Tech service business ideas you can start for up to C$5,000

49 ideas

These 50 tech service ideas suit people who are comfortable with technology and want to sell their skills rather than build a product. Many need little more than a laptop, a toolkit and a reliable way to reach customers.

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Online store setup for local businesses

Build and launch Shopify or WooCommerce stores for local shops and makers who want to sell online.

• C$300-2k
• Side hustle
• From home

Monthly online store management

Run day-to-day online store tasks for small businesses on a monthly fee, so owners can focus on making and selling.

• C$200-1.5k
• Part-time
• Online

Custom software for local businesses

Build booking tools, dashboards and simple apps for small businesses that have outgrown spreadsheets.

• C$300-3k
• Side hustle
• From home

Niche subscription software product

Build one focused web app for a specific type of customer and charge a monthly subscription.

• C$500-5k
• Side hustle
• Online

Computer repair house calls

Fix slow, infected or broken computers at people's homes and set up their devices and Wi-Fi.

• C$500-3k
• Side hustle
• Out and about

IT support for small businesses

Keep local offices running with monthly support for their computers, network, email and backups.

• C$1k-5k
• Part-time
• Out and about

Home computer security and malware clean-up

Remove viruses and set up protection for families, seniors and home workers, in person or by remote session.

• C$300-2k
• Side hustle
• Out and about

Cyber security checks for small businesses

Audit small offices, fix weak spots and keep them protected on a monthly contract.

• C$1k-5k
• Part-time
• Out and about

Database clean-up and upkeep for small businesses

Tidy, de-duplicate and maintain customer and stock records for local businesses, working from home.

• C$300-2.5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Payment terminal sales agent for local shops

Sign up local shops, cafés and market traders for card terminals through a payment provider and earn commission.

• C$300-1.5k
• Side hustle
• Out and about

Local payment terminal agent

Set up and support card terminals for shops, cafés and trades in your area, as a reseller for an established processor.

• C$400-2k
• Side hustle
• Out and about

Remote smart home setup and support

Help homeowners plan, configure and fix their smart home systems by video call and remote access.

• C$300-1.5k
• Side hustle
• Online

Mobile phone repair service

Fix cracked screens, batteries and charging ports at customers' homes, offices or a meeting spot.

• C$800-3.5k
• Side hustle
• Out and about

Home-based phone repair bench

Repair phones from a bench at home, taking drop-offs by appointment and mail-in jobs.

• C$500-2k
• Side hustle
• From home

Mobile computer repair house calls

Fix laptops, desktops and tablets at people's homes and small offices, so they don't have to carry them anywhere.

• C$500-3k
• Side hustle
• Out and about

Home workbench computer repair

Repair laptops and desktops from a home workbench, with drop-off, pick-up or mailed-in devices.

• C$400-2k
• Side hustle
• From home

Home-based electronics repair bench

Fix phones, tablets, laptops and small gadgets from a home workbench, with drop-off or mail-in jobs.

• C$800-3.5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Mobile phone and tablet screen repair

Replace cracked phone and tablet screens at people's homes, offices or workplaces.

• C$800-3.5k
• Side hustle
• Out and about

Home workshop screen repair by mail or drop-off

Fix phone, tablet and laptop screens from a tidy home workbench, with drop-off or mail-in.

• C$500-2.5k
• Side hustle
• From home

Niche online matchmaking membership

Run a paid, curated online matchmaking service for one community or interest group.

• C$300-4k
• Side hustle
• Online

Home Wi-Fi and network setup

Fix dead zones and set up reliable Wi-Fi, mesh systems and wired connections in people's homes.

• C$500-3k
• Side hustle
• Out and about

CCTV maintenance and repair service

Fix, upgrade and check existing camera systems for businesses on a regular service plan.

• C$1k-4k
• Side hustle
• Out and about

Subcontract copier technician for local dealers

Take overflow repair calls from copier dealers and office suppliers, working part-time without finding your own customers.

• C$1k-4k
• Side hustle
• Out and about

Home typewriter repair bench

Clean, fix and tune typewriters from a home workbench, with local drop-off and mail-in customers.

• C$500-3k
• Side hustle
• From home

About these ideas

You could start with a remote technology consultant practice, offer mobile phone and tablet screen repair, or run home computer help on call-out for neighbours and small offices. Before choosing, think about who will pay you and how they will find you. Work out what parts, software licences, insurance and a vehicle might cost, and whether your startup budget covers them. Check whether your province or municipality requires a business licence, and how you will handle customer data safely. Pick one service you can do well, then test it with a few local customers.

More ideas

• Freelance online store builder
• Home workshop AV repair bench
• Home bench VCR repair
• Mail-in VCR repair specialist
• Home-based fax-for-you service
• Reseller web hosting for local businesses
• Remote video meeting support
• Online video conferencing kit shop with remote setup help
• Home-based hi-fi and stereo repair
• Local online roommate matching site
• Roommate matching for students and newcomers
• Mobile printer repair for small offices
• Home workshop printer repair
• Freelance GIS mapping and spatial analysis
• Remote AV design and advice
• Small business IT support consultant
• Remote technology consultant
• Local digital marketing for small businesses
• Online GPS tracker and navigation shop
• Independent card terminal reseller
• Home-based video gear repair bench
• Home workshop TV repair
• Printer repair bench from home
• Home computer help on call-out
• Remote computer support by appointment

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