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Community Assistance

Welcome to the home portal of Idaho Department of Commerce's rural and community development programs. Our goal is to help Idaho residents build prosperous and livable communities. Here you will find information about Idaho Department of Commerce rural and community grant programs and training and technical assistance opportunities.


Community Marketing

Lists of strategies and best practices have been compiled for your use as you market your community or region. We hope this information will be helpful in your efforts to reach your desired target audiences and achieve new levels of marketing success.

Community Spotlight

Idaho is a diverse state. This section tells the story of our individual communities and helps you learn what makes them unique. These pages also include relevant statistics helpful for businesses, such as housing, education and social indicators, land ownership, and natural resources. New communities are added to this section once a month. 

Northwest Community Development Institute

The Northwest Community Development Institute (NWCDI) provides in-depth training to professionals seeking to improve their abilities to help build strong communities. NWCDI offers training in leadership development, fundraising, business expansion, strategic expansion, and many more relevant topics.

Development Block Grants

 Administered by the Idaho Department of Commerce, these grants are used to assist Idaho cities and counties in developing their public infrastructure. Examples of eligible projects include improving public facilities, revising public infrastructure to support new or expanding companies, and rehabilitating or expanding senior citizen and community centers.  

Tourism Grants and Resources

Founded in 1981, the Idaho Regional Travel and Convention Grant Program help fund businesses and programs that promote Idaho’s travel and recreational opportunities. The program encourages leveraging the power of the press by hosting convention planners, travel writers, and other representatives that can help increase Idaho’s exposure. The ultimate goal of the program is to increase visitor stays at Idaho hotels, motels, and private campgrounds.  

Need more information?

Contact the Idaho Department of Commerce's Rural and Community Development Staff to see how we can help market your Idaho Products and Services.



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Recent Community News

05.10.12 2012 Lifetime Achievement Award in Recreation and Tourism Presented to Mike Shirley

At the closing luncheon for the Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism, Mike Shirley was presented the 2012 Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Recreation and Tourism.

05.4.12 Idaho State Police and the Idaho Division of Tourism Team Up for Tourism Week

The first full week of May is recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated nationwide in 1984 to champion the power of travel. The Idaho State Police (ISP) and Idaho Department of Commerce Division of Tourism have joined forces to inform and assist travelers throughout the state during National Travel and Tourism Week, May 5-13.

05.4.12 Idaho to Celebrate National Travel and Tourism Week May 5-13, 2012

The first full week of May is recognized as National Travel and Tourism Week, a tradition first celebrated nationwide in 1984 to champion the power of travel. The Idaho Conference on Recreation and Tourism will be held May 8-10, to acknowledge the importance of Idaho’s visitors and the industry they support.