Start or Grow Your Business

Research is an integral part of creating a business and is essential to the quality of the business
plan. Well-researched answers to these questions can help a new business start on a profitable
basis and avoid common pitfalls.

The type of information essential to operating a business successfully varies widely
depending upon the characteristics of the business, its products, and its markets. Idaho SBDC
is an excellent resource for research assistance. They provide economic and demographic
information and are staffed with people knowledgeable in issues facing new entrepreneurs. They also offer confidential, no-cost consulting and low-cost training. Reach out to them here. We also recommend reaching out to the Idaho Business Women’s Center and Veterans Business Outreach Center as well as the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce for additional assistance.

It helps new entrepreneurs understand fundamental aspects of the business prior to
beginning operations and answers many important questions, including:

• Who will purchase the product?
• What unique value will my business provide in the marketplace?
• What are the start-up costs and expected ongoing expenses for this business?
• What is the competitive landscape?
• Is this a good time to start this business?
• Why will they purchase the product?
• When will they purchase the product?
• Where will they purchase the product?
• How can demand for the product be developed?
• How can the product be produced and delivered efficiently?
• How should the business be organized and managed?
• What is the regulatory environment for businesses like this?
• What are the industry challenges and opportunities?
• What are the strengths and weaknesses of the business?

Below is a suggested outline of components to include in a business plan. Idaho SBDC, U.S. Small Business Administration, and SCORE are all great resources to assist you in developing a business plan. These organizations also offer business counseling as well which is a great place to start. We also recommend reaching out to the Idaho Business Women’s Center and Veterans Business Outreach Center as well as the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce for additional assistance.

• Executive Summary
  • In one or two pages, write an overview of the business. Define its scope and purpose, describe the industry in which it operates, and outline the management, marketing, operation and financial plans. Provide a synopsis of why the business idea will work. Show some proprietary edge or advantage. State-specific financial goals (use break-even analysis, pretax return on investment, gross margins, etc.). Address key points concerning management ability, including the track record of business owners and principals.
• Management Plan
  • Define, in general terms, the overall mission and objectives of the business and outline the
    general strategy it will follow. Identify criteria important to facility site-selection and describe any existing facilities and other resources. Tell how the business is organized, who owns it and list relevant managerial and/or technical experience of the owners and staff. Summarize the
    business history and any unique or special competencies and proprietary interests.
• Marketing Plan
  • Describe the industry and the local market. Start with the national picture and narrow the focus
    to the local area. Include information on trends, segments, cycles, problems and opportunities in the industry. List relevant trade associations and other potential sources of information and
    support. Identify pertinent regulations, licensing issues or zoning requirements. Include information about competitors.
  • Outline the products and services of the business. List key environmental factors in the market
    and identify specific problems and opportunities. Analyze demographic and economic trends in
    the market. State the marketing strategy. List sales, promotional and distribution tasks and the
    quantitative criteria used to measure success of the marketing plan. Identify processes for
    obtaining performance feedback from customers and suppliers. Develop a marketing budget.
• Operations Plan
  • Summarize the manufacturing and/ or service delivery processes. Identify computer and
    software needs and the accounting and management information feedback system to be
    developed. Describe production and operation schedules; raw materials and finished goods
    inventory controls and quality controls. Identify sources of supply. Estimate equipment, labor
    and overhead costs, set production goals and forecast per unit costs. State the operating
    strategy. List quantitative criteria used to measure success of the operating plan. Develop an
    operations budget.
• Financial Plan
  • Prepare projected financial statements. Include an income statement, balance sheet, cash flow
    statement, source and application of funds statement and loan proposal outline. Include a
    break-even projection and financial ratios. When possible, relate the numbers to industry
    standards. List quantitative criteria used to measure success of the financial plan. Include
    assumptions and accounting principles used in estimating sales, market share, and costs.
• Supporting Documents
  • Assemble spreadsheets, resumes, personal financial statements, tax returns, industry and
    marketing studies, survey results, letters of intent and support, organizational documents,
    agreements, photographs, diagrams, job descriptions, technical drawings, blueprints, operations
    and technical manuals, product information sheets, price lists and similar documents which
    support and explain the business plan.
• Additional Resources
  • View the SBA’s website for detailed information and downloadable templates for your business plan.
  • Find additional information from Idaho SBDC on what your business plan should include here.

When you’ve researched and created your business plan, it’s now time to consider your business organization. Each of these forms of organization has significant tax and legal consequences, and a qualified tax and/or legal advisor should be consulted. In Idaho, a business may operate as a sole proprietorship, a general partnership, a limited liability partnership, a limited partnership, a limited liability company or a corporation.

Please note: When you are ready to register your business you will need to do so with the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office. For up-to-date information on each business organization type, please visit the Secretary of State’s Office’s website.

Learn more about each type of business organization below:

• Sole Proprietors
  • A sole proprietorship that adopts a name other than the individual owner’s true name must file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name with the Idaho Secretary of State and pay a fee of $25.
• General Partnerships
  • General partnerships, if they do not operate under the full names of each owner, must file a Certificate of Assumed Business Name with the Secretary of State and pay a fee of $25. The business must also file a Statement of Partnership – see the Idaho Secretary of State’s website for more information. A one-time registration fee of $100 applies if the form is typed or $120 if the form is non-standard or not typed.
• Limited Liability Partnerships
  • Individuals or existing general partnerships may elect to become limited liability partnerships by filing the Statement of Qualification of Limited Liability Partnership form with the Idaho Secretary of State. A one-time registration fee of $100 applies if the form is typed and has no attachments; otherwise the fee is $120.
• Limited Partnerships
  • A new limited partnership created in Idaho must file duplicate originals of Idaho’s Certificate of Limited Partnership with the Secretary of State. A one-time fee of $100 applies for registration of existing foreign or new Idaho limited partnerships if the application is typed and has no attachments; otherwise the fee is $120. An existing limited partnership, organized outside the State of Idaho and entering the state to transact business in Idaho, must file two original copies of the Application of Registration of Foreign Limited Partnership with the Idaho Secretary of State. A certificate from the jurisdiction where the partnership is organized that proves the existence of the limited partnership must accompany these forms.
• Limited Liability Companies from Other States
  • To operate in Idaho, a limited liability company organized in another state must register with the Secretary of State by submitting an original signed form titled Application for Registration as a Foreign Limited Liability Company together with a duplicate copy. The fee for registration is $100 ($120 if not typed). Except for sole proprietors using the owner’s true name and general partnerships using the full name of each owner, all businesses must file the appropriate notice or documents with the Secretary of State’s office.
  • A corporation, limited partnership, limited liability partnership or limited liability company which is not yet ready to submit its filing but wishes to reserve a business name, may submit a request in writing along with $20 to the Secretary of State. Such a reservation expires after four months. To obtain forms, check the status of a business entity or check for name availability, visit www.sos.idaho.gov.
• New Limited Liability Companies
  • To attain limited liability status under the Idaho Act, a company must register with the Secretary of State by submitting duplicate copies of its Articles of Organization on a form provided by that office. The fee for registering a limited liability company is $100 ($120 if not typed or if attachments are included). As with corporations, limited liability company membership interests may be subject to state and federal securities laws. Information on the issuance of membership interests can be obtained by contacting the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Idaho Department of Finance.
• Professional Limited Liability Companies
  • A Professional Limited Liability Company is an LLC whose members offer a professional service, such as legal, medical or dental services. The name of the company must include the words “Professional Limited Company,” “PLLC,” or “Professional Limited Liability Company.”
  • The form needed to establish a PLLC can be found on the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office website.
• New Corporations
  • Incorporating a business or nonprofit corporation in Idaho requires filing duplicate originals of Articles of Incorporation with the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State’s office no longer issues certificates for corporate filings. Evidence of filing is established by the latest timestamp of the Secretary of State’s office, along with the file number (preceded by the letter “C”). Incorporation requirements are set out in the Idaho Business Corporation Act and the Idaho Nonprofit Corporation Act, available from the Secretary of State. A one-time fee of $100 is required for business corporations ($120 if the application is handwritten) or $30 for nonprofit corporations.
  • If a company wishes to issue stock or raise money from the public, it must usually notify the Idaho Department of Finance and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If, for instance, you wish to run advertisements offering an investment or partnership opportunity in your company or solicit investors by any other means, first contact the Idaho Department of Finance.
    
• Additional Resources:
  • More information on business filings is available from the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office.

Now that your business is registered, it’s time to consider financing options. Below are options available to your business. You can also view our business financing document here for more information. Information on financing for communities and economic developers can be found here.

• Angel Investors
  • Angel investors are high-net-worth individuals who provide capital and expertise to qualified emerging companies. Moderate amounts of money are invested in the early stages of startup companies by such investors. Accredited angel investors may organize into alliances or funds to invest in emerging companies. To obtain financial support from participants in such an alliance or fund, a qualified business may make a presentation to the group. Although members of the alliance may discuss possible investing opportunities, individual angels can also make their own funding decisions.
• Venture Capital
  • While angel capital can be either an individual or fund investment, venture capital investment occurs as a fund. Venture capitalists exchange money for equity in participating companies and take an active role in company management. Venture capitalists also invest more money in fewer businesses as compared to angel investors. While angel capital is an individual investment, venture capital investment occurs as a fund. Venture capitalists exchange money for equity in participating companies and take an active role in company management as they look for a quick return on investment. Venture capitalists also invest more money in fewer businesses as compared to angel investors.
  • Additional resources:
• Community Banks
  • Bank loans can be applied for and received at any point in the life of a business. It is important to develop a relationship with a bank. The bank that has handled your business, as well as personal, checking and savings accounts, is more likely to provide financing than one with no history of working with you. To stimulate economic development, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a loan guarantee program in cooperation with local banks. Although banks can make loans without an SBA guarantee, most participate in the SBA program, allowing them to reduce the risk of lending to small businesses. Obtaining a business loan from a bank requires that the applicant present a detailed business plan to the lender. As long as the loan is repaid as scheduled, the bank will not intervene in day-to-day operations.
  • Additional resources:
    • A list of lenders in or around Idaho that participate in the SBA guaranty program is available here.
• Certified Development
  • Companies In addition to the SBA guaranty programs offered through community banks, the SBA 504 program is offered only through Certified Development Companies. The 504 program provides fixed-rate, long-term financing for major fixed assets. Loans through this program typically are structured such that a private lender provides 50 percent of the financing, the 504 lender provides 40 percent of the financing, and the borrower provides the remaining 10 percent. The maximum SBA 504 portion of the loan is generally $1 million.
• Revolving Loan Funds
  • To stimulate economic development, some regional economic development and planning agencies and cities operate revolving loan funds. These funds are quite similar to bank financing from a borrower’s perspective, but the funding decision is typically made by a local review committee. Interest rates and terms on these funds can be flexible; each revolving loan 16 fund will have its own rules. Contact the appropriate economic development and planning agency to inquire whether revolving loan funds are available. View economic development agencies in Idaho here.
• Investment Banking and IPOs
  • An Initial Public Offering (IPO) is part of the process a privately held company uses to convert to a publicly held firm. Much of the initial stock is issued to the previous investors of the company such as angels and venture capitalists. The IPO and business plan are then marketed to large investment groups such as mutual and pension funds. Commonly referred to as a “road show,” this process determines the quantity of stock and the initial price. Investment bankers usually act as the underwriters for IPOs and are required for the process. Investment bankers price and market the stock. Although large amounts of capital can be raised through an IPO, the process entails high costs. Only businesses organized as C Corporations can make IPO’s.
• Personal Sources
  • Entrepreneurs should look to personal sources of financing including family, friends, and personal savings. Such personal investment shows a belief in the idea, business and entrepreneur as well as a willingness to assume risk.
• Crowdfunding
  • Crowdfunding is the practice of funding a project or venture by raising monetary contributions from a large number of people, typically via the Internet. Examples of popular crowdfunding websites are Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe.

Many businesses begin with an idea, invention, innovative concept or new process. If a business depends upon such intellectual property, it is wise to protect it from uncompensated exploitation by competitors. Likewise, if a business has established goodwill under a particular name or mark, it should be protected to the fullest extent possible. The State of Idaho and the federal government provide several business services for this purpose. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office has many resources available concerning patents and trademarks.

• U.S. Patents
  • A patent is an exclusive right to exploit an invention for a period of years. It can be granted exclusively by the federal government. Only something that represents a new and distinct technological advance may be patented. It is recommended that you retain the services of a patent attorney. Information and application forms for patents are available from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office here.
• U.S. Copyrights
  • A copyright protects literary, artistic or intellectual creations from unauthorized copying or exploitation. Once established, copyright is protected by federal law. Items such as books, paintings, musical compositions and computer programs may be protected by copyright. Copyrights are registered with the U.S. Library of Congress. For more information on copyrights, contact them here.
• U.S. and Idaho Trademarks
  • A trademark is a claim of the exclusive right to use a particular logo, name or other mark to identify the owner as the source of goods or services to which it is applied. The actual right is acquired by the usage of the mark in trade; registration merely puts the public on notice of the owner’s claim to the exclusive right. To be registered, a mark must not be generic or merely descriptive. It must have an element of fancifulness, uniqueness, arbitrariness or distinctiveness. Trademarks may be registered under state law and, if used in interstate commerce, under federal law.
  • In Idaho, the Idaho Secretary of State is responsible for the registration of Idaho trademarks. An Application for Registration of Trademark-Service Mark should be submitted with one specimen of the mark and class code to the Secretary of State. For more information visit: www.uspto.gov OR www.sos.idaho.gov

A key item in operating a business is the fulfillment of tax obligations to both the federal government and the State of Idaho. This section explains how to pay federal and state income taxes, sales tax and special excise taxes. For the best and most up-to-date information on taxes and tax structure please reference IRS Small Business Tax Guide and the Idaho State Tax Commission.

• Taxpayer Identification Number
  • Every business, except a sole proprietor with no employees, must obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) that will serve as its Taxpayer Identification Number. This number is necessary when the business files its tax returns and may be required by banks and corporations with whom you do business. A business can obtain an EIN from the U.S. IRS online via their website here.
  • Please note: there are fraudulent sites that charge fee’s for EIN numbers. This process is free on the IRS site linked above.
• Income Taxes: Sole Proprietors
  • To meet their federal income tax obligations, sole proprietors must file an Internal Revenue Service Form 1040 with Schedule C and Schedule SE about self-employment Social Security taxes. To meet state obligations, an Idaho resident must file Idaho Form 40 (Form 43 for part-year and nonresidents) and attach a copy of the federal return. The IRS requires estimated tax payments on Form 1040ES if the tax owed for the year will exceed $1,000. The state of Idaho does not require individuals to make estimated payments, but voluntary estimated payments can be made on Idaho Form 51 anytime during the year.
• Income Tax: General Partnerships
  • Federal tax law requires partnerships to file an IRS Form 1065. State tax rules require the filing of Idaho Form 65 with a copy of the federal tax form attached. The tax on income earned by the partnership is generally paid on the partners’ returns, including nonresident partners.
• Income Tax: Limited Partnerships and Limited Liability Partnerships
  • For tax purposes, both limited partnerships and limited liability partnerships are treated in the same manner as general partnerships.
• Income Tax: S Corporations
  • An eligible corporation can elect to be treated as an S Corporation by the timely filing of IRS Form 2553, Election by a Small Business Corporation. Federal taxes for S corporations are reported using IRS Form 1120S. State taxes require a copy of the 1120S attached to Idaho Form 41S. The tax on income earned by an S Corporation is generally paid on the shareholders’ returns, including nonresident shareholders.
• Income Tax: Corporations
  • Corporations pay federal taxes using IRS Forms 1120 or 1120A. Copies of these forms must be attached to Idaho Form 41 when filing the Idaho corporation income tax return. The IRS and Idaho require corporations to pay quarterly estimates if the tax due will be $500 or more during the tax year. These payments are made using federal Form 1120W and Idaho Form 41ES. Corporations in their first year of operation in Idaho are not required to pay quarterly estimated payments and may wait until the return due date to pay their first year’s income tax.
• Income Tax: Limited Liability Companies
  • For federal tax purposes, certain business entities automatically are classified as corporations. Other business entities may choose how they are classified for federal tax purposes by filing 20 Form 8832 with the IRS. See Form 8832 for more details. Idaho taxes these companies the same way they are taxed for federal purposes.
• Idaho Sales and Use Tax
  • Idaho has a six-percent sales tax on retail sales, leases or rentals of tangible personal property. The tax also applies to fees for admissions, recreation, hotel/ motel/campground accommodations, intrastate charter flights and some types of labor. A six-percent use tax is due on the use, consumption or storage of tangible personal property in Idaho on which sales tax was not paid. This includes items purchased by mail order or the Internet. Businesses making retail sales must obtain an Idaho’s Seller’s Permit, while those with purchases subject to use tax need a Use Tax Account Number.
  • Obtain these by completing and submitting Idaho Business Registration Form (Form IBR-1) at www.business.idaho.gov or by sending a paper copy of the form to the Idaho Tax Commission. Fill out the Order Form in the back of this booklet to obtain a paper copy. Upon receipt of the form, the Tax Commission will issue a permit number along with instructions on how and when to remit the tax. An additional “resort cities” sales tax applies in the cities of Driggs, Ketchum, Riggins, Lava Hot Springs, McCall, Sandpoint, Stanley and Sun Valley. This tax is set and administered by the locality. McCall and Sandpoint apply the tax only to lodging. An additional two-percent travel and convention tax applies to stays at hotels, motels and campgrounds. Revenue from the tax is used to promote tourism. The cities of Boise, Chubbuck and Pocatello apply an additional lodging tax on the rental of hotel and motel rooms.
• Special Excise and Other Taxes
  • Both the federal government and the state of Idaho apply special excise taxes to specific products and commodities. The following excise tax lists are not comprehensive, but they do identify some of the taxes that apply to businesses. Businesses are encouraged to contact the IRS and the Idaho State Tax Commission to determine which taxes are applicable.
  • Federal Excise Tax
    • Telephone communications and air transportation
    • Manufacturers tax on a variety of goods
    • Retail and use tax on motor fuels and certain new heavy truck sales
    • Windfall profit tax on domestic crude oil production
    • Environmental tax on receipt of hazardous materials
    • Environmental tax on manufacturing petroleum and chemicals
    • Tax on the use of highways by heavy trucks and buses
    • Production, sales, or importation of alcohol, tobacco, or firearms
    • Luxury tax
  • Idaho State Excise and Other Taxes
    • Beer and wine tax – paid by distributors
    • Insurance tax – paid to the Department of Insurance by insurers
    • Cigarette and tobacco tax – paid by wholesalers or importers
    • Coin operated amusement device annual decals – paid by owners or operators
    • International Fuel Tax Agreement Licenses – paid by interstate truckers
    • Mine license tax – paid by miners or royalty recipient
    • Motor fuels tax – paid by distributors
    • Electricity tax–paid by hydroelectric power producers
  • Additional Resources: More information on sales and use taxes and exemptions can be found in a series of brochures specific to various industries. These brochures may be obtained from the Idaho State Tax Commission or from its web site: www.tax.idaho.gov.
• Property Taxes
  • Business owners should also be aware of real property taxes and personal property taxes on office furniture and some equipment. These property taxes are assessed by the county assessor and collected by the county treasurer. NOTE: The first $100,000 of personal property is excluded from taxation. In addition, a few localities impose local taxes. These are discussed below. Contact your local county assessor for details. Personal property used in a business, such as a desk or a computer, is considered taxable property. The business owner is required to report all taxable personal property to the county assessor annually and to pay a tax based upon the assessed value of the property to the county treasurer’s office. Real property in Idaho is also taxable.

Businesses that have employees must pay employment and unemployment taxes,
acquire workers’ compensation insurance and follow labor guidelines. They also must
report to the state when they hire new employees. To do this, please check with the Idaho Department of Labor, Idaho Industrial Commission, U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA. Information has been provided below but please contact the agencies listed above for more information.

• New Hire Reporting Requirements
  • All employers are required to report to Idaho Department of Labor new employees or rehired employees whose previous employment was terminated more than 12 months prior to the current hire date. Reporting within 20 days of the date of hire satisfies the reporting requirement. There are several acceptable methods of reporting. A completed and legible copy of a Form W4 is an acceptable means of providing information to the Idaho Department of Labor. Employers generally have W-4 forms on file for each employee.
• Employment Taxes
  • The hiring of employees means additional steps in paying taxes. Employment taxes include the deduction of income taxes from employee paychecks, payment of Social Security taxes and the payment of federal and state unemployment taxes. When hiring one or more employees for a business, be sure to follow these steps to tax compliance:
    • Federal Employee Withholding and Federal Unemployment Taxes
      • A business with employees must apply for a federal Employee Identification Number. After applying, the business will receive a Federal Tax Deposit Coupon Book. These coupons are used when the business makes deposits of deducted employee federal income tax payments, joint employee-employer Social Security tax and Medicare payments and employer payments for federal unemployment tax. To make deductions for employee federal income tax, an employer must be sure each employee has a Social Security number and a current Form W-4 on file.
      • Idaho Business Registration Requirements – With the Idaho Business Registration Form, a business owner can simultaneously register with the Idaho State Tax Commission, Idaho Department of Labor, and Idaho Industrial Commission. This form can be completed over the Internet at www.business.idaho.gov, or the paper form is available from any of the foregoing agencies.
      • Idaho Employee Income Tax Withholding – All employers must obtain a Withholding Account Number from the Idaho State Tax Commission by filing an IBR-1. Employers are assigned a number and issued an employer tax packet with payroll reporting forms and instructions for reporting wages paid and state income taxes withheld. Every employer who is required by the Internal Revenue Service to deduct and remit federal income tax from wages and salaries paid to employees must also deduct and remit Idaho income tax. Deductions for state income tax are made using the employee’s federal Form W-4 and the Idaho Income Tax Withholding Tables.
      • Idaho Unemployment Tax – Idaho businesses with employees are required to pay State Unemployment Tax. As mentioned, Form IBR-1 is used to secure an employer account number and tax rate for the payment of Idaho’s unemployment tax from Idaho Department of Labor. Using this rate, number and instructions, employers make quarterly unemployment tax payments.
  • Worker’s Compensation
    • Employers operating in Idaho are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance unless specifically exempted. To fulfill this requirement, a business can insure with one of over 300 insurance carriers who have been licensed in the state to write workers’ compensation insurance. In special cases, self-insurance is also permitted through the Idaho Industrial Commission. Rates and dividends may vary by the insurer. Contact an insurance agent or company representative for assistance. For more information on Idaho’s workers’ compensation insurance requirements contact the Idaho Industrial Commission.
  • Idaho State Labor Laws
    • To ensure compliance with Idaho’s labor laws, including minimum wage, overtime, child labor, record keeping, and payment of wages, contact the Idaho Department of Labor.
  • Federal Labor Regulations
    • Businesses with employees should be aware of U.S. Department of Labor regulations pertaining to work conditions, wages and payment practices. These activities are governed specifically by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), which provides the OSHA Handbook for Small Businesses on its Web site, and the Wage and Hour Division, which offers the Handy Reference Guide to the Fair Labor Standards Act on its Web site.
  • Eligibility for Employment
    • Eligibility for Employment Employers are required to verify the employment eligibility of all individuals hired by having each employee complete a federal Form I-9. Copies of this form are available at U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services.
  • Required Posters for Idaho Businesses
    • Businesses with employees are required to post certain state and federal notices in the workplace. Posters are available without charge. Below is a list of posters required by law, as well as a list of optional posters: The following required posters are available from Idaho Department of Labor.

The State of Idaho places a high priority on growing and maintaining a thriving business
environment. With this in mind, the state offers the following programs to assist Idaho
business in staying strong, healthy and profitable.

• Incentives and Grants
  • Explore funding sources available to Idaho businesses, including small business grants from our department here.
• Resource Map
  • A map of organizations providing funding assistance and other resources in Idaho can be found here.
• Sources of Capital for Small Businesses
  • View our guide alerting you to organizations that can help you evaluate and prepare to pursue various sources of capital. Learn more here. Also see our external financing page.
• Export Assistance
  • Expand your customer base via international markets. Learn more here.
• Industrial Revenue Bonds
  • Tax-free bonds to finance manufacturing, processing, production and assembly. Learn more.
• Small Business Administration Grants and Loans
  • Find SBA programs to help you start, expand or purchase a business here.
• Idaho Housing and Finance Association Small Business Loans
  • Find financing to help meet small business loan collateral requirements here.
• Elevate Idaho
  • Connects Idaho entrepreneurs with the resources they need to take their ventures to the next level of success. Learn more here.
• TechHelp
  • TechHelp assists Idaho manufacturers in lean manufacturing, human performance, quality systems, product development, and information technology to help them become more competitive. You can also request technical and professional assistance to improve your products and processes. Learn more here.
• Idaho Manufacturers Connect
  • This tool assists manufacturers to let other companies know who they are, what they can do, what products they produce, and where they are located. Learn more.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
  • Small Business Development Centers around the state deliver up-to-date counseling, training and technical assistance in all aspects of management to help small business owners and potential business owners make sound decisions. Learn more here.
• Customized Workforce Training
  • Idaho supports education and training programs through the Idaho Workforce Development Council and its local offices to help provide skilled, productive workers for your company. Training can be tailored to your specific company needs and designed to develop skill sets for your precise requirements. Financial reimbursement up to $3,000 is available to eligible companies to cover the cost of training a new employee or retaining one facing permanent layoff. Learn more here.
• Access Labor Market Information
  • Visit the Idaho Department of Labor’s website or local office for current information about workforce trends, economic conditions, demographics, wages, industry and occupation statistics and census data. Existing businesses, economic development groups and companies considering startup, expansion, or relocation can also call on labor economists throughout the state for information, analysis, referral services and technical assistance. Learn more.
• Idaho APEX Accelerator
  • The Idaho Apex Accelerator matches the purchasing needs of federal and state agencies with the products and services of Idaho companies. In addition, it provides technical assistance with completing bid documents, offers seminars on evolving procurement practices and hosts conferences to put you face-to-face with purchasing professionals from government agencies and large corporations. Learn more.
• Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center
  • A non-profit organization dedicated to helping U.S. companies grow and prosper in a globalized economy. Learn more.