The economic backbone of North Idaho — small businesses

North Idaho is unique in its offerings, providing a blend of nature and entrepreneurial opportunities to residents seeking ownership. Many individuals have taken hold of the advantages that the area has to offer, opening shop to cater to the ever-growing communities within Idaho’s five northern counties.  

With many business advantages available to ambitious Idahoans, it’s no wonder why small business employers make up a majority of proprietors in the area.  

Small business employment in North Idaho, defined in this article by employers with less than 20 workers, make up about 89% of businesses in the region and 40% of the total private workforce in the area.  

In 2024, five northern counties had 8,127 private employers, according to Idaho Department of Labor data, with a total of 83,195 private employees. Of those numbers, 6,263 — 77% of the total — employed fewer than 10 workers. These small businesses make up 22% of total private employment, or 18,988 people.  

999 businesses — 12.3% of the total — employed between 10-19 workers, making up 16.2% of total private employment, or 13,443 people.  

According to Bureau of Labor statistics, North Idaho’s small business industry follows suit with national trends, as 79.9% of American employers have fewer than 10 workers — comparing identical with north Idaho’s 77%.  

Resources are not limited in the Gem State for entrepreneurs wanting to put their name on the map.  

According to the Coeur d’Alene Economic Development Corporation, Idaho is a “pro-business state,” that provides a variety of tax incentives for new and existing businesses. Incentives available include sales tax exemptions and production sales tax exemptions, tax credits for investments, new job creation, real property improvement and research, state skills training programs, reimbursements up to $3,000 for costs of training a new employee or retaining one facing permanent layoff and more. Further information on state incentives can be found online at http://bit.ly/4kCyHYK.  

For those dipping their toes into entrepreneurship, there are several educational avenues available through statewide and regional college programs, with workforce training opportunities available through North Idaho College, Lewis and Clark State College and branches of University of Idaho and Boise State University.