Entrepreneurs Thrive in Boise Valley

Technology Start Ups and New Businesses are Integral Part of the Landscape

According to Idaho Commerce and Labor statistics, Idaho is number one in the nation for patents per capita and ranked fifth in the creation of new companies. Combining these two statistics makes it easy to see that technology, innovative thinking and an entrepreneurial spirit have helped lead the Boise Valley to experience exponential growth and development in business and technology.

There is a commonality between the greater Boise area and the world of technology. In a word: growth. Technology is ever-changing and with this change comes the demand for businesses that focus on science and technology in the Boise Valley. Whether you are an established business looking to expand, or an entrepreneur looking to begin, Boise Valley offers a wealth of opportunity in the technology industry. According to Idaho Commerce and Labor statistics from 2005, technology products accounted for 72% of Idaho's total exports, there are more than 4,100 high-tech firms in Idaho, and more than 55,000 Idahoans work in high-tech industries.

With this in mind, it is not surprising that there are always events being held by organizations small and large, independent or otherwise that provide enormous opportunity to business leaders of Boise Valley as well as those looking to move in and become a part of the Valley's growth. Additionally, there are several business resources to help technology companies in their efforts to adjust to new surroundings as quickly as possible and take advantage of all the Valley has to offer.

Business Resources

Boise Angel Alliance (www.boiseangelalliance.com): Helping to connect emerging companies with capital resources

Keritsu Forum (www.k4boise.com/boise.htm): 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 (www.highway12ventures.com): Investing in promising, emerging, start-up companies and providing resources to entrepreneurs.

Kickstand (www.kickstand.org): Helping to pave the way for technology entrepreneurs in the Boise Valley.

TechConnect, Inc. (www.idahotechconnect.com): "Bridging the gap between entrepreneurial and innovation assets. Supporting the development of innovative companies. Helping existing companies to compete."

Idaho Office of Science and Technology (www.technology.idaho.gov):

Governor's Science and Technology Advisory Council (www.technology.idaho.gov):

BioIdaho (www.bioidaho.org): Idaho BioScience works to promote and improve research and business environments across the state to attract bioscience talent.

TechHelp (www.techhelp.org): Provide technical assistance, training and information to manufacturers throughout Idaho to strengthen competitiveness through product and process improvements.

Small Business Development Center (www.idahosbdc.org): Offers a wealth of free or low-cost information to help educate and support small business owners, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

Idaho National Laboratory (www.inl.gov): INL is operated for the Department of Energy and provides unique educational, management, research and scientific assets into a world-class national laboratory.

Score (www.idahotvscore.org/boise/): SCORE® is a nationwide organization of active and retired business men and women who volunteer their services to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Events

The Idaho Innovation Awards (www.stoel.com/innovation) is an annual event held in the fall to recognize outstanding high-tech innovations and the organizations responsible for creating them.

Kickstart (www.kickstartidaho.com) is an annual event held in the spring playing host to the gathering by and for innovators and entrepreneurs throughout Idaho and the Northwest.

January

Ideas Innovations Idaho Day at the Legislature (annual showcase)

February

Family Engineering Day (annual)

June

TechLaunch Statewide event (www.Idahotechconnect.com)

Spring Events

TechLaunch Regional Competitions (www.Idahotechconnect.com)
Kickstart (www.kickstartidaho.com)

Fall Events

Annual Legislative Luncheon sponsored by Boise Chamber and Idaho Statesman (www.Boisechamber.org).