Idaho State Small Business Services and Resources

How to tap a wealth of helpful state and regional-level solutions

By Daniel Kehrer, Founder & CEO, BizBest Media Corp.

If you are looking to start or expand a business in Idaho or just need help solving a problem specific to this state or region, there's a wide range of resources — both government and private — available to help.

While many nationally focused resources offer helpful solutions, some issues are better addressed at the state or local level. Answers to licensing, zoning, sales tax, incorporation, economic development issues and a mountain of other matters often reside at the state level. Ironically, however, finding the right resources closer to home can often be even more difficult, as local solutions often live in many different places.

Cover your bases by seeking solutions in these locations:

State government agencies, such as the commerce department, economic development office, secretary of state's office or other business-related state agencies.
Small business assistance programs offered through local universities and community colleges that are backed by state and federal resources. These include Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) and SCORE offices.
Private, non-profit and special-interest industry and business organizations that provide a range of services, networking opportunities and even funding options for small businesses.
State and local offices of federal agency programs, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) office in your area.

Get free help at the Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The Idaho SBDC Web site and staff offer practical, hands-on advice you can readily put into action.
Try: The Idaho Small Business Development Center (Idaho SBDC) is a university-based organization offering a wealth of free and low-cost information designed to educate and support Idaho small business owners and managers, inventors and startup entrepreneurs. Look for upcoming workshops in you area.

SCORE more free help for your biz

SCORE, "Counselors to America's small business" is a terrific national organization that provides free mentoring for small business owners.
Try: SCORE's Treasure Valley office in Boise can hook you up with business counseling, educational events, financing and more.

Grow a tech business in Eastern Idaho

Eastern Idaho is home to the largest concentration of technical professionals in the northern Rocky Mountain region.
Try: Grow Idaho Falls, Inc. offers information and resources for staring or growing a business in east Idaho.

Plug into wide-ranging business help from the state

The Idaho Dept. of Commerce offers information on starting and running a small business in the state.
Try: Look to the Dept. of Commerce Web site first for business tools, information, licenses, and forms from the State of Idaho whether your business is just beginning, new to Idaho or expanding. Handy online services include: business registration, permits, business search, sales tax filing and job listings.

Snag state-level help from the SBA

District, state and regional offices of the U.S. Small Business Administration can put a more focused face on federal programs and resources, and plug you into local training and assistance solutions.
Try: Just plug in a Zip Code, select a specific city from the pull-down menu or check your state on the U.S. map in the middle of the SBA home page.

Connect to an Idaho small business resource portal

Discover hundreds of local programs offering free and low-cost help for starting and growing your business.
Try: The Business Utility Zone Gateway for Idaho can connect you with a wide range of people, tools and resources.

Many types of businesses require state, city or county licenses and permits. State offices listed above will spell out any specific requirements for your industry.
Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) are an often-overlooked but terrific place to obtain free or low-cost advice and information, including training seminars and technology resources that are nearby.
Locally-based SBDC consultants can advise you individually on how to write a business plan, market your products and services, find financial resources and other valuable information.
The regional SBA office can plug you into loan and assistance programs, seminars and other initiatives to aid small businesses.
Linking up with a local SCORE counselor is a great way to learn from an experienced individual about state-specific solutions.