If you’re great at preventing, troubleshooting and fixing IT problems, you may be able to turn your skills into your own mobile IT support business. 

IT support professionals can make life a lot easier for those who don’t consider themselves tech experts— or who simply don’t have time to learn. They can help set systems up correctly from the start, or troubleshoot and fix issues when things go wrong.

Here’s what you need to know about starting and financing a mobile IT support business.

What Is Considered A Mobile IT Support Business

Mobile tech support businesses come to homes, businesses or government agencies to provide a variety of services to help them make sure their technology systems run smoothly. They may work directly for clients or they may work for businesses that provide IT-related services to end users. 

These businesses can provide any of a number of services, including: 

Network Support

Devices usually run on networks, and making sure those networks are set up properly, are secure, and continue to work is an important service an IT support business can provide. Services may include setting up new wireless networks, configuring routers and firewalls, and troubleshooting problems with connectivity. 

Computer Repair and Servicing

Small businesses, government agencies and even individuals may need help when their computers aren’t working. IT support professionals can help fix problems, upgrade hardware or recover critical data that has been lost. 

Mobile Device Support

Small business owners in particular may have specific needs when it comes to mobile devices that they or their employees use to do their jobs. A mobile device or tablet that’s not working can result in lost sales. If you can help make sure mobile devices are working (securely) when needed, you’ll provide a valuable service. 

Software Support

Help businesses or individuals install or update crucial software, troubleshoot issues and even provide support. 

Data Security 

Data breaches are common and can be very costly for both individuals and small businesses. IT pros can set up firewalls and VPNs, back-ups to protect against data loss, implement strong passwords and authentication services, install and update antivirus programs, test systems and more. This is a crucial service for many small businesses.

Employee IT Education

For some IT professionals, employee education on how to use new systems or protect against fraud can provide another value-added service for businesses. 

Remote Support

A remote tech support business offers similar services online, without visiting the client’s home or place of business. This can supplement an IT business that performs services onsite, and in some cases, even replace it. 

The Importance Of Remote Support Businesses In Today’s Market

An increasing number of businesses hire remote workers or employees and a significant number of people have started their own businesses in recent years. At the same time, technology is rapidly changing and fraud continues to grow. Those who fail to keep up with these changes or take protective measures can be at serious risk of losing both time and money. 

Start With A Business Plan

Just as your IT clients will need to think about a roadmap for their technology needs, your business needs a plan that helps you launch and then grow.

Fortunately there are numerous free and low-cost resources to help you create a business plan. Live Plan, for example, offers advanced business planning software that can be perfect for mapping out your strategy. And there are a number of free business plan templates you may find helpful. (You can also get free one-on-one assistance from the government resources we’ve listed below.)

In addition to a business plan, you’ll need to take foundational steps to get your business off the ground. These include:

• Choosing and registering a business name (or a DBA/fictitious name)
• Forming a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation
• Getting a business phone number
• Creating an online presence: website and social media
• Setting your business up to comply with federal and state tax requirements
• Establishing a business banking relationship

Leverage Government Programs

While the federal government does not make grants to start a small business, they do provide a number of services to support those who want to start a business. ​​

You can get free support from your local U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) partners such as your Small Business Development Center (SBDC), SCORE, Women’s Business Centers and Veterans Business Outreach Centers. They offer free mentoring to entrepreneurs and/or classes to help with key activities like social media marketing,  setting up your accounting software or helping you figure out your target audience, what business services to offer, and how to price them. 

In other words, they can support you in turning your business idea into a viable business. 

And Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) can help you at no cost to prepare your business for all aspects of selling to federal, state, and local governments. This can prove to be a lucrative market for some IT support businesses.

Find local assistance here.

Determine Your Funding Needs

While many mobile IT support businesses don’t require a heavy capital outlay at first, there will be startup costs. As you create your business plan, make sure you include important expenses like:

• Business entity formation costs
• Business licenses and/or surety bonds 
• Professional certifications
• Business insurance (such as commercial liability insurance) 
• Business vehicle expenses
• Payroll or contractor payments
• Startup equipment
• Accounting software, bookkeeping and tax preparation
• Marketing and/or advertising expenses
• Web hosting
• Software programs to manage your business (such as appointments)

You’ll also need to think about how your clients pay you. Will you accept credit and debit cards? If so, you’ll need a merchant account and payment processor. 

Will you let clients pay you on terms, such as net-15 or net-30, which is common in a B2B setting. If so, how will you invoice your clients and make sure you get paid promptly?

Look For Alternative Financing Options For Small Business It Support Companies

Startup funding is often challenging for many small businesses. Most banks are hesitant to take on the risk of extending a small business loan to a brand new business. That means you may need to look at alternative financing options, especially in the first year before you start earning revenue.

Business credit cards are an option that’s popular with many startups. That’s because you can often qualify for a business credit card based on your personal credit score and income from all sources (not just the business). Many cards offer rewards, and the ability to pay for purchases later or over time can be helpful for cash flow— provided you don’t run up debt you can pay. 

0% APR credit cards can be a viable option to finance startup expenses over a few months if you have a solid plan for paying the debt off before the intro rate expires. 

Once your business is up and running you may also benefit from:

Business Lines Of Credit

Merchant Cash Advances

Other options may include SBA loans, microloans or even crowdfunding. 

Keep Your Finances In Order

As an IT professional, you probably cringe when you see people with disorganized IT systems or poor security practices. You know that can cause problems down the road. 

Similarly, not keeping your finances in order can cause problems for your business as it grows. Setting up your financial systems the right way from the beginning saves time and money. Crucial steps include:

• Use a business bank account (not a personal account) for business transactions.
• Get a business credit card to use for business purchases. 
• Keep your bookkeeping up to date, and not just at tax time. 
• Invoice quickly and stay on top of past-due invoices. 
• Establish business credit and monitor it regularly.

These steps alone can help you build a financially healthy business so you can focus on what you do best. 

Stay Current On Tech Business Topics

You’ll want to make sure you stay on top of the latest topics and trends in IT support. You can do this in one of several ways:

Join professional associations such as Association for Computing Machinery, Network Professional Association, CompTIA, Association for Women in Computing or Association of Information Technology Professionals, and HelpDesk Chapters. 

Take continuing education courses through the organizations listed above, online or or through your local community college. 

Network with other IT professionals through professional associations or even meetups. While some business owners hesitate to network with potential competitors, you may find you can get referral business by networking with others who need to suggest someone with your skills. 

Subscribe to industry newsletters or courses. Just spending a few minutes a day keeping up on the latest trends may prove invaluable in this fast-moving industry. 

Navs Verdict: Mobile IT Support Business

Overall, the outlook for mobile IT businesses is strong. There are several target markets for these services (government, small business or nonprofit, for example) and the trend toward remote work and business startups is helping fuel demand. If you have strong tech skills and a desire to help other businesses or consumers, you may be able to build a solid business in mobile IT support.