Friends, neighbors power North Idaho's economy, communities
Caroline Lobsinger
Small businesses are the backbone of North Idaho.
They are run by friends. They were launched by neighbors. They coach the youth soccer, lacrosse or T-ball team. They serve on the local city council. They are members of local civic groups and are the friendly face taking your order at a local festival or fundraiser.
Creative. Dedicated. Hard-working.
More possible descriptions of the people behind some of the best businesses in the region.
Involved. Inventive. They are the first to donate to local school groups and fundraisers and have perfected the art of customer service, making you feel special every time you walk in the door.
North Idaho, quite simply, would not be the special place that it is without them.
If you need something out of the ordinary or in a different size, they are the first to offer to help and, if it's possible to do so, they will tap into their network of vendors to get an item that they normally don't carry.
Their numbers are greater than many realize.
In 2024, the 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.
The region is a "sweet spot" for innovation, as shown in a story this month about the Innovation Collective. With more than 60 offices comprising 40,000 square feet, the collective has become a hub for local startups and companies with big dreams and aims to help make them happen.
They are the heart and soul of local chambers of commerce, which act as both a networking entity, training hub and source of advice on everything from where can I locally buy X product so that I can sell Y product.
These businesses — and all of the other businesses which form the downtowns, the shopping districts and hidden-out-of-the-way gems — are North Idaho. Without their spirit, without the people behind them, this place wouldn't be so special.
Dive into this month's North Idaho Business Journal to learn a little bit more about some of these amazing businesses — and then head out and get to know a few of them in person.
You'll be glad you did.
— Caroline Lobsinger, NIBJ Editor
