Features
Idaho's economy: Little, Risch share their perspectives
The economy is always a hot topic, especially in a growing state. The North Idaho Business Journal contacted Sen. Jim Risch and Gov. Brad Little for their perspectives on how business is going in the Gem State.
North Idaho's industry leaders remain
Government provides most jobs with highest earnings
In construction, there were 8,622 jobs in 2023 paying on average $67,515. Construction jobs in the area totaled 6,332 in 2018.
Scholarships help drive economy, communities forward
What turns the economic gears of a small community? Many will answer “supporting small businesses” or “attending community events,” however investing in the next generation may be one of the most effective ways to keep money local
North Idaho experiencing building boom, seeking workers to keep up
Dan Olson of Daniel J. Olson Construction has found that many of the construction workforce he knew in the industry decades ago are retiring.
Business comings and goings
With several room categories on four floors, TownPlace Suites by Marriott Hotel will open Thursday, May 30, on Northwest Boulevard just south of Interstate 90.
Bonners Ferry historic downtown sees new booming businesses
Bonners Ferry’s historic downtown has seen revitalization in the past months as many vacant buildings have been filled with new retail and service-based businesses.
SBA is there for North Idaho businesses
The onset of COVID-19 and the need for many businesses to take out loans brought the Small Business Administration in contact with more entrepreneurs than had previously come their way.
The successes and challenges of North Idaho's booming economy
Drive down any road in North Idaho and it's easy to see the economy is booming. New homes are being built, businesses are undergoing renovation or being built. More people are discovering what a magical, special place North Idaho is.
Panhandle Timber Defense works to protect against wildfires
Kyle Wacholz, through his company Panhandle Timber Defense, is working to mitigate the economic risks posed by catastrophic wildfires in the Idaho Panhandle region.
Create your own economic boom with the Book of Lists
Did you know that the region's workforce was almost 125,000 in December 2022? Or that there are more than 265,000 residents living in North Idaho.
'Everything begins with an idea'
“Everything begins with an idea.” Earl Nightingale may not have been talking about starting a business when he dropped this pearl in the 1950s, but the wisdom behind it holds to this day. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, 9,212 small businesses opened their doors in 2023 – but the U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that one in four small businesses fail within their first year of operation.
Training options abound for small businesses
While small businesses may not think they have a lot of options when it comes to training, citing either access, time, or cost, there is a lot more to choose from than they might think. "Start with the basics," Brent Baker, executive director of Pend Oreille Economic Partnership and founder of Elevate Now Consulting. "Know what all the bases are, and cover them, and in the right order. It is very common to see entrepreneurs doing a good job of working on the wrong thing."
Big benefits from small businesses
From brew pubs in Post Falls to boutiques on Sandpoint's historic First Avenue and all the way to the Center of the Universe in Wallace, small businesses reap huge rewards for their communities. "Small businesses are the heartbeat of Sandpoint," said Mickey Quinn, executive director of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce.
Toastmasters, NIA and Rotary play part in forging business bonds
Sharpening skills or honing in on specific types of business relationships are hard to foster in a vacuum, but organizations like Toastmasters, the North Idaho Alliance and Rotary Club offer focused opportunities to build community and train outside the workplace.
Previous Next