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Startup Incubators In Idaho - 2024

Discover the most comprehensive List Of Startup Incubators In Idaho, fostering growth and innovation for entrepreneurs and their ventures.

Lisa Shmulyan
Founder 101
February 15, 2024

Idaho is buzzing with activities for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Inc magazine says Boise is one of the best cities in the U.S. for entrepreneurs. This city has many programs to help different kinds of businesses grow. These programs offer guidance, workshops, and advanced equipment to inspire innovation.

The Idaho Innovation Center in Idaho Falls has put in over $31 million since 1997. It's an important place for startups in the state1. This center gives startups the tools and advice they need to thrive1. Also, the state supports entrepreneurs with more than 200 startups2. Support groups like Micron Ventures and Highway 12 Ventures have invested in over 70 Idaho startups2.

In 2023, Idaho hosted over 1000 events for startups, giving them many chances to network and grow2. Firms like At One Ventures and Sage Growth Capital invest in new tech and e-commerce businesses2. This makes Idaho an excellent place for business growth in Nampa and other areas.

Key Takeaways

  • Boise is recognized as a top entrepreneurial city in the U.S.
  • Idaho Innovation Center in Idaho Falls has invested over $31 million since 19971.
  • Idaho is home to more than 200 startups2.
  • Over 1000 startup events were hosted in Idaho in 20232.
  • Venture capital firms like Micron Ventures and Highway 12 Ventures have funded over 70 startups in Idaho2.

Idaho SBDC: Supporting Small Business Development

Since 19863, the Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has helped small businesses grow. With offices in Boise and Nampa, it offers help across all fields. Entrepreneurs get the vital assistance they need from the Idaho SBDC.

Location: Boise, Nampa

In Boise and Nampa, the Idaho SBDC links small business owners with seasoned consultants. These experts provide business development support Idaho depends on for its progress. The Boise base benefits from its connections with Idaho’s colleges, adding strength to its support system3.

Industry: All Industries

The Idaho SBDC serves a wide range of industries, from farming to tech. This ensures that all entrepreneurs, no matter the field, get specialized help. They work with groups like TechHelp and the Boise Angel Alliance to boost Idaho's manufacturers and startups4.

Program: Mentorship, Workshops, Skill-Building

The Idaho SBDC stands out for its mentorship, workshops, and education. It teaches skills that aid Boise’s potential business owners. Working with the SBDC, clients see sales grow five times more than other local businesses3. The SBDC’s start-up guide is a great place for newcomers to discover what’s offered.

The Idaho SBDC’s programs cover workshops and skill sessions aimed at growth. Its vast network and free consulting push small businesses forward3. With this support, Idaho entrepreneurs can succeed and innovate.

One Stone: Empowering Student Entrepreneurs

In Boise, One Stone shines as a place where young entrepreneurs grow. It embraces empathy, creativity, and big changes in business thinking. One Stone is vital in creating tomorrow's leaders in Boise's startup scene.

Location: Boise

One Stone is right in Boise, easy for young creators to reach. This spot gives them access to resources, networks, and mentors.

Industry: All Industries

One Stone supports students across all fields. This broad support helps varying business ideas, from tech to social ventures, succeed.

Program: Innovative Initiatives, Social Entrepreneurship

One Stone pushes for innovation and social good. Through Project Good, students work on 15-20 service projects each year, boosting leadership and community ties5.

These efforts help young founders test and shape their startup ideas. This makes Boise's startup ecosystem vibrant. Learn more about startup accelerators and incubators in5.

Trailhead: Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey

Trailhead is located in the bustling heart of Boise. It's a key spot for entrepreneurs aiming for growth and innovation. With industries like technology, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing6, Boise offers a perfect setting for startups. Trailhead Boise helps this vibrant ecosystem with its many entrepreneurial support programs.

Location: Boise

Entrepreneurs benefit from Trailhead’s Boise location due to the city’s rich resources. Boise has direct flights to major tech cities such as San Francisco and Seattle6. This makes it easier for businesses to connect and grow in Boise.

Industry: All Industries

Trailhead supports various industries, helping both innovative and traditional businesses. This makes Boise a key commercial center in Idaho and beyond6, uplifting venture mentoring to new levels.

Program: Startup Velocity Series, Mentorship Programs

Trailhead boasts the Startup Velocity Series, guiding businesses on fast growth. The mentorship programs connect new entrepreneurs with experienced advisers6. These initiatives help startups thrive in Boise, taking advantage of low costs and Capital Matrix loans up to $500,0006.

Trailhead, along with Boise's tech scene, offers startups unmatched support and growth opportunities7. Companies like Micron Technology Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, and Cradlepoint are part of this vibrant ecosystem.

CTAP: Access to Cutting-Edge Equipment

In Boise, the CTAP program gives businesses a chance to use high-end equipment for 8 weeks. This program opens up incredible opportunities for startups to get their hands on equipment access for startups. They can use top-notch technology found at Boise State University and CAES locations.

Location: Boise

The CTAP program is in Boise, helping businesses from all fields. It lets entrepreneurs use the city's wide range of tech resources. This support helps Idaho's material innovation grow as both new and established companies use amazing equipment without big costs.

Industry: All Industries

CTAP Boise is here for startups in every industry, pushing forward tech progress with access to fancy hardware. This open-door policy means companies in tech, healthcare, retail, or any other area can get product testing guidance during the program.

Program: 8 Weeks

The eight-week program is carefully planned to give a deep dive into the equipment. Participants wind up with hands-on experience and product testing guidance. This setting boosts innovation as companies test and refine their products using advanced tech that's usually hard to reach. It's a full approach that ties into complex processes like managing radioactive waste, which needs in-depth solutions8.

Together, this program boosts Boise's tech scene and supports Idaho's innovation. It gives startups crucial help, reflecting how smart management in other areas can improve results8.

Tech Help: Nurturing Technological Innovations

Tech Help Idaho is key in growing tech entrepreneurship in Boise through a detailed incubation process. It follows six strategic steps: access, diagnosing, planning, executing, checking, and re-evaluating. This ensures startups get full support. They also offer help like 3D printing, making prototypes, and improving operations.

Tech Help Idaho is known for its great supplier scouting services. These services link tech startups with vital resources. The tech sector in Idaho is booming, ranked 8th in the US for growing tech jobs. It's expected to grow 22% by 20339. About 39,000 tech workers make up 33% of Idaho's workforce9.

Tech Help Idaho focuses on building partnerships and trust. It provides a strong base for tech entrepreneurs to find important business resources. With Idaho's tech ecosystem, co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators are key. They help innovate and have added $4.1 billion to Idaho's GDP. It might grow 2% more in the next ten years9.

Idaho's high tech companies have seen a 61% growth in the last decade9. Tech Help Idaho and others support this growth. They offer services similar to those in Georgia's Advanced Technology Development Center and Ohio's Appalachian Center for Economic Networks. They all add to the tech scene10. Boise State University also helps by producing over 100 computer science graduates yearly9.

Idaho also has a friendly business climate. It offers incentives like up to $3,000 for training new employees. There's also a 0% tax credit on research expenses for big companies9. This makes Tech Help Idaho a great choice for startups. Here, they can enjoy lower living and business costs than in places like Silicon Valley or Seattle9.

To learn how incubators and accelerators help startups worldwide with advice, mentoring, networking, and resources, check out this comprehensive list9.

Elevate Idaho: Connecting to SBIR/STTR Programs

Elevate Idaho is key in connecting entrepreneurs with SBIR and STTR programs. These programs are for businesses to grow and get better within Idaho's business world.

Location: Boise

In Boise, Elevate Idaho works with local and federal guides. They offer free advice, training, and help with proposals. Boise's business programs get a lot from this. It ensures entrepreneurs in Boise have the support they need for their new ideas11.

Industry: All Industries

Elevate Idaho helps all kinds of businesses. It aims to help them get funding for new ideas. The program offers online training and workshops. All these help boost Idaho's business and research scene11.

Program: Business Growth Resources

Businesses can find many funding options through Elevate Idaho. The program helps them get grants for research and development. This can be up to $4 billion a year from the government. This money is key for small businesses to make new tech without losing control of their work12.

Recently, the Growth Accelerator Fund Competition gave out $5.4 million. Each SBIR Catalyst winner got $150,000. With 84 GAFC and eight SBIR Catalyst winners, the impact is huge. This shows the strong teamwork across different areas supporting entrepreneurs11.

Idaho Technology Council: Cultivating Tech Talent

The Idaho Technology Council (ITC) leads the charge in tech entrepreneur growth in our state. It focuses on educating and commercializing innovative tech. This puts ITC at the heart of tech business development in Boise.

Location: Boise

In Boise, ITC is the main spot for entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders to come together and create new ideas. Thanks to ITC's efforts, Boise and its surrounding areas enjoy benefits from networking events, training sessions, and various conferences.

Industry: Technology Industries

ITC is dedicated to the tech industry, aiming to improve the ecosystem and encourage innovation in Idaho. Boise is now a hotspot for tech companies, partly because it's cheaper than traditional tech centers. The COVID-19 pandemic caused many entrepreneurs to move here from big tech cities13.

Program: Learning and Technology Commercialization

ITC helps Boise's tech business scene grow through educational resources and help with tech commercialization. For instance, the "50 to the A" program helps 50 Idaho startups get to Series A investment rounds. These rounds are usually worth between $5 million to $15 million each13. ITC encourages big investments, like the $7.25 million from Tackle.io and $1 million from PlexTrac Inc. by StageDotO Ventures13.

Idaho's tech scene recently got over $4 billion in investments at the Capital Connect conference. This shows the area's huge potential13. Even with rapid growth, the startup community is careful, which means more support may be needed for quick growth of tech startups14.

The Idaho Technology Council is key in boosting tech entrepreneurs and innovation in Idaho, especially Boise. Their work and programs are creating a solid foundation for tech business growth. This is positioning Idaho as a leader in tech innovation and investments.

Score Treasure Valley: Mentorship and Growth

Score Treasure Valley reaches Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, and beyond. It boosts real-world business skills through exceptional mentorship. Additionally, it offers courses and webinars.

Location: Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, and Surrounding Regions

Score Treasure Valley operates in Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, and nearby areas. This places it perfectly to aid a wide range of entrepreneurs. Business owners in Treasure Valley easily access vital resources because of these locations.

Industry: All Industries

Score Treasure Valley helps businesses from any field. It doesn't matter if it's retail, tech, or farming. The organization has special resources for the unique needs of each sector.

Program: Mentorship, Webinars, Courses

The programs at Score Treasure Valley include great mentorship chances. There are also enlightening entrepreneurial webinars in Boise, and in-depth courses. These efforts aim to improve professional growth in Idaho. Groups like Entrepreneurs' Organization Idaho and Boise Entrepreneur Week also support this mission15.

These programs don't just help new businesses. They also support growing companies. With webinars and courses for different industries, Score Treasure Valley readies entrepreneurs for success. This is key in a business-friendly state like Idaho15.

For info about Idaho’s business ecosystem, check out this overview from the Idaho Business Review15.

Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Program

The College of Western Idaho's program encourages folks to embrace business creation. It offers vital know-how and connects them to influential networks. This is key for success in today's ever-changing market. Boise is turning into a tech hub. It also has events and contests that show off the lively business community here16.

Location: Boise, Nampa

The program runs in Boise and Nampa, perfect spots for learning how to start and run a business. These cities help small businesses thrive by using local talent and resources16.

Industry: All Industries

Business skills taught here work across all fields. Be it tech, healthcare, or retail, students learn to improve their work. They take on real projects to gain valuable experience17.

Program: Business Knowledge, Skills & Network

Students get to learn all about starting a business. This includes how to communicate and work well in teams. They also learn how important it is to build a network with mentors.

All of this ensures they're ready to start their own companies. The College of Western Idaho aims to create successful entrepreneurs ready to face today's markets17.

Depot Square Business Incubator: Start-Up Retail Spaces

The Depot Square Business Incubator in Driggs, Idaho, creates a perfect environment for start-ups. It offers 433 square feet spaces at low rates to new businesses for up to five years18. This helps young companies grow and succeed.

Location: Driggs

The incubator is in a great spot in Driggs. Being part of a mixed-use project means more people see the businesses. This is great for shops and service companies starting out.

Industry: Retail and Services

This place is great for small shops, food places with simple kitchens, and health services18. It gives them a low-cost start. The aim is to help new businesses find their feet in Idaho.

Program: Business Planning and Expansion Support

More than just cheap rent, the incubator helps businesses grow. They offer advice on planning and finding money. This prepares them to do well even after five years18.

Businesses also get to share amenities like parking and restrooms. This makes running a business here easy. To learn more, check out their official page19.

Conclusion

Idaho is ripe for entrepreneurs, thanks to its list of startup incubators. Each one offers unique advantages for different industries and goals. Programs like One Stone and the Idaho Technology Council help startups succeed. They also boost Idaho's economy.

While Idaho has focused on attracting and keeping businesses, it's now boosting startups with20special help. The Idaho SBDC and Tech Help are leading the charge. They provide valuable mentorship, workshops, and resources.

Incubator programs in Idaho are diverse in length and focus. Some, like CTAP, offer quick 8-week aid. Others, such as Techstars, provide intensive support for 3-4 months21. Whether a business is in retail or tech, there's a program to help it flourish.

These incubators are key to developing Idaho's future business leaders. They tackle unmet needs and use resources smartly. This approach is setting up a bright future for Idaho's entrepreneurs.

FAQ

What types of programs does the Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offer?

The Idaho SBDC provides mentorship, workshops, and skill-building sessions. These are for small businesses in various industries in Boise and Nampa.

How does One Stone support student entrepreneurs in Boise?

One Stone helps student entrepreneurs with innovative initiatives. They offer coaching in ideation, validation, and prototyping new business ideas.

What services are available at Trailhead in Boise?

Trailhead gives support with the Startup Velocity Series, mentorship programs, and workshops. These help entrepreneurs grow their businesses.

What does the CTAP program in Boise provide?

CTAP offers an 8-week course that provides access to high-tech equipment. It's for product and material testing, great for startups needing advanced resources.

What is the focus of Tech Help in Idaho?

Tech Help aids technological entrepreneurship in Boise. It offers 3D printing, prototyping, and helps with business growth and innovation.

How does Elevate Idaho connect entrepreneurs to SBIR/STTR programs?

Elevate Idaho connects entrepreneurs with SBIR/STTR programs. They provide resources and support to help enhance business ventures.

What role does the Idaho Technology Council (ITC) play in the tech industry?

The Idaho Technology Council supports tech talent. They focus on education, commercializing new technologies, and fostering collaboration among industry leaders.

What areas does Score Treasure Valley serve and what programs do they offer?

Score Treasure Valley covers Boise, Nampa, Caldwell, and nearby areas. They offer mentorship, webinars, and courses to help businesses grow.

What can participants expect from the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management Program at the College of Western Idaho?

Participants will learn important business skills and get networking opportunities. This program is designed to inspire an entrepreneurial mindset and help them manage or start successful ventures.

What opportunities does the Depot Square Business Incubator in Driggs offer to startups?

The Depot Square Business Incubator offers start-up retail spaces with shared amenities. It's perfect for businesses with solid models and start-up capital, benefiting from areas with a lot of foot traffic.

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