Tech service business ideas you can start for up to $20,000
42 ideas
These 43 tech service ideas suit people who already have some technical skill, or are willing to build it, and want to start without a large outlay. Options range from hands-on repair work, such as mobile phone repair at the customer's door or a camera and video gear repair bench, to installation and support work like CCTV for homes and small shops.
Mobile phone and tablet screen repair
Drive to homes, offices and workplaces to replace cracked phone and tablet screens on the spot.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based data recovery (software and mail-in)
Rescue photos and files from faulty drives, phones and memory cards, working from a home workspace and taking jobs by post.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- From home
Home-based camera and lens repair
Fix and service cameras and lenses from a home workbench, taking jobs by post and local drop-off.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- From home
Card terminal hire for markets and events
Hire out portable card terminals to market stallholders and event organisers, with setup and support on the day.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home workshop video camera repair
Fix and service camcorders and video cameras from a home bench, with drop-off and mail-in jobs.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- From home
Freelance controls and PLC programmer
Program and commission control systems for factories and integrators, working from home with site visits when needed.
- A$2k-8k
- Part-time
- From home
Custom database build and support service
Design, build and look after custom databases for growing businesses, with a small team and ongoing support plans.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Online
CCTV installer for homes and small shops
Fit and set up security cameras at homes and small businesses, then offer ongoing servicing.
- A$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
CCTV maintenance and health checks
Service, fix and upgrade existing camera systems for businesses on a regular plan.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile phone repair service
Fix cracked screens and flat batteries at people's homes or workplaces while they wait.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
AV equipment hire for small events
Hire out speakers, microphones and screens for parties, weddings and community events from a garage or spare room.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile alarm and CCTV installer
Supply and fit alarms, cameras and keypad access for homes and small businesses in your area.
- A$4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online security kit shop with local fitting
Sell ready-to-fit alarm and camera kits online, with phone support and an optional local install.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Small business security audits and protection
Check the security of local small businesses, fix the gaps and keep them protected on a monthly contract.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online fibre optic supplies for installers
Sell fibre cable, connectors and tools to installers and contractors through a website, shipped from a small home stock.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Small office network installer
Design, install and look after wired and wireless networks for local offices, clinics and shops.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile printer and copier repair
Visit local offices to fix and service printers and copiers, on call-outs or regular maintenance visits.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile TV repair technician
Visit homes and businesses to diagnose and fix big or wall-mounted TVs on the spot.
- A$3k-9k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile AV repair for venues and businesses
Visit venues, schools and offices to repair and service projectors, PA systems and meeting-room AV on site.
- A$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online typewriter repair and restoration
Take mail-in repairs from around Australia and sell fully restored typewriters online.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online payment terminal reseller
Help small businesses choose and set up card terminals by phone, video call and post, from home.
- A$1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- Online
Fax, scan and document counter
Run a walk-in counter where people send and receive faxes, plus scan, copy and print the paperwork that goes with them.
- A$5k-20k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Office phone and data cabling installer
Install and fix data points, phone lines and office networks for small businesses in your area.
- A$4k-18k
- Part-time
- Out and about
IT support for small businesses
Look after the computers, network and accounts of local small businesses on a monthly support plan.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Part-time
- Out and about
About these ideas
Before choosing, think about where you will work, what tools and parts stock you need, and whether your customers are households or local businesses. Check whether your chosen work needs a licence, insurance or specific training, as cabling and security work can have extra requirements. Start by testing demand locally with a few paying customers.
More ideas
- Meeting room video kit for small offices
- Online video meeting kit for hybrid teams
- Camera and video gear repair bench
- On-site studio and broadcast gear repair
- Managed hosting for one type of small business
- Fleet GPS tracking supplier for local businesses
- Drone photos and video for property
- Drone inspections and site surveys
- AV advice and setup for offices and meeting rooms
- Drone mapping for land and property
- Mobile printer sales, install and repair
- Online printer parts and cutter supplies shop
- Meeting room video setup and support
- Home workshop for telescopes, binoculars and microscopes
- Mobile microscope servicing for schools and labs
- Mobile photocopier repair technician
- Mobile printer repair for small businesses
- Online telecom equipment reseller
Questions
Do I need a licence to start a tech services business in Australia?
It depends on the work. General repair or support often needs only a business registration, but security, alarm or cabling installation may need a licence or approved training in your state. Check with your state regulator and your insurer before taking jobs.
How far does $20,000 go when starting a tech business?
Often it covers tools, test equipment, initial parts stock, insurance, a vehicle fit-out or workspace setup, and basic marketing. Costs vary by idea, so list the equipment you truly need first, then compare supplier quotes before buying anything extra.
Should I work from home or travel to customers?
Mail-in or bench work, like data recovery or camera repair, can suit a home workshop, but check council rules and your lease or strata terms. Mobile services need a reliable vehicle, insurance and travel time built into your pricing.