Alternative Energy & Solar Products Manufacturing

Special Interest Groups

Alternative Energy companies, either big or small, will find the greater Boise area to be a place where new entrepreneurial ideas are well-received and many resources exist to facilitate the development of alternative energy projects and manufacturing facilities. Many helpful resources are readily available for financing, employee training, R&D and more:

• TechHelp – A federal/state/private sector partnership involving the University of Idaho, Boise State University and Idaho State University provides many resources and solutions for companies engaged in Alternative Energy manufacturing. An independent survey in 2007 found that TechHelp had a $65 million positive impact in Idaho’s economy through increased sales, creation of new jobs and plant modernization and efficiency.
• Idaho Office of Energy Resources – The office has a full-time staff that is knowledgeable about Idaho’s potential for solar, wind, geothermal, biomass and biogas development and what resources and incentives exist for companies looking to locate in Idaho.
• Idaho Strategic Energy Alliance – The alliance provides a strategic plan to reach a goal of Idaho producing 25 percent of its energy from renewable sources by the year 2025. The alliance is managed by the Idaho Office of Energy Resources. The strategic plan is funded by private foundations. Visit the web site for more information.
• Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES) - A public/private partnership comprised of the three Idaho public universities, private industry, and the Idaho National Laboratory. CAES integrates resources, capabilities and expertise to create new research capabilities, expand researcher-to-researcher collaborations, and enhance energy-related educational opportunities.
• Idaho Department of Labor Workforce Development Training Programs. New businesses that locate in Idaho can apply for grant funding to receive $2,000 per new employee for specific job training, and up to $3,000 per new employee in rural areas. Click here for an electronic brochure that provides more details about the grant program.
• Boise Angel Alliance - Helping to connect emerging companies with capital resources.
• Keritsu Forum: Keritsu Forum is one of the largest networks of angel investors in North America having monetized over 130 companies with over $80 million in funding. Keritsu established a Boise/Sun Valley chapter in 2006.
• Highway 12 Ventures: Investing in promising, emerging, start-up companies and providing resources to entrepreneurs.
• Kickstand: Helping to pave the way for technology entrepreneurs in the Boise Valley.
• TechConnect, Inc.: "Bridging the gap between entrepreneurial and innovation assets. Supporting the development of innovative companies. Helping existing companies to compete."
• Idaho Small Business Development Center: Offers a wealth of free or low-cost information to help educate and support small business owners, inventors, and entrepreneurs.