, join local or online startup groups, or even email people you admire.

Ask clear questions.

Be respectful of their time.

A mentor can help you avoid mistakes and stay focused.

5. Keep Learning & Building
You don’t need to know everything right now. Just take one step at a time. Try things, make mistakes, and learn fast. That’s what entrepreneurship is all about.

You’re already ahead just by starting this young. Stay curious, stay humble, and don’t wait for permission to build. You're in the best time of your life to experiment and take bold steps.

Let me know if you want specific help with building your MVP or writing a pitch for potential mentors or developers — happy to help.