|
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
The Better
Business Bureau (BBB) offers the following services:
- Information about
business scams
- Background checks on a business or a charity
- Accepts reports of problems with a
business
- Business-to-business dispute
resolution
- Training in business
ethics
- Advertising review services, including
reviewing advertising directed toward 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
or visit your regional BBB Web site. Northern
Idaho is served by the Spokane, WA BBB, http://spokane.bbb.org.
Southwestern Idaho from McCall south is served by the
Boise BBB, http://boise.bbb.org.
Eastern Idaho is served by the Pocatello BBB, http://pocatello.bbb.org.
To obtain information about a charity before you donate, visit
http://www.bbb.org/us/charity/.
Also visit the Idaho Attorney General's Web site at http://www2.state.id.us/ag/consumer/tips/charitablesolicitationsact.htm
for information on Idaho state law.
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Federal Trade
Commission (FTC)
 The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
oversees business activities in the U.S. Their Web site offers 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.
Telemarketers must comply with it as well as with
Federal regulations.
Recent changes to the federal Telemarketing Sales
Rule can be found at http://www2.ftc.gov/opa/2002/12/donotcall.shtm.
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.
Identity Theft, Privacy & Security - Facts for
Businesses: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/business/data.shtm
Purchasing a Franchise or Business - http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/menus/business/franchise.shtm
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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 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 making calls to Idaho residents must comply with Idaho
telephone solicitation laws.
Information can
be found at http://www2.state.id.us/ag/consumer/ncl/telemarketerlinks.htm.
Charitable organizations making telephone solicitations must comply with
Idaho laws found at http://www2.state.id.us/ag/consumer/tips/charitablesolicitationsact.htm.
Businesses that import or sell tobacco, either wholesale or retail,
must comply with Idaho tobacco laws found 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
provides environmental assistance to small businesses.
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
- Assisting
with waste reduction planning
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.solutions.
Visit the DEQ's Web site at http://www.deq.idaho.gov/.
To find a DEQ office near you, click on the green "DEQ
Regional Offices" button above.
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Idaho Department of Commerce
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.
Business Formation and Expansion: In addition to publishing the "Starting
a Business in Idaho" booklet (http://commerce.idaho.gov/), the
department provides information on business promotion
activities, incentives, and more, including the
following:
- Gem Community Program
provides training and technical assistance to help small rural communities
with economic and community development. http://commerce.idaho.gov/communities/idaho-gem-grants.aspx
- Idaho Business Network (IBN)
helps Idaho
businesses sell 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://commerce.idaho.gov/business/government-contracting.aspx
- Financial Incentives, also called tax
credits or tax incentives, are available for a
number of business activities. For information,
visit http://commerce.idaho.gov/assets/content/docs/incrediblebusinessincentives.pdf.
- Rural and Community Development Program
provides information on resources available to rural
communities. Their Web site is found at http://commerce.idaho.gov/communities/
- Economic Indicators Data - uses U.S. Census
Bureau data to provide information
on counties and communities in Idaho, including
employment data and information useful to businesses
planning to relocate in Idaho. http://commerce.idaho.gov/business/census-data-on-idaho.aspx
- Division of Tourism helps expand Idaho's tourism and recreation industry by marketing Idaho
travel opportunities at home and abroad and issuing grants to
communities to promote tourism. http://www.commerce.idaho.gov/travel/
- Division of International Business 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://www.commerce.idaho.gov/international/
- U.S. Export Assistance Center of Idaho is a
local branch of the U.S. Department of Commerce's
export division.
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 
The Idaho Department of Labor provides information for
employers and workers in Idaho, including the following:
Consulting/Counseling
- IDOL 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
DOL office. To find your nearest office, visit http://labor.idaho.gov/DNN/AboutUs/OfficeDirectory/tabid/640/Default.aspx.
Labor Market
Research - IDOL 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 DOL 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 at
http://lmi.idaho.gov/. The system is also available in regional
DOL offices.
- Numerous Labor Market Information Publications
are available to the public, including the following:
| Idaho Occupational Wage and Employment Survey
|
|
An annual survey of Idaho employers listing wage
ranges and employment by
occupation statewide, by Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA),
and by geographic region. |
| Idaho Employment Newsletter (monthly) |
|
The 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) |
|
The profiles provide an economic overview of each
region in the state. |
| Farm Labor Information |
|
Information is available in both English and Spanish |
| Immigration Facts and Statistics |
|
Population and labor
force estimates by race and gender for the state and for each
county |
Some of the publications can be accessed on-line at http://labor.idaho.gov/DNN/Publications/tabid/672/Default.aspx.
If you don't find what you need, call the IDOL at (208) 332-3570.
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 improve the skills of 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: Department
of Labor offices located throughout the state offer
a wide variety of business services, including:
|
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 DOL is an employment
resource for employers as well as workers. Employers can
interview prospective employees in one of the Department's
interview facilities. 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
DOL 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 - IBR-1:
Businesses that have employees and/or make
retail sales must complete this application to apply for Idaho
withholding and unemployment insurance accounts and
establish sales and use tax accounts. This joint application, 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 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.
Note: Submitting this form does NOT register
your business name or entity type. You must first
register your name and entity type with the ID Secretary
of State's office before completing 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/.
Business Start-up Assistance:
The DOL in cooperation with the Department of Commerce offers the "Starting a Business in
Idaho" publication in both English and Spanish. The
booklet contains information on many important issues
for new businesses. The English version can be found at http://labor.idaho.gov/publications/Start.pdf.
The Spanish version is available at http://labor.idaho.gov/publications/Startspan.pdf.
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, dairies, feed lots, fish farms, bee keepers,
pesticide applicators, organic farmers, farmer's markets, 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
other agriculture-related businesses,
including those interested in starting a farmers' market
or holding seasonal festivals and events involving food
or animals. 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.
Weights and Measures: The Department of
Agriculture oversees the Bureau of Weights and Measures,
which inspects and certifies weighing and metering
devices, such as scales and fuel pumps. They Inspect
packaged products to ensure that the net contents meet
labeled weight, volume or count. They also monitor
octane labeling of fuel products. For information, visit
http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/WeightsMeasures/indexWeightsMeasures.php
Starting a Specialty Foods Business: If you
are planning to start a food-related business, you can find a
helpful publication at http://www.agri.idaho.gov/Categories/Marketing/Documents/specialtyfoodbook.pdf
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Idaho Division of Vocational
Rehabilitation
The IDVR helps employees who have become disabled
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 to help employers
handle human and economic costs of industrial accidents. Rehabilitation
helps employers control time loss and workers' compensation costs, while
assisting injured workers 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 IIC regional
office, or visit the IIC's Web site at http://www.iic.idaho.gov/about_the_iic/divisions/rehab.htm.
For information about workers' compensation
insurance, visit the Insurance
section of this Web site.
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Idaho
OnePlan
Idaho OnePlan provides a one-stop location where
farmers, ranchers, and rural business owners can obtain 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
Safety and Health Consultation Program
This program,
located at Boise State University, offers confidential, no cost consulting to Idaho employers to help
businesses comply with OSHA requirements 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
For
information, visit the
Program's web site at http://www.boisestate.edu/oshcon/
or call (208)426-3283. To request a confidential consultation, fill out the form found at http://www.boisestate.edu/oshcon/request_services.asp.
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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 (sole
proprietorship, corporation, LLC, etc.) with the Secretary of State's
Office before you begin transacting business. 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 (corporations
and LLCs) 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 (the
person authorized to represent the business) 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"
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 better understand the risks and the
rewards of starting a business and be better
able to decide if entrepreneurship is really for
you.
Business Formation and
Expansion/Consulting/Counseling:
The Idaho SBDC offers
no-cost confidential consulting to clients planning to start or expand a
business. Consultants will answer
questions, discuss ideas, initiate market research, solve problems, and provide
guidance on a one-to-one basis on virtually any aspect of business
management.
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. For information on NxLeveL, visit http://www.idahosbdc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.view&page=25
Business
Closing/Sale/Dissolution: 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 certain that all issues are covered, the necessary
agencies are notified, and forms are filed.
Environmental
Solutions: The Idaho SBDC in cooperation with the
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality offers
assistance with environmental issues and compliance. For information on the program, visit
http://www.idahosbdc.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=content.solutions.
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 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 eleven federal agencies. An Idaho SBDC consultant can
provide specific information about the program and your eligibility. Information is also available on the following Web sites:
STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) grants are
also available to qualifying businesses. STTR
applications must include a nonprofit research
institution partner. 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 phone number is (800) 972-7660 (334-7660 Boise
area) and e-mail address is taxrep@tax.idaho.gov.
If you have questions about applying for or canceling permits and
accounts, call for assistance.
Many tax brochures and publications are found at the following link: http://www.tax.idaho.gov/publications.htm.
Classes and events are posted at this link: http://www.tax.idaho.gov/classes-events.htm.
Free e-mail subscription is available to keep you updated on topics of
your choice. To subscribe visit http://www.tax.idaho.gov/keep_me_updated.htm.
Internal Revenue Service
 The IRS collects taxes owed to the Federal
government, including personal income taxes, corporate and business
income taxes, and Social Security and Medicare taxes. To learn more about the taxes
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.
Agricultural businesses
can find helpful information at http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/industries/article/0,,id=201608,00.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.
You will also need to close your Idaho state tax
accounts and file any necessary final reports.
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
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 learn about resources available to you (many are free). You can attend workshops on
starting a business, selling to the government, and applying for an
SBA-guaranteed bank loan,
or receive counseling from experts in business management. To reach the Boise office
call (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 several types of 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. To find a bank in
your area that offers SBA loans, do a search of the Resource
Wizard on this site.
Government
Contractor Certification: The SBA
offers assistance in becoming certified as a government
contractor so 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
for 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 numbers 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.
SCORE offices are located in Boise, Idaho Falls, and
Spokane. The
telephone number for the Boise SCORE office is (208)334-1696 ext. 337.
Their Web site is http://www.idahotvscore.org/ or visit the national Web site at http://www.score.org.
The
Idaho Falls SCORE office is located at 2300 N. Yellowstone Highway, Ste.
100B, phone number (208)523-1022, or visit their Web
site at http://www.scoreideast.org/.
Businesses located in north Idaho
are served by the Spokane SCORE office. Their phone
number is (509)353-2821and their Web site
is found 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 oversees aviation activities in Idaho,
including registering pilots and aircraft and overseeing flight instructor training.
Dealers selling aircraft in Idaho must register with ITD. For
information, 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.
Idaho Department of Administration
This agency oversees purchasing for state agencies.
Businesses interested in selling or contracting with state
agencies can register with this agency and access current bid opportunities. For information, visit http://adm.idaho.gov/purchasing/.
The Division of Public Works oversees facilities
management statewide, including issuing bids for construction,
renovation, and maintenance of state owned and leased buildings. For
information visit http://adm.idaho.gov/pubworks/.
Frequent training sessions are offered for businesses
interested in doing business with the State. For information, visit http://www.idahoecommerce.com/training.htm.
In order to bid on state contracts, businesses must
first register with Sicomm Net by filling out the form found at http://www.sicomm.net/.
There is no charge to register.
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, including assistance
with the preparation of SBIR and STTR grant applications. 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 were required to
obtain a city or county business license or a conditional
use permit when you opened your business, you will need to cancel it when the business
closes.
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. To find contact
information for your local city
clerk's office, click here City
Clerk.
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