Tech services business ideas with a $20,000+ startup budget

18 ideas

A larger budget opens up tech businesses that need a storefront, specialist tools or stock on the shelf. These 18 ideas include a phone repair shop or mall kiosk, a small data recovery lab with a clean bench, and CCTV and access control for small businesses.

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CCTV and access control for small businesses

Design and install camera and door entry systems for shops, offices and warehouses.

• $5k-25k
• Full-time
• Out and about

📊7,151 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.6% in a year

Small data recovery lab with clean bench

Open a small lab that handles physical drive failures as well as software recovery, serving local businesses and walk-in customers.

• $15k-60k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊18,544 US businesses with employees in this field, +5.7% in a year

Local fiber optic supply counter for contractors

Stock fiber cable, connectors and tools in a small unit so local installers can pick up same day.

• $25k-100k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊10,076 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.6% in a year

Small automation integrator with a panel shop

Design, build and install control panels and automated cells for local manufacturers from a small shop with a few staff.

• $25k-100k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊63,233 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.0% in a year

Phone repair shop or mall kiosk

Open a small storefront or kiosk offering walk-in repairs on phones, tablets and more.

• $8k-40k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊3,045 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.5% in a year

Camera repair shop with a storefront

Open a small shop where walk-in customers drop off cameras and lenses, and you repair, service and clean them.

• $8k-40k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊3,045 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.5% in a year

Computer repair shop

Open a small storefront where walk-in customers bring laptops, desktops and tablets for repair.

• $8k-40k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊4,531 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year

Electronics repair storefront

Open a small shop that fixes phones, laptops, consoles and small appliances for walk-in customers.

• $8k-40k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊1,615 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.2% in a year

Phone repair shop or kiosk

Run a small storefront or mall kiosk where walk-in customers get phones fixed while they wait.

• $8k-35k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊1,726 US businesses with employees in this field, -11.7% in a year

AV supply and install for businesses

Sell and set up screens, speakers and meeting room systems for local offices and venues.

• $5k-25k
• Part-time
• Out and about

📊10,076 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.6% in a year

Screen repair shop in a small storefront

Open a walk-in shop fixing phone, tablet and laptop screens, with same-day service.

• $8k-35k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊1,615 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.2% in a year

Hi-fi repair and restoration shop

Open a small storefront or unit that repairs, restores and services home audio equipment full time.

• $8k-30k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊1,615 US businesses with employees in this field, -1.2% in a year

Cabling subcontractor for builders and developers

Lead a small crew that installs structured cabling in new and renovated buildings for general contractors and developers.

• $10k-40k
• Full-time
• Out and about

📊83,342 US businesses with employees in this field, +1.8% in a year

Walk-in fax, copy and scan counter

Run a small storefront counter where people fax, scan and copy documents, with staff help on hand.

• $10k-35k
• Part-time
• Own premises

📊2,264 US businesses with employees in this field, -54.2% in a year

Print shop equipment and parts supplier

Supply cutters, presses, printers and spare parts to print shops, with install and service.

• $20k-100k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊5,377 US businesses with employees in this field, -37.1% in a year

Local telecom equipment supplier

Stock phones, routers and cabling from a small unit and supply local installers and offices same day.

• $15k-60k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊10,076 US businesses with employees in this field, -2.6% in a year

Ink and toner refill storefront

Open a small shop that refills cartridges on the spot and sells ink, toner and printer supplies.

• $8k-35k
• Full-time
• Own premises

📊4,531 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year

Copier repair and refurbishing workshop

Repair machines in a small workshop, and refurbish used copiers to resell or service for local customers.

• $5k-25k
• Part-time
• Own premises

📊4,531 US businesses with employees in this field, -3.1% in a year

About these ideas

They suit people with some technical skill or trade experience, or those ready to hire it. Before you spend anything, think about where your first customers will come from, whether you need a lease, and how much of the budget goes on equipment versus working capital. Check local licensing, insurance and any contractor requirements that apply to your state and city. Compare your likely monthly costs with realistic sales, and leave a cushion for the slow early months.

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