|
This page describes many of the
organizations that provide free or low cost business assistance.
To find out more about a particular service, click on an agency's name for
a brief description of the agency and a link to its Web site.
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Better Business Bureau
Contact the Better
Business Bureau (BBB) for the following:
- Information about
business scams
- To check the
background of a business or a charity
- To report problems with a
business
- For business-to-business dispute
resolution
- For training in business
ethics
- Advertising review services, including
advertising for children
To find the BBB office nearest you or to
file a complaint about a business
or charity, visit the national BBB Web site at http://www.bbb.org.
To obtain information about a charity before you donate, visit http://www.give.org/reports/index.asp.
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Federal Trade
Commission (FTC)
 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
oversees business activities in the U.S. They offer a
wealth of information on franchise and business opportunities and on scams and
work-at-home schemes. The FTC also publishes summaries of court cases
filed against fraudulent businesses. Before you invest money in a
business opportunity, be sure to check the FTC Web site at http://www.ftc.gov
Do Not Call Registry and Telemarketing Sales
Rule: The FTC administers the National Do Not Call
Registry. Telemarketers must obtain a copy of the
list and they must adhere to the requirements. Failure
to do so can result in a fine of up to $11,000 per phone
call. For information, visit the FTC Web site by
clicking the link above. Information about the Telemarketing Sales Rule
can be found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/alerts/alt129.shtm.
Idaho's Telephone Solicitation Act can be found at http://www3.state.id.us/idstat/TOC/48010KTOC.html.
Packaging and Labeling Act: The FTC regulates packaging and labeling of all
commercially sold products. The Fair Packaging and
Labeling Act can be found at http://www.ftc.gov/os/statutes/fplajump.shtm.
Advertising Assistance: FTC offers advertising guidance to help
businesses create ads that are honest, as well as
effective. For information, visit http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/guides.shtm.
Consumer Awareness: "Read Up! How to be an Informed Consumer"
is a booklet that offers information on a number of
topics of interest to consumers and small business
owners. The booklet is found at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/general/gen20.pdf.
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Idaho
Attorney General
 The Attorney General's office
advocates for consumer protection issues. Their Web site provides information on scams and schemes that affect businesses and individuals
in Idaho. Before you invest any money in an advertised or promoted
business, check with the Attorney General to find out if complaints have
been filed against the business or its promoters. The Web site for the Consumer Protection Unit is http://www2.state.id.us/ag/consumer/index.htm,
or phone (208)334-2424.
Telemarketers working in Idaho must comply with Idaho laws.
Information can
be found at http://www2.state.id.us/ag/consumer/ncl/telemarketerlinks.htm
Businesses that import tobacco or sell it wholesale or retail can
find Idaho tobacco laws at http://www2.state.id.us/ag/consumer/tobacco/nonparticipating.htm.
To access consumer protection information in Spanish, visit http://www2.state.id.us/ag/consumer/spanish/index.htm.
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Idaho
Department of Environmental Quality
 Small Business
Environmental Assistance Program
of Idaho:
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has
provided environmental assistance to small businesses since 1993.
The program, Environmental Solutions, is operated in
cooperation with the Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Boise
State University.
The program provides a
“one-stop shop” where small businesses can obtain free,
confidential environmental compliance
assistance. The program helps small business owners and operators
by:
- Explaining regulatory
requirements
- Identifying cost-saving
pollution prevention opportunities
- Clarifying compliance
and permitting requirements
- Simplifying self-regulation
- Waste
Reduction
For information or assistance, contact
Joan Meitl, Environmental Assistance
Coordinator, at:
Idaho Small Business Development Center
Boise State University
1910 University Drive
Boise, ID 83725-1655
or call (208)426-1839.
The Environmental Solutions Web site can be found at http://www.idahosbdc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.view&page=33.
Visit the DEQ's Web site at http://www.deq.state.id.us/.
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Idaho Department of Commerce
Note: On July 1, 2007 the department formerly
known as Idaho Commerce and Labor separated into two
agencies. Therefore, the URLs listed below may change as the
restructuring of the agencies continues.
Idaho Department of Commerce is a
business advocacy agency that supports Idaho businesses and helps them
expand and grow. The agency provides a variety of services relating to
business formation and expansion through business assistance, travel and
tourism promotion, and international trade assistance. Many of the
agency's programs are described below.
In addition to publishing the "Starting
a Business in Idaho" booklet (http://cl.idaho.gov/publications/Start.pdf), the
department provides information on
regulations, permits, licenses, workforce training, and more, including the
following:
- Gem Community Program
provides training and technical assistance to help small rural communities
organize for economic and community development. http://community.idaho.gov/GemCommunities/tabid/374/Default.aspx
- Idaho Business Network (IBN)
helps Idaho
businesses increase sales of their products and services to government
agencies and large corporations through an electronic bid matching
process. IBN also conducts workshops on e-commerce, HUB
procurement, and selling to government agencies and large corporations.
http://www.idahoworks.com/Home/Business/GovernmentContracting/tabid/867/Default.aspx
- Financial Incentives, also called tax
credits or incentives, are available for a
number of business activities. http://cl.idaho.gov/publications/Idaho's_Incredible_Business_Incentives_Brochure.pdf
- Rural and Community Development Program
information on resources available to rural
communities can be found at http://www.community.idaho.gov
- Statistics and Research offers information
on counties and communities in Idaho, including
employment data and information useful to businesses
planning to relocate in Idaho. http://commerce.idaho.gov
- Division of Tourism Development
helps expand Idaho's tourism and recreation industry by marketing Idaho
travel opportunities at home and abroad and distributing grants to
communities to promote tourism. http://tourism.idaho.gov/
- Division of International Business
provides information on exporting and importing requirements. The
Division assists
Idaho businesses in exporting goods and services, helps develop access
to new markets, organizes trade missions, and increases foreign awareness and acceptance of Idaho
products and services. http://trade.idaho.gov/
- U.S. Export Assistance Center of Idaho is a
local division of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The agency provides hands-on help to small and
medium sized businesses to help them realize their
export potential. http://www.buyusa.gov/boise/
- Idaho Film Bureau provides information and
resources for those planning to make a commercial
film in Idaho. http://www.filmidaho.org/
- Idaho Office of Science & Technology promotes
investment in education, telecommunications,
transportation and venture capital to support
Idaho's high tech industry. Visit their Web site at http://commerce.idaho.gov/technology/
For more information visit the
department's Web site at http://commerce.idaho.gov
or call (208) 334-2470.
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Idaho Department of Labor
Note: On July 1, 2007 the department formerly
known as Idaho Commerce and Labor separated into two
agencies, the Department of Labor and the Department of
Commerce. Therefore, the URLs listed below may change as the
restructuring continues.
The Department of Labor offers information for
employers and workers in Idaho, including the following services:
 Consulting/Counseling
- Idaho Department of Labor offers a wide variety of consulting and
counseling services to the business community, from electronic job
listings, recruiting, screening, and referring, to customized business
account services. For details on consulting and counseling services, contact your local Job Service
office. Click on the symbol to the right to find your nearest office.
Labor Market
Research - The DOL provides Labor Market
Information (LMI) to help businesses recruit and retain a qualified
workforce and make business decisions to enhance competitiveness in
today's changing economy.
How to Access Labor Market
Information:
- The agency's Labor
Market Analysts maintain information on the state's regional
economies and answer questions about the regional labor market by phone, by e-mail, and through publications and
presentations. Regional Labor Market Analysts are located
in Job
Service offices in Coeur d' Alene, Lewiston, Meridian, Twin Falls,
Pocatello, and Idaho Falls. State Labor Market Analysts are
located in the Boise Central Office.
- Quick and easy one-step access to economic and
labor market information can be found in the Idaho Labor Market
Information System found at
http://lmi.idaho.gov/. The system is also available in all 24 Job
Service offices.
- Labor Market Information Publications
are available to the public. They include the following:
| Idaho Occupational Wage and Employment Survey
(annual) |
|
An annual survey of Idaho employers that lists wage
ranges and the number of people employed by
occupation statewide, by Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA),
and by geographic region. |
| Idaho Employment Newsletter (monthly) |
|
This newsletter covers current economic trends,
business development, non-farm payroll jobs, and other economic
indicators for labor market areas and for the state. |
| Economic Profile (annual) |
|
These profiles provide an economic overview of each
of the 24 Job Service areas. |
| County Profile (monthly) |
|
A 20-year snapshot of each county's economy |
| Affirmative Action Statistics (annual) |
|
Population and labor
force estimates by race and gender for the state and for each
county |
| Idaho Demographic Profile
(annual) |
|
Population and labor
force projections, occupational data, and socioeconomic
characteristics of Idaho residents by state, region, and county |
To order publications, write to:
Public Affairs
Idaho
Department of Labor
317 Main Street
Boise, ID 83735
Some of the above publications can be accessed on-line at http://labor.idaho.gov/DNN/Publications/tabid/672/Default.aspx.
Training
(Workforce:
Workforce Development Training
Fund (WDTF): The objective of the Workforce Development
Training Fund is to provide job skill training for new employees of
companies expanding in Idaho, and to provide skill upgrade training for
current workers who are at risk of being permanently laid off. For
information, visit http://labor.idaho.gov/DNN/Businesses/EmploymentServices/CustomizedTraining/tabid/647/Default.aspx
Business Services: Job Service
offices located throughout the state offer
a wide variety of business services, including the following:
|
Recruitment and Referral |
|
*Electronic Job
Listing |
|
*Recruiting,
Screening, and Referring |
|
*Customized Business
Account Services |
|
|
|
Information Services |
|
*Labor Market
Information |
|
*LMI Answers
Questions: |
|
About jobs, workers, and wages |
|
About local or state economic conditions |
Business Service Center: Idaho Job Service is an employment
resource for employers as well as workers. Employers can
interview prospective employees in one of the Department's
interview facilities. The Department's
computers, copiers, and fax machines can be used for
employment-related activities. The Department will
test applicants for appropriate computer skills. Employers can
also use
the Department's generic job application to get a good first look
at applicants.
The following brochures are available to employers:
Conducting the
Lawful Employment Interview
Affirmative
Action
Wage and Hour
Regulations
Required
Employment-related Posters
Current wage data, demographic information, basic economic data, and
tax information, including tax credits for hiring workers, and additional information
is available to employers.
Job training Resources: Employers can take advantage of the
Workforce Development Training Fund (WDTF). For information on
eligibility, contact your nearest Job Service office.
Unemployment Insurance: Unemployment insurance (actually a
tax) is a
critical economic and business tool that helps to stabilize the economy
and retain a local workforce. For information on unemployment
insurance, visit the Taxes section
of this Web site.
Idaho
Business Registration Form (IBR-1:
Businesses that have employees and/or make
retail sales must use this form to apply for Idaho
withholding and unemployment insurance accounts and
sales and use tax accounts. This joint registration
form, provided by Idaho Department of Labor, Idaho State
Tax Commission and Idaho Industrial Commission, uses the
information to determine reporting requirements for
various taxes and insurance programs in Idaho, including
unemployment insurance and workers' compensation
insurance.
An on-line version of Form IBR-1, called Idaho
Business Registration System, may be completed and
submitted on-line at https://labor.idaho.gov/applications/ibrs/ibr.aspx.
If you do not have employees or plan to make retail
sales, do not complete this form.
New Hire Reporting:
Employers must report new employees within 20 days of
hiring. Returning employees who have been off work for
12 months or more must also be reported. For
information, visit https://labor.idaho.gov/applications/newhire/.
Idaho Department of Labor's Web address is http://labor.idaho.gov.
Their offices are located at 317 Main Street, Boise, ID
83702.
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Idaho Department of Agriculture
The Department of Agriculture oversees Idaho's agricultural and
livestock industries. Many ag-related businesses are inspected and licensed by the
Department, including florists, nurseries, fish farms, bee keepers,
pesticide applicators, organic farmers, and more. The Department's Web
site is located at http://www.agri.idaho.gov/.
Marketing and Promotion: The Department
offers marketing assistance to farmers, ranchers, and
others engaged in agriculture-related businesses,
including those interested in starting a farmers' market
or holding seasonal festivals and events. For
information, visit http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Marketing/indexMarketing.php.
International Business: For information
on international trade offices and exporting
agricultural products, visit http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Marketing/tradeoffices.php.
Financial Resources: The Department of
Agriculture offers several financial incentives to
assist Idaho farmers and ranchers. For information,
visit http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Marketing/financialassistance.php.
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Idaho Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation
The IDVR helps employees who have become disabled in some
manner because of an accident or illness. The agency works with
those who receive Social Security Disability Insurance to prepare them to
enter or re-enter the work force. For information about training programs
and to find out if you or your employees qualify for assistance, visit http://www.vr.idaho.gov.
To find a Vocational Rehabilitation
office in your area visit http://www.vr.idaho.gov/VR%20Offices/vr_offices.htm.
Idaho
Industrial Commission Rehabilitation Division
 The Idaho Industrial Commission offers
rehabilitation services that help employers
handle human and economic costs of industrial accidents. Rehabilitation
helps employers control time loss and workers' compensation costs, while
assisting injured workers to regain their status as productive members
of society.
When a referral is received from an employer, insurance
carrier, attorney, or injured worker, the
Commission's rehabilitation staff will work with all
parties to return the worker to as close
to his/her pre-injury status as possible.
For more information contact your nearest regional
office, or visit the IIC Web site at http://www.iic.idaho.gov/employees/employees.htm.
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Idaho
OnePlan
Idaho OnePlan provides a one-stop location where
farmers, ranchers, and rural business owners can locate information on
local, state, and federal laws and regulations that affect agricultural
businesses. Information on Best Management Practices is also
available. Visit the web site at http://www.oneplan.org
 Idaho
Rural Partnership
Idaho Rural Partnership
821 W. State Street
Boise, Idaho 83720-0032
Phone:
(208) 334-3131
Fax: (208) 334-2505
The Idaho Rural Partnership joins diverse public and private resources in
innovative collaborations to strengthen communities and improve life in
rural Idaho, including helping with environmental issues and expanding
access to product markets. IRP's Web site is located at http://irp.idaho.gov/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx.
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Idaho
Safety and Health Consultation Program
Boise
State University Department of Health Studies
1910 University Drive
Boise, ID 83725
(208) 426-3283 Fax: (208) 426-4411
This program
offers confidential, no cost consulting to Idaho employers to help make businesses OSHA compliant and create a safe workplace for
employers and employees. Among the
services offered are:
-
Comprehensive
or specific on-site safety and health surveys
-
Off-site
technical assistance
-
OSHA
publications and materials
-
Audiovisual
resource training library
-
Employer-employee
training
-
Noise
measurement
-
Air
sampling and analysis
-
Assistance
with personal protection equipment
-
Safety
and health recognition and exemption
program
Visit the
Program's web site at http://www2.boisestate.edu/OSHConsult/
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Idaho Secretary of State
Business Formation: When you start a business, you need
to register the business name and the business entity type (such as
corporation, LLC, etc.) with the Secretary of State's Office. For
information on choosing the right business entity form
for your business, visit the Legal Structure and DBAs
section of this Web site or visit http://www.sos.idaho.gov/corp/typecorp.htm.
Closing a Business or Changing the Name: If you close or sell a business or change
the name, you must file notice with the Secretary of
State's Office using the form "Cancellation or Amendment of
Certificate of Assumed Business Name." If you are a
corporation, use the "Articles of
Amendment" or "Articles of Dissolution"
form. Information about closing your business or
changing the name and links to the needed forms can be
found on the Legal Structure and
DBAs section of this Web site.
Changing the Address or Registered Agent: To
change the address of the business, file the form found
at http://www.sos.idaho.gov/CORP/chg_addr.htm.
If your business moves, it is your responsibility to
inform the Secretary of State; annual report forms
cannot be forwarded by the Post Office. If you fail to
receive and return your annual report form by the due
date, your
business will be administratively dissolved, often
without your knowledge.
To change the registered agent for a corporation use the
form found at http://www.sos.idaho.gov/CORP/chgregagent.htm.
Idaho
Small Business Development Center
"Serving Idaho's most
valuable natural resource - the entrepreneur"
James
E. Hogge, State Director
State Office (Lead Center):
Idaho Small Business Development Center (Idaho SBDC)
Boise State University
1910 University Drive
Boise, ID 83725-1655
(208)426-1640 or (800)225-3815 (in Idaho)
Through its six regional offices the Idaho SBDC offers a wide variety of services to
small businesses, including:
Business
Start-up Guide: To help you get started with your
new business, check out the Business Start-Up Guide located at
http://www.idahosbdc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.view&page=8.
The guide contains five steps, each providing
information about the realities of starting a business -
what you need to know and consider before you open your
doors. By reading the guide, you will be better
able to decide if entrepreneurship is really for
you. You will better understand the risks and the
rewards.
Business Formation and
Expansion and Consulting/Counseling: The Idaho SBDC offers
no-cost confidential consulting. Consultants will answer
questions, discuss ideas, target research, solve problems, and provide
guidance on a one-to-one basis on virtually any aspect of business
management. The consultants draw from their educational and business
experience to provide practical, relevant advice.
Business Plans:
Idaho
SBDC consultants offer guidance in developing business plans. They
also coordinate the NxLeveL entrepreneurial training program, a 10-or-12-week evening program for
existing businesses or for individuals planning to start a
business. In the class, business owners either write a complete business plan
for their existing business or develop a feasibility study for their proposed
business.
Business
Closing/Sale/Dissolution Assistance: Idaho
SBDC consultants can assist you in preparing for the closing or sale of your business. The consultant will work with you,
your accountant, and your
attorney to be sure that all issues are covered and the necessary
agencies are notified.
Environmental
Solutions: The Idaho SBDC offers
assistance with environmental issues and compliance. For information on the program, visit
http://www.idahosbdc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.view&page=68.
Market Research:
Research analysts perform in-depth market research using secondary
sources such as local, regional, and national libraries, telephone and
e-mail interviews, the internet, and business databases to complete
reports useful for business and/or marketing plans and decision making.
SBIR Grants: SBIR (Small
Business Innovation Research) grants are one of the few sources of grant money available to for-profit businesses.
(Almost all grant money goes to non-profit organizations.)
SBIR grants are awarded annually by federal agencies through a competitive
process to small companies
involved in innovative, cutting-edge research and development that is in
the national interest. Funds are available from ten federal government
agencies. An Idaho SBDC consultant can
provide specific information about the program and your eligibility. Information is also available on the following Internet sites:
STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) grants are
also available to qualifying businesses. Ask your
consultant for information.
Training: Each of Idaho's
six SBDC offices offers training classes in a variety of
topics. To find out about classes in your area,
visit http://www.idahosbdc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.view&page=24.
To find a regional office in your area,
visit http://www.idahosbdc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.view&page=32
or click on the link to the right. 
Idaho
State Tax Commission
 The Idaho State Tax Commission
offers services to help you better understand how the taxes they administer may affect you or your business.
The taxpayer service staff is
available to assist you with your tax questions or problems. They can
also send you brochures about the
various taxes. You may call them at 334-7660 in the Boise area or at (800)
972-7660 outside the Boise area, or visit one of the
six regional offices. Click on the symbol to the right for regional office information.
The Idaho State Tax Commission offers
classes on the taxes that the agency administers. Classes are free of
charge and open to the public. Call 334-7660 in the Boise area or (800) 972-7660 for more
information.
Speakers Bureau: The Idaho State Tax Commission's Speakers
Bureau is available to provide information and education to groups of
ten or more who wish to learn more about Idaho taxes. If you would like
someone to speak to your group, contact our Speakers Bureau
Coordinator at 334-7660 in the Boise area or (800)972-7660.
Training: To find a schedule of training classes, visit http://tax.idaho.gov/TCeducation.htm.
Closing a Business: If you plan to close your business, you
will need to cancel your tax permits. You will also need to
contact the Unclaimed Property section of the STC in writing
indicating the business's closing date. When a business applies
for an Idaho withholding tax account, the Tax Commission automatically
opens an unclaimed property account for the business, though you may not
be aware that this has occurred. For information, visit the
Unclaimed Property section of the STC Web site at http://tax.idaho.gov/unclaimed.htm.
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Internal Revenue Service
 The IRS collects taxes owed to the Federal
government, including personal income taxes and corporate and business
income taxes. To learn more about the taxes that your small business might be
required to pay and to locate forms and publications, visit the small
business and self-employed section of the IRS Web site at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html.
The site contains much information for small business
owners and for those engaged in agricultural activities.
Information is also available by calling the Business
and Specialty Tax Help Line at 1-800-829-4933.
Starting a Business: Find information to help
you get started at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99336,00.html,
http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99198,00.html,
and http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=99930,00.html,
including information about record keeping and tax
reporting requirements.
Farmers and those engaged in agricultural businesses
can find helpful information at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/farmers/index.html.
Closing a Business: If you are planning to
close your business, the IRS Web site contains
information that will be helpful to you, including
information on terminating employee retirement plans,
closing because of bankruptcy, selling a business, final
reporting of income and expenses, and other topics. The information can be found at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98761,00.html.
A check list of activities to be completed when
closing a business can be found at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98703,00.html.
Tax Statistics: Find statistics based on
individual, business, and non-profit tax reporting,
including income information, at http://www.irs.gov/taxstats/index.html
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Small
Business Administration
380 E.
ParkCenter Blvd., Suite 330
Boise, ID 83706
Tel: (208) 334-9004
Fax: (208) 334-9353
The Small Business Administration
(SBA) offers programs to help you start, build, and grow your small
business. Contact the SBA offices in Boise or Spokane to find out about the
numerous resources available to you (many are free). You can attend workshops on
starting a business, selling to the government, and obtaining bank loans,
or receive counseling from experts in business management. For more
information, call the Boise office at (208) 334-9004, extension 333, the Spokane
office at (509)
353-2809, or
visit the SBA's Web site at http://www.sba.gov.
Loan Guarantee Program: The SBA guarantees bank
loans (it does not issue loans) to qualified businesses. For information, contact your
banker, or visit http://www.sba.gov/services/financialassistance/index.html
to find out if you qualify for a loan.
Government
Contractor Certification: The SBA
offers assistance in becoming certified as a government
contractor so that you can sell your products or
services to federal
agencies. For information, visit http://www.sba.gov/services/contractingopportunities/index.html
Buying a Business: Find tips to consider when purchasing a
business at http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/buyabusiness/index.html.
If you are considering purchasing a franchise, visit http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/start/buyafranchise/index.html.
Business Plan Writing: Find assistance in
writing a business plan at http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/plan/writeabusinessplan/index.html.
Closing a Business: If you are planning to
close or sell your business, an SBA or SCORE counselor
can help you through the process. Contact them at
the telephone number listed above. Information on
developing an exit strategy, liquidating assets, closing
due to bankruptcy, and
other issues associated with closing or selling a business can be found at http://www.sba.gov/smallbusinessplanner/exit/index.html.
Technology Resources Network: Provides
resources for technology start-up and early stage businesses. Visit
their Web site at http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/sbir/index.html.
Idaho
Prime Loan Program: The SBA
in cooperation with the Idaho State Treasurer and the
banking community offers the Idaho "Prime Loan" Program.
Qualified small businesses may be able to apply for
funding through the program. For information,
visit http://sto.idaho.gov/Services/IdahoPrime.aspx.
SCORE:
The Service Corps of Retired Executives is
sponsored by the SBA. SCORE is a national volunteer
organization of current and past business owners, managers, and
executives who donate their time and expertise to counsel existing
businesses and start-ups on how to start, grow, or improve their
businesses. SCORE counselors can also help if you plan to close your
business. All counseling is provided free of charge.
Training:
SCORE offers low-cost pre-business workshops addressing topics such as
assessing entrepreneurial potential, developing a start-up checklist,
selecting a legal entity, creating a business plan, and securing
funding. Workshops can also help successful firms review their
distribution channels, survey expansion, modify products, and meet other
business challenges.
The
telephone number for the Boise SCORE office is (208)334-1696 ext. 337.
Their web site is located at
http://www.idahotvscore.org/boise/ or visit the national Web site at http://www.score.org. The
Idaho Falls SCORE office is located at 2300 N. Yellowstone and their
phone number is (208)523-1022. An office located in Spokane serves northern Idaho
businesses. Their Web site can
be accessed at http://www.scorespokane.org/.
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Idaho Transportation Department
Driver and Motor Carrier Services: Visit the
Department's Web site at http://www.itd.idaho.gov
for driver and motor carrier information. For commercial trucking
information, visit
http://trucking.idaho.gov.
Aviation Services: The aeronautical division of
Idaho Transportation Department handles aviation activities in Idaho,
including registering pilots and aircraft and overseeing flight instructor training.
Dealers selling aircraft in Idaho must also register with ITD. Visit their Web page at http://www.itd.idaho.gov/aero/.
Outdoor Signage: Businesses and organizations
wanting to erect an outdoor sign along a highway must secure authorization from ITD.
For information, visit http://www.itd.idaho.gov/row/new/workfiles/outdoorad/outdoor_advertising.html.
To erect signs on city streets, contact your county highway department or
planning and development office.
The Idaho Transportation Department
DBE
Supportive Services Program: The Disadvantaged Business
Enterprise (DBE) Supportive Services Program is designed to assist
disadvantaged business owners in developing and promoting their
businesses in the transportation construction industry. The
program was created by the U.S. Department of Transportation and is
administered by the Idaho Transportation Department, with the funding
and oversight of the Federal Highway Administration. For more
information, visit http://www.itd.idaho.gov/business/business.htm
or call DBE Supportive Services at (208)334-4442.
TECenter
The TECenter, located at Boise State University's West
Campus in Nampa, offers technical assistance and counseling to technology
start-ups and early-stage technology companies. Incubator
space is available for qualifying companies. For information visit their Web site at
http://www.bsutecenter.com/.
U.S. Census Bureau
The Web site of the U.S. Census Bureau,
located at http://www.census.gov,
contains much information that is useful for doing
market research and for creating a business plan. You will find information
on people, households, business and industry, and demographic
and geographic maps.
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City Clerk's
Office
Business Formation: Many
cities license some or all business activities occurring
within the city limits. You may also
need to obtain a conditional use permit if your business
activity varies from standard zoning requirements for your
specific location.
Closing a business: If you
own a retail business and will be having a
going out of business sale, you may need to obtain a
permit from your local city clerk's office.
If you were required to
obtain a city or county business license or a conditional
use permit, you will need to cancel it when the business
closes.
To find contact
information for your local city
clerk's office, click here City
Clerk.
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