Small businesses can look for used computers at some community agencies. However, used equipment may be inadequate for some small businesses. For this reason, small business owners should carefully evaluate the quality and usability of computers and other equipment received from these sources.
Small businesses feed the tax base of local governments, therefore, local governments are sensitive to small-business needs. As a consequence, small-business owners looking for a free computer should start with local government agencies. Contact your local government office responsible for recyling old office computers and ask how you may receive one.
Small-business owners also can contact the nearest Small Business Development Center and inquire about used equipment. SBDCs are nonprofits and may have access to or know of viable free computer resources.
In addition to computers, small-business owners should check with government and SBDC resources to see whether there are donated desks and other office equipment available.
