G'day Jason,
I'm a bit of a newbie to linux but try typing "service" start at the command line.
Alternatively if it is a standard service like http or smtp there is a nice add-on for the SME manager that adds an entry into the left hand pane and allows you to start and stop services from the web interface. Its called e-smith-service-control - try searching for it.
Cheers,
A.