My backyard is an empty slate. Only a small covered patio area, no grass, just hard dirt. What are some websites that give good Landscaping Tips and ideas?

It depends on where you are. An outdoor living area that would work well in Florida would not work as well in Montana. The best place to start would be local nurseries, and landscape yards. Find out what kind of grass/plants grow native to your area. That will make it a lot easier to water.
What do you want to do with your yard? Do you want a lawn? Do you want an outdoor living area? a garden? trees?

My friend and I are starting a landscaping business next summer and we were wondering what type of equipment we would need, nothing like lawnmowers and weed wackers but other stuff, and any tips would help, thanks.

If you are just maintaining landscapes, not installing them, then mentally walk your way through a typical…and untypical yard.

Of couse mower, edger, trimmer, but what about shrubs? Are you going to be shrub butchers and just use hedge clippers? Or are you going to do some sound horticultural work with proper pruning? Then you need loppers, hand pruners, pruning saws of various sizes. Sharpening stones, oil.

Rakes, shovels……pole pruners, buckets to carry stuff to the trailer and disposal, brooms, garbage sacks, tarps.

First aid kits. Safety goggles. Sunscreen, insect repellent, wasp spray (just in case you disturb a nest).

Sprinker repair? You need all the fittings and glues…pipe and emitters, nozzels you should also carry spares for your clients so you don’t loose time running to the store.

Motor oil, spark plugs, extra drive belts, extra air filters.

Fertilizer spreaders. If you get into pest control (including weed control….at least in this state) you’ll need a Pesticide Applicators License, insurance, and proper spray equipment, masks, proper gloves, mixing equipment.