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.

I recommend: 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.

I recommend: 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.

I recommend: 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.

I recommend: 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.

I recommend: 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.

I recommend: The Business Utility Zone Gateway for Idaho can connect you with a wide range of people, tools and resources.