Tech services business ideas you can start for up to $20,000
29 ideas
This page lists 29 tech services businesses with startup costs up to $20,000. Most sell skilled work rather than software, so your main spending goes on tools, a reliable vehicle, insurance and basic marketing.
Home alarm and camera installer
Sell and install alarms, video doorbells and cameras for local homeowners and renters.
- $2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Camera maintenance and remote monitoring service
Keep existing camera systems running for businesses with check-ups, repairs and remote health monitoring.
- $1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Database design and management studio
Design, build and manage custom databases for local businesses, with ongoing support contracts.
- $2k-10k
- Full-time
- Online
Online fiber optic supplies reseller
Sell fiber cable, connectors and install tools online to network installers, shipped direct from your suppliers.
- $1.5k-7.5k
- Side hustle
- Online
On-location camera repair for crews and studios
Travel to studios, schools and production crews to service and fix video cameras on site, with fast turnaround.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small office network installer
Design, install and look after wired and wireless networks for small offices, clinics and shops.
- $1.5k-7k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Independent controls and PLC programming contractor
Program and commission control systems for local factories and warehouses, working on your own or with a few partners.
- $2.5k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Event AV equipment rental
Rent speakers, mics, projectors and screens for parties, meetings and community events.
- $3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Drone mapping for property and sites
Fly a drone over land and building sites, then turn the images into up-to-date maps and site models for clients.
- $2.5k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Small full-service marketing agency
Build a small team that runs search, social and ad campaigns for several business clients.
- $2k-10k
- Full-time
- Online
Home workshop telescope and microscope repair
Fix, clean and realign telescopes, binoculars and microscopes from a home workshop, with customers shipping items to you.
- $1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- From home
On-site microscope service for schools and labs
Visit schools, colleges, clinics and labs to repair, clean and calibrate their microscopes and other optical instruments.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile AV repair for venues and businesses
Travel to venues, schools, churches and offices to repair and maintain installed sound and projection systems.
- $2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile printer repair for offices
Fix and service printers on site for small offices and set up service contracts for steady monthly income.
- $1.5k-6k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Meeting room video setup for small businesses
Sell and install screens, cameras and speakerphones in conference rooms for local offices.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile TV repair technician
Visit homes and offices to diagnose and fix TVs on site, especially large or wall-mounted screens.
- $2k-8k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile printer and copier repair
Visit local offices to fix and maintain printers and copiers, billed per call-out or on a service plan.
- $1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
On-site repair for studios and production crews
Visit studios, churches and production companies to fix and maintain video gear where it is used.
- $3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Small business phone and data cabling installer
Run network cabling and set up phone systems for local offices, shops and clinics from your own van.
- $4k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Fleet GPS supplier for local businesses
Supply and set up GPS tracking for local contractors, delivery firms and service fleets.
- $2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Meeting room video setup and support
Install and maintain video conferencing gear in small offices, clinics and firms that need reliable calls.
- $1.5k-7k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Typewriter repair and restoration shop
Open a small storefront or studio that repairs typewriters and sells restored machines, ribbons and accessories.
- $5k-20k
- Part-time
- Own premises
AV advice and installation on site
Visit offices, venues and event spaces to recommend, install and set up sound systems, displays and video conferencing.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile printer sales and repair for local offices
Sell, set up and repair office printers and copiers at small businesses in your area.
- $3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
About these ideas
They suit people with a technical background, such as IT support staff, electricians, installers or hobbyists, who want to work for themselves. Ideas like a small business phone and data cabling installer, drone roof and site inspections or a home alarm and camera installer each need different equipment and training. Before you choose, work out which skills you already have and which you would need to learn. Check whether your state or city requires a license or certification for the work, what insurance clients will expect, and whether you can find your first few customers locally before buying expensive equipment.
More ideas
- Online telecom equipment reseller
- Drone roof and site inspections
- Mobile photocopier repair technician
- Local POS setup and support for small businesses
- Card terminal supply and install service
Questions
Do I need a license to start a tech services business in the US?
It depends on the work and your state. Low-voltage cabling, alarm installation and drone work may involve contractor licensing or FAA requirements. Check with your state licensing board, local city office and the relevant federal agency before taking paid jobs.
How far can $20,000 go when starting a tech services business?
For many service businesses it can cover tools, test equipment, a van or vehicle upgrades, insurance and a simple website. Costs vary by idea, so get quotes for equipment and coverage first and keep some cash back for slow early months.
How do I find my first customers for a tech services business?
Start locally. Offices, shops, property managers and landlords often need reliable technical help. Consider contacting them directly, listing on Google Business Profile, and asking contractors or IT firms about referrals. Check what proof of insurance or experience customers may ask for.