How and where does a person go to get info when wanting to start a small engine biusness. Is there a good place to start?

Hi,
One may think of starting with Foley-Belsaw, Who offers training in small engines, sharpening equipment and locksmithing, etc.
Another source would be the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the people who put on Lawn & Garden Expo in Louisville, KY annually. It is the largest trade show in the industry, followed by the one in Cologne, Germany.
http://www.opei.org/
Peace,
Clarke

Do you currently know how to work on small engines ? Perhaps a local Tech school of you don't.
Many start part time out of their home

I'm with Fr Chuck on this..

Vo tech schools are worth there weight in gold. See if there are night courses. I started in business from going to one in high school and followed that.

The irony here for me is I will start a small engine repair business down the road for a semi retirement.The hardest part here in engines is keeping up on the new advances in electronics and the " brains they will all have eventually.

Hi,
I am afraid I focused on the business end of the question with my first answer without regard for the skills and knowledge necessary to do the work.
It does of course require talent, training and qptitude to perform and be successful at any venture. The areas that you are deficient in you must either train for or seek talent in that area. And, of course there are only so many hours in the day.
I once tried to teach a young man the basics of making an asynchronous multivibrator on a simple breadboard with a 555 timer. He insisted on assisting me in a way he was not able to; i.e. he wanted to fetch the resistors for me. All resided in a compartmentalized tray separated into groups determined by the multiplier. I had done a drawing of what we were doing, so we could have alternated tasks since I am not color-blind and he was. He could not distinguish the color stripes used to mark the resistors.
The purpose of that tale is that it does require aptitude and ability to be a mechanic, and a good deal of memory to learn and not have to re-learn the skills and "tricks."
Vocational schools are indeed a good place to gain knowledge and experience. Areas with a vested interest in a trained workforce because of local factories often have sponsored curriculums. Stihl has a factory in VA Beach and offers a two year high school training program there.
Not to detract from these programs in any way, but I learned initially from an A&P who built hotrods on the side. I moved to motorcycles, specifically motocross and enduro, in the early 1970's. From there I proceeded down to lawn and garden (outdoor power) equipment. I have even worked on the fractional cu. in. engines used in RC equipment.
I have found little substitute for reading manuals, and knowing whether they are any good or not, working with others who may know things I do not, and attending the training supplied by the manufacturers. Many also have certification specific to their brands, engine manufacturers offer week-long schools often ending with their own certification test or the EETC test. Stihl offers three levels, bronze, silver and gold; one day, two day and factory. Virtually any decent manufacturer will offer yearly updates, or timely updates.
I received a good deal of my training from these updates. I studied engineering many, many years ago and understand drafting, both doing it and reading it. I learned many a type and brand of equipment from good quality parts breakdowns. And I learned years ago that it is not gender-specfic because I worked with a woman who only had to be shown once.
Long-winded, sorry. You have gotten good advice from others. My purpose is to say that desire alone will not take you there. Final story, I tried to add to the training of a fellow employee in the 1980's. He had attended vocational school. He had the desire! He was color-blind, so it was pointless to tell him to work on a green or red or orange mower; he could not tell the difference. He could not see discoloration of metal caused by heat damage. He could do routine maintenance as well as anyone else.
I have been or am currently certified in many area. Having had four stroke, two stroke, diesel, electrical and driveline/hydraulics certifications from the predecessor of EETC. (http://eetc.org/)No formal training other than service schools. Certified Electronics Technician (CET) form ISCET, and formally trained (cannot see those electrons moving around.) A+ cerfication from CompTIA with extensive self-study. All these I have an aptitude for. You do not see my trying to do etchings, paintings, interior design, etc. I have neither the aptitude or desire (since I know I do not have the aptitude) to do these things; and no amount of training will elevate me above the mediocre.
Peace,
Clarke

I have neither the aptitude or desire (since I know I do not have the aptitude) to do these things; and no amount of training will elevate me above the mediocre

Very well said. There is a ton of weight here to think about. A smart person understand ones own limitations as a person and dreams practical within our limits and drive balances...

Still need to make a living.