Food Processing

Special Interest Groups

A host of organizations and associations work to promote the Food Processing industry in the Boise Valley and provide resources for companies that may want to locate here:

• 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 food manufacturers, processors and inventors. 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.
• ExporTech – A public and technical assistance resource for companies that seek to boost product sales by venturing into the international arena.
• The University of Idaho Food Technology Center – Serves as a Research & Development center for food-related entrepreneurs. It’s based in Caldwell, located next to the University of Idaho Business and Technology Incubator. Small startups can rent space and test products before rolling them out in the marketplace. The center is the food processing equivalent to the Boise Water Cooler for high-tech startups.
• 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.
• Center for Workforce Training at Boise State University – The Center, which operates out of the Selland College of Applied Technology at BSU, can put together custom training programs for businesses. The staff can travel to business locations to train your workforce.
• 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.
• Idaho Milk Processors Association – Works to advance the cause of the Idaho dairy industry.
• Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry – Idaho’s largest lobbying group for business and industry and the “voice of business in Idaho.”
• United Dairymen of Idaho – Trade association that works to increase the demand for U.S.-produced dairy products on behalf of Idaho’s farm families.
• Idaho Potato Commission – Trade association that works to promote the sales of Idaho-grown potatoes worldwide.
• Idaho – Eastern Oregon Onions – Works to promote the sales of onions grown in Idaho and Eastern Oregon.