What counts as leadership to get into NHS?

I do not believe starting a business is a requirement for joining the National Honors Society.

Read these eligibility requirements.

How Can You Become an NHS Member?

First, you will need to learn if your school has an NHS chapter. If so, check your student handbook or speak with someone in your main office to identify the chapter adviser. This is a faculty member who will be able to tell you the cumulative GPA required for consideration and a timeline when students who meet this benchmark will be invited to submit information about themselves to be considered for membership.

Eligibility Requirements

Students in grades 10–­­12 who meet the requirements for membership outlined by their school’s chapter are eligible to be invited for membership.

Each chapter is required to publish its qualifications for membership, which is based on the four pillars of NHS:

Scholarship

Per national guidelines, at a minimum, students must have a cumulative GPA of 85, B, 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent standard of excellence. (Each school chapter is allowed to require a higher cumulative GPA.)

Service

This involves voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation.

Leadership

Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, and idea contributors. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.

Character

The student of good character is cooperative; demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability; shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others; and generally maintains a clean disciplinary record.

Keep in mind that so many HS students are NHS members that it really doesn't make your application file stand out. I read somewhere that up to 1 million students qualify for NHS or are NHS members. It, not the same honor as say being a US Presidential Scholar.

Good Luck

I’m not an expert, but I would imagine that starting your own business and running it would probably count as leadership. Other ways you could show leadership is being very involved in nonprofits or other community service groups in your area. Best of luck with your business though!

Any kind of self initiated roles would do. Businesses don't necessarily count as leadership. Try listing any small leadership roles you have in extracurriculars. for my essay I wrote about being president of a club at my school, and got in. they don't expect you to have your own business lol