Are you a computer engineer looking to start a business to earn extra income? If YES, here are 50 best profitable small business ideas for computer engineers.
You might not believe that no other undergraduate degree offers students the opportunity to work in as many fields as computer engineering (ECE). For instance, with just one degree you can work in aerospace engineering, the biomedical field, finance and banking, the communications sector, the computer industry, the energy sector etc.
A computer engineer can also go into law, medicine, teaching, research and start their own companies. Any device with energy or IT component is derived from computer engineering knowledge.
Right from providing correct medical diagnoses to exploring distant planets, this field plays an important role in the world. You also need to understand that computer engineers have the knowledge and skills to make the world a better place.
With constant research and innovation, they can take care of critical problems like pollution, energy crisis and the spread of contagious diseases. Aside from working in all fields or most fields and industries, a computer engineer can start a lucrative business that can take care of the needs of the world’s growing population.
The global computer industry is the most flourishing and extremely diversified sector. It is made up of manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, retailers, electrical engineers, electricians, electronic equipment manufacturers, and trade unions.
Research and reports have shown that the united states, Japan, and Korea are the top three electrical and electronic goods manufacturing country in the world. The United States of America is the biggest producer of electronic products in the world, contributing a total share of around 21%.
The United States also has the biggest market share with about 29% in the global market. This is why if you have experience with computers and related technology, you are well on your way to becoming a successful start-up founder. So if you have the relevant experience, here are 50 Profitable Business ideas for Computer Engineers.
Best Small Business ideas for Computer Engineers
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Computer Cleaning Services
A lot of commercial cleaners won’t even dust a desk that a computer is sitting on. Why? Simply because they don’t want to accept the liability should anything happen to the computer equipment or information and programs stored within.
This provides an opportunity for you to start a lucrative business. Note that the fastest and most efficient way to build a computer cleaning service that specializes in cleaning computers used for business is to build alliances with commercial office cleaners so they can recommend your service to their clients.
This business is all about providing security surveillance service to your clients for business or residential purposes. CCTV stands for closed circuit Television. Presently, the business has huge potentials in the United States as well as globally.
Experts believe that this business is going to emerge as a huge market in the next few years in the wake of rising demands from sectors like hospitality industry, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and transportation. In starting a CCTV Camera business, entrepreneurs should have adequate knowledge about the current technology of different cameras and systems.
We all can agree that 3D printing is a rising sector of the computer industry where you can use computer files to generate and manufacture products from scratch. If you can work with those devices, you can potentially build a business selling 3D printing files or even the finished products.
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Computer Delivery and assembling
This is a new business that can be very lucrative if you start it up successfully. The best way to market the service is to create joint ventures with retailers of new and second hand computer systems and equipment. When they sell, you deliver and install them.
Also as a method to earn additional income for the business, consider marketing additional products and services along with the delivery and assembly service. These additional products and services can include retailing computer security items, offering clients computer cleaning services, as well as offering clients a software installation and explanation service etc.
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Cartridge Refilling Business
This business is about providing ink and toner cartridge refilling service to your clients instead of them buying a new one.
Note that refilling cartridges is very good for the environment as it reduces e-waste in landfills. An empty ink or toner cartridge can be reused at least three to four times, however, if carried out by experts it can be reused more. Cartridge refilling business is a fast-growing industry, with great earning potentials.
Have you taken your time to consider that computer malfunction or a complete computer network crash can cost some companies thousands of dollars in lost revenues for every hour that their computer system is down? We believe that this fact alone is more than a compelling reason to start a mobile computer repair business.
Starting and running this business on a mobile basis means that you’ll never be more than a cell phone call away when a client calls to inform you that disaster has struck and they’re in desperate need of your service. In addition to reliable transportation, a cell phone, and tools to operate the business, you’ll need computer repair experience and skills.
This business is all about restoring energy less battery to its full original capacity. It can be done by adding some chemicals and using some simple methods.
Have it in mind that as the vehicle population is growing and consumers are becoming more cost conscious, the potential for increasing this business is obvious. You can also provide the service to laptop battery and mobile phone battery holders. Technology is upgrading day-by-day and you need to be updated every time.
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Computer Rental
If you have computers and other devices at your disposal, you can also build a business by renting out those devices to consumers who only need them for a short time.
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Business support Services
Any business you can think of needs someone to do the word processing, filing and bookkeeping. You can start a business that does this effectively. You’ll take on all those office tasks–word processing, filing, bookkeeping and even desktop publishing.
The benefits of this business is that you can work at home, you get an insider’s view of lots of different businesses, you’re always doing something different, and your clients are appreciative of your services. To run this business successfully, you will need top-notch secretarial skills, including impeccable spelling, grammar and punctuation.
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Computer Store
Even with the rapidly growing online marketplaces, still, there is a very potential market for offline computer store. However, you must start the business by focusing on a niche.
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Computer training
Computers and computer programs are among the most wonderful tools available, as long as you know how to use them. Most of the works of a computer can be very hard to grasp for some would-be computer users, especially business people.
But if you’re intimately familiar with one or more software packages, then you can transform the virtually flummoxed into virtual wizards with a computer-training business.
We believe that this is a hot field. Reports have it that the worldwide market for technical computer training is nearing the $28 billion mark, with an annual average of $8,200 spent on information systems staff training and $3,000 per person spent on general staff training.
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Affiliate Marketing
This business involves having your own site and sending your traffic to someone else’s site to buy their products or services. Note that for every sale initiated by a link from your site, you will earn a percentage of sales commission.
But have it in mind that the main objective of affiliate marketing is getting your affiliate link in front of an interested audience. This is one of the proven and most popular ways of making money online when you have your own blog or website. But you can also make money with affiliate marketing without a website or a blog.
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Tech Fair Founder
A lot of people don’t know what a tech fair is, but a fair and events can be a great way for members of the tech community to get together to share ideas and products. So you can build a business around starting your own tech event. You will make money here through subscriptions or entrance fees.
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Computer Upgrading Service
You can start a business that upgrades existing computer systems with new internal and external equipment. A computer upgrading service is a very easy business to get rolling, providing you have the skills and equipment necessary to complete upgrading tasks, such as installing more memory into the hard drive, replacing a hard drive, or adding a new disk drive to the computer system.
But note that a mobile service is the best way to keep operating overheads minimized and potentially increase the size of your target market by expanding your service area.
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E-waste Recycling
It’s very important to note that E-waste recycling is a global environmental issue in recent times. Just in the United States, electronic product waste like obsolete computers, printers, fax machines, TVs, mobiles and other electronic devices are rising everyday.
A lot of people, governments, public or private industry sectors would prefer to replace an old computer with a new one, rather than upgrading it which leads to huge e-waste. Note that by starting an e-waste recycling business one can make money out of helping the environment become toxic free.
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Wi-Fi Café Operator
If you want to start a local business where you may not work with computers directly, you can open a café that offers Wi-Fi to customers who come in.
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One hour photo lab
Even with the growing popularity of digital imaging, print or negative photography will be around for many years to come. Facts have shown that a good income can still be earned by starting and operating a one-hour photo lab. You can also provide customers with digital imaging services in addition to traditional film development services.
Like any retail business, location will be a major consideration. Good operating locations for a one-hour photo lab include stand-alone kiosks in malls, small storefronts in strip plazas, and kiosks within existing retail stores such as grocery stores and pharmacies.
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Billing and Invoice Service
If you have a computer with specific accounting software, you can start a billing and invoice service business from home. We believe that a lot of large corporations in the United States look for this service to outsource.
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Desktop Publisher
Being a computer engineer offers you a whole lot of skills. There are also plenty of opportunities for you to use your skills in a variety of different computer programs to help companies create things like magazines, newsletters and reports.
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Mobile office service
We agree that the precise target market for a mobile office service is generally limited to individuals and companies taking part in trade shows, seminars and business conventions etc, and this market is still very huge.
Have it in mind that a mobile office service can be designed to conveniently fit into a display booth that can be set up at trade shows and business conventions, and the services offered to clients can include high speed photocopying, sign making, typing services, internet, e-mail and faxing.
For you to make more money in this business, office products and stationery supplies can be sold to trade show exhibitors that have run low or out of needed supplies to complete the show.
You can start a freelance bookkeeping business right from home with small investment. We all know that almost all companies small or big need business accounting. But then more than half of the small businesses find it very difficult to have a permanent accountant for affordability reasons.
So if you have a knack for numbers, you must consider this profession. As a freelance accountant, you will work on contract or assignment basis. You need to choose the services you will be providing to your clients.
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Telephone Answering business
To start this business, you need to possess a pleasant telephone manner and excellent communication skills. Business owners, professionals and sales consultants are all starting to understand that customers want the personalized service of talking to a live person when they call a business, not a pre-recorded message.
A lot of entrepreneurs are turning to forwarding their calls to a telephone answering service after normal business hours, on weekends, during lunch breaks and when no one is available to take incoming calls.
Services provided by a telephone answering service include: answering incoming calls, answering basic customer questions, forwarding messages and often additional office services, such as sending and receiving faxes and e-mails.
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Customized USB Drive Selling
These drives are generally seen as an effective promotional product. USB flash drives that are engraved or printed with the business logo, slogan, tagline, or message are very popular corporate gifts. You must have a strong designing and manufacturing capabilities to start this business.
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Photo Inventory Services
Reports have it that Americans suffer billions of dollars in losses due to theft, fire and natural disaster, yet most people have no record of their possessions.
When things like theft or natural disasters occur and the insurance company asks for descriptions, serial numbers and other details, victims are at yet another loss. But if you have a camera and are willing to travel around town, you can save the day with a photo inventory service.
This business is all about taking pictures of clients’ possessions and mark them with serial numbers and the purchase price or replacement value so that if a burglary or disaster occurs your clients are prepared. We believe that the benefits of starting this business is that you can start part-time, meet lots of people, and you provide both a valuable service and peace of mind for your clients.
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E-book publishing
We agree that a lot of people still prefer printed books, the demand for eBooks is increasing very fast. Today, the total eBook publishing market is more than $7 billion and it is growing rapidly. This is why this business will ever remain lucrative. Note that you can start the business from home.
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Software Engineer
Engineers can also be an important part of the software building process. You can offer your services to look over programs, test any bugs and help companies come up with solutions to any issues that may arise.
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E-teaching
With the advent of technology and internet, it is becoming a normal feat to teach and learn online. With just a computer with an internet connection, you can start this home-based business. You can also register with the different companies that provide E-teaching platform for teachers and students.
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Computer training Camp
A business that trains children to use the computer is a terrific new business idea to set in motion. Even though a lot of children receive computer training in school, attending computer camps makes sure that children have a better and more complete understanding of the course material.
The computer camps can be operated on a year-round basis or in the summer only. Typically, these camps are one or two days in length and available for various training needs, from beginner to advanced.
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Web developer
Web developers are programmers who specialize in websites and web based applications. If you enjoy working on the back end of such programs, you can offer your services in this area. Everyone understands the role a website plays in marketing and advertising, which means that the demand for this business will keep growing.
These experts provide organic search engine optimizing tactics and improve a website from a virtual unknown to page one ranking. SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization.
When people look forward to information concerning products or services on the web, they mostly use search engines. The websites that appear higher up on the results on the first page of the search engines are meant to attract the most visitors.
This is why an SEO consulting business is a very creative business whereby you can earn unlimited income while helping business owners and individuals attract more visitors to their websites. The service you provide will consist of analysing client’s websites and letting your clients know what could be done to get their sites to rank higher.
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Mobile computer training
A lot of computer training schools need students to come to their location for training classes. But for companies that have upgraded or purchased new computers and software, this is often not practical, especially if there are five to ten or more employees who are in need of training or retraining.
Also note that not everyone who buys a new computer, software, or other hardware devices has time to attend classes to learn how to use the equipment. You can make use of your computer, software, and marketing experience to start a mobile computer training service and train students one-on-one, or in a group format at their homes or businesses.
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Internet marketing Consulting business
In this new age, every business must have a website to be able to reach its target audience easily. But having just a website doesn’t mean getting business from it. Having a proper marketing plan and right implementation only work effectively in getting business from the website.
Have it in mind that your primary role as an internet marketing consultancy service is to help businesses in expanding their presence on the internet.
Customized software development is a very lucrative business for a computer engineer. In business, software plays an important role in providing solutions. You can start this business from the comfort of your home. Proper marketing planning is important before getting in into the business.
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Tech Support Call Centre Operator
As a computer engineer, you can start a business that offers technical expertise over the phone. Start your own call centre where people can phone in with their questions or issues and you can talk them through the solutions.
You may not believe it but this business has huge potential and vast opportunity. Right from the launch of iPhones and smartphones, mobile apps have become more lucrative for new businesses. Reports have it that downloading rate of mobile app is 30 million per day.
In this business, one needs to concentrate in taking an app from concept to potentially high tech reality. Millions of apps in the segment of social networking, life style, utility, entertainment etc. are getting created and uploaded every day.
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Technical Writer
As a computer engineer you surely have knowledge and ideas to pass across, which is why you can build a business as a technical writer to help others understand certain tech products or services.
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Data Wiping Service
As a computer engineer, you can offer data wiping services to companies. Your job will be to get rid of old computers every year. However, these computers normally have confidential data that must be wiped out.
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System Analyst
Note that systems analysts work with hardware and software programs to solve any potential problems with the technology. You can offer your services on a freelance basis to a variety of different firms.
39. Computer and Tech TV Program
With your diverse knowledge in computer and technology, you can start a business that talks about them and gives advice on TV.
Even though there are several related TV shows out there, but it does not stop you from starting yours. Have it in mind that if your TV show is well organized and packaged to address key computer issues, you will sure attract large viewership and sponsorship deals.
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Database Manager
Databases are undeniably crucial parts of almost all software programs and web applications. You can offer your services as a database manager to ensure that data is collected and handled properly.
Reports have it that this business is one of the fastest growing industries globally. Entrepreneurs all over the world are now understanding how lucrative this business is.
A lot of ultra-busy professionals appreciate having someone who can check and answer their emails, organize to-do lists for them, update calendars, and so on, with minimal interaction. Advancements in cloud technology and the increased implementation of cloud services in business has made it easier than ever for people to work remotely. Thus the virtual assistant market is growing.
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Computer Backup Service Provider
We all love to have some security when it comes to saving our data and important files. You can offer a service that specifically helps people backup their data.
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Video editing Business
We believe that this service can be provided in two ways. One is a home based and part-time basis. Another one is with a full-fledged studio setup. Note that this business can be very lucrative for stay at home moms.
Like any other service industry, video editing service business has also three core components in management and operations. These are production, marketing and administration. With a right skill and adequate knowledge, any individual can initiate video editing service business with comparatively small start up capital investment.
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Data Recovery Service Provider
This business is very easy to start for a computer engineer. Your ideal customers here will be individuals who didn’t back up their data and then need help recovering them. You can offer data recovery services.
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Quality Assurance Professional
Whether we believe it or not, quality is absolutely essential in all computer and technology fields. So you can start a business offering quality assurance services to make sure that different programs and applications are up to company and industry standards.
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Computer Manufacturer
As a computer engineer with extensive knowledge in this field, you can also build your own computers to sell. But you will need funds, skills and a detail market research to achieve this aim. If you choose to start this business, then know that you are going to be competing with leading brands like HP, Dell, Compaq, Sonny and other regional leading brands.
But one thing is certain, if your computers/laptops are durable and affordable, you will sure get a fair share of the existing market. Just ensure that you adopt aggressive marketing strategy.
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Domain Reseller
We all know that anyone who wants to start a website needs a domain and they need to purchase those domains from somewhere. If you buy domains from providers, you can then sell them to interested parties later as part of a domain resale business.
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Server Building business
Servers play very crucial roles in all connections especially in corporate organizations. Every corporate organization has servers (server rooms). It makes networking and business in general run smoothly. So, if you are looking towards starting your own business as a computer engineer, then one of your options is to start a server building business.
Reports have it that car tracking systems are growing rapidly because of how efficient it has proven to be and as a matter of fact most transport operating companies won’t allow their cars to start plying the roads until they have installed a vehicle tracking system on it.
With the introduction of this device into the world, investing in transport, haulage and logistic business and even ambulance services has become lucrative due to the tracking device helps keep the drivers under check, monitor the fuel consumption and distance covered.
In conclusion,
The advent of technology and computers has aided humans in all business industries and in all our daily activities. Technology has helped farmers produce better harvest, helped us in animal breed and food production. So as someone who is a computer engineer, you are faced with different niches and ideas to start earning.
There are so many potential small business opportunities out there for you as a computer engineer but you need to know that starting a successful business takes more than just having computer knowledge. You have to research, learn and understand the basic skills of starting and running a business.