Supporting the Magic Valley during COVID-19 | #MagicValleyStrong

Whether you’re a struggling small business, a family in need or are looking for ways to help during these difficult times, below is a list of resources to get you started.
 
We're here to help at Southern Idaho Economic Development.

​Please reach out to our team at 208-732-6459 or visit our contact page with any questions, concerns or ideas!

BUSINESS SUPPORT

The organizations listed below are here to support Magic Valley businesses. Whether it’s emergency funding, recruiting workers, helping market changes to your business due to COVID-19, or other assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us.

• Southern Idaho Economic Development – (208) 732-6459 or contact us via email here.
  • Rural Economic Development Services (REDS) - If you own a business in the rural communities of the Magic Valley, our Rural Economic Development Services program is dedicated to supporting business retention and expansion in our rural communities. Contact Ervina, our REDS Specialist, at [email protected] with questions on how we can support you!
• Small Business Development Center – If you’re in need of disaster loan assistance, emergency funding and more, the CSI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is here to help your small business succeed.
• Region IV Development - Region IV Development’s Loan Division focuses solely on the progression of small businesses and will walk step by step with business owners to find financing that will meet their needs. The Region IV Development team can partner with banks or work individually with entrepreneurs to provide financing for real estate, equipment, inventory, tenant improvements and working capital from the Magic Valley to the Treasure Valley.
• Idaho Women's Business Center - The Idaho Women’s Business Center staff is available to field all calls and concerns regarding COVID-19. The team is here to answer questions on building a business online, financing concerns and assistance, and next steps. The Idaho Women’s Business Center has gone 100% virtual, helping businesses navigate these tough times through phone, Zoom and virtual trainings/workshops. Find them online at idahowomen.org, or contact them at [email protected], or (208) 996-1570.
• Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce - The Twin Falls Area Chamber of Commerce has a one stop shop for updates from businesses with changes to operations, hours, special offers, etc. Click here! Their COVID-19 Resources page also has additional resources for businesses, including the Idaho Chamber of Commerce and Department of Labor. And follow them on Facebook for good news and updates! 
• COVID-19 USDA Federal Rural Resource Guide - USDA and its Federal partners have programs that can be used to provide immediate and long-term assistance to rural communities affected by
  the COVID-19 outbreak. These programs can support recovery efforts for rural residents, businesses and communities through technical, training, and management assistance; financial assistance; and state and local assistance.
• RestoreYourEconomy.org - RestoreYourEconomy, managed by the International Economic Development Council, is your resource for up-to-date information related to COVID-19 and its economic impacts. 
• Small Business Administration - Find comprehensive COVID-19 small business guidance and loan resources (disaster loans, paycheck protection, debt relief, etc.) with the SBA.
• Idaho Rebounds Cash Grants - Idaho Rebounds Cash Grants can help small businesses negatively affected by the pandemic, totaling $300M for more than 30,000 businesses. The program is targeted for small businesses that did not receive the Paycheck Protection Program or received less than $10,000 from this program.

WORKFORCE SUPPORT

If you’re struggling to find workers or are looking for a job or unemployment insurance, these organizations are a great place to start:

• College of Southern Idaho Workforce Development & Training
• Idaho Department of Labor​

SUPPORT FOR SOUTHERN IDAHO FAMILIES

• United Way of South Central Idaho – (208) 733-4922 – The United Way has an abundance of resources to help families in need.
• For immediate assistance, call 211 – a national hotline that connects people to the help they need (available in Idaho Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
• Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center - 723 F Street, Rupert, ID - (208) 261-2533
• South Central Community Action Partnership - (208) 733-9351 - The SCCAP helps low income families and individuals with rent, utilities, food and heating bills. 
  • Twin Falls: 550 Washington St. South
  • Burley: 314 East 5th St.
• While senior centers throughout the Magic Valley are currently closed, centers like the Twin Falls Senior Center will continue to provide home-delivered meals through the Meals on Wheels program.
• Food Pantries:
  • Idaho Food Bank
  • Gilbert's Food Pantry (College of Southern Idaho) - If you are a current CSI student who is food deficient, please know that your request will be handled privately and confidentially. You will need to fill out the Gilbert's Pantry Request Form. If you are unable to do so you may email your request to [email protected]. The pantry will remain open from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, until further notice, to provide free emergency food assistance to CSI students. 
  • Mustard Seed (Twin Falls) - 736 Main Ave N, Twin Falls, ID - (208) 733-9515 Ext. 1
  • Martha and Mary’s Food Pantry (Jerome) - 212 3rd Ave E, Jerome, ID - (208) 404-6610
  • Mountain View Food Pantry (Burley) - 317 Mountain View Lane, Burley, ID – (208) 678-5460
  • Blaine County Hunger Coalition (Blaine County) - 121 Honeysuckle St, Bellevue, ID - (208) 788-0121

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

• Support Local Businesses: Here is a great list of ways to #BuyLocal208 via Idaho Bucket List
  • Buy Local Program - Gift cards for all your favorite local businesses all in one place!
• Donate Blood: The American Red Cross and blood banks across the nation are in desperate need of blood donations. Find your nearest blood bank and schedule an appointment here: redcross.org
• Sew masks: Sew masks for the Magic Valley Area Humanitarian Center – head to mvhumanitarian.org to find out how to make and donate masks
• N95 Masks: Donate unused and extra N95 Masks to United Way of South Central Idaho – call for more information: (208) 733-4922
• Donate: Physical goods or financial donations are needed at local food pantries (listed above), animal shelters and senior centers.
• Support the Meals on Wheels program here.
• Are you a local manufacturer? Manufacturing bottles for hand sanitizer, masks and other needed healthcare items is a great way to help. Connect with our team at 208-732-6459 with questions!
• 12 Cool Things to Give – We recently partnered with the United Way of South Central Idaho to put together a list of the most needed donations, from food to pillows to books.

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Staying home and away from loved ones and colleagues can be detrimental to mental health. There are a few things you can do to help cheer up those around you and your neighborhood while you’re social distancing:

• Southern Idaho Tourism – Follow them on social media for tips on staying active while social distancing and ideas to stay inspired while you're home.
  • Instagram: @visitsouthernidaho
  • Facebook: @VisitSouthernIdaho
• Writing encouraging messages on your sidewalk with colorful chalk can put a smile on your neighbors’ faces when they’re out and about.
• Check in on your elderly neighbors (from a safe distance) to see if they need supplies, food or medical attention.
• Here are more ways to help your neighbors​

Have something to add to the list? Contact our Marketing Manager at [email protected]

Follow us on social media for up-to-date information:​
Facebook: Southern Idaho Economic Development
Instagram: @southernidahoed
LinkedIn: Southern Idaho Economic Development
Twitter: @southernidahoed