Business Resources and Assistance

Customized Recruiting Services
The Department of Labor’s offices across the state offer employers one-on-one professional guidance in managing the recruitment process. Experienced Labor work force consultants can visit a work site to identify needs and then effectively match employee prospects to the skills, training and experience required to fill available jobs.

Customized Work Force Training
Idaho supports education and training programs through the Department of Labor and its local offices to provide skilled, productive workers for any company. Training can be tailored to specific company needs and designed to develop skill sets for a company’s 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.

Work Force Training Network
This network coordinates delivery of statewide customized training to meet the needs of Idaho’s employers and citizens. All programs are provided in a flexible, professional environment and can be tailored to specific criteria and delivered to best fit a company’s needs.

Access Labor Market Information
Access current information about work force trends, economic conditions, demographics, wages, and industry and occupational statistics, census data, and more through the Department of Labor’s web site or at any Department of Labor office. Existing businesses, economic development groups
and companies considering startup, expansion or relocation can also call on labor regional economists throughout the state for information, analysis, referral services and technical assistance.

Idaho Business Network (IBN)
The Idaho Business Network is the state’s recognized Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). This organization 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 the
Governor’s Business Opportunity Conference to put clients face-to-face with purchasing professionals from government agencies and large corporations. Annually, Idaho businesses average over $100 million in federal and state contracts by taking advantage of the Idaho Business Network.

Export Assistance
The Department of Commerce’s International Trade Division offers export counseling, seminars and marketing resources to Idaho companies. Marketing opportunities via catalogs, trade shows and trade missions are provided at a nominal fee. Idaho trade representatives in Mexico, China, Taiwan, Korea, India and Japan assist companies by finding business opportunities, distributors and projects. They are colocated and partner with the U.S. Commercial Service to provide worldwide resources and assistance.

TechHelp
TechHelp is an organization uniquely positioned to help Idaho manufacturers become more competitive. Lean manufacturing, human performance, quality systems, product development and
information technology are all areas in which TechHelp assists Idaho companies.

Small Business Development Centers
Small Business Development Centers around the state deliver up-to-date counseling, training and technical assistance in all aspects of small business management to help small business owners and potential business owners make sound decisions that enable them to succeed.

TechConnect
Idaho’s TechConnect is the state’s first and only private-public non-profit organization focused solely on technology, including its development, transfer and commercialization. TechConnect bridges the gap between ideas, research and patents and the enabling people, money and facilities. Four regional offices assist Idaho entrepreneurs and businesses in turning ideas into products; establishing and growing research and development programs; seeking funding; and competing in the global marketplace.
 

Infrastructure Improvements

Up to $500,000 in Community Block Grants
Grants are available to local cities and counties to finance public infrastructure improvements that support business development. Up to $500,000 in Rural Development Grants Grants are available to communities in rural Idaho to facilitate business development, expansion or relocation. Up to $500,000 in Gem Grants Grants are available to rural communities for projects that create assets with a high certainty of aiding job creation and job retention. Tax Increment Financing This financial mechanism is available to cities and counties to fund new infrastructure needed to support business development.

Up to $500,000 in Community Block Grants
Grants are available to local cities and counties to finance public infrastructure improvements that support business development.

Up to $500,000 in Rural Development Grants
Grants are available to communities in rural Idaho to facilitate business development, expansion or relocation.

Up to $500,000 in Gem Grants
Grants are available to rural communities for projects that create assets with a high certainty of aiding job creation and job retention.

Tax Increment Financing
This financial mechanism is available to cities and counties to fund new infrastructure needed to support business development.

Economic Development Administration Grants
Grants are available to communities for industrial or commercial site development where commercial financing cannot be secured. Loans up to $10,000 may be granted for each new job created.