Which company in your opionion offers the best for people who are wanting to start their own small business/free web hosting service? Where would you want to buy your first server(s) to start? Any recommendations and personal experience?
I would say start with a reseller rather than buying your own server then work your way up to a low end vps, then high end and then to a dedicated server. Sharkspace have nice fast servers for resellers
we started with a reseller account, and still advice people starting with a reseller account. By that way, you will save your money, don't need to spend time to server management. Starting is very important, you will create your signature to your potential customers. So, spend more time with them.
I recomend you to start as a reseller, don't waste your money for a server yet until you get lots of custumers.