Celebrating 40 Years
This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Idaho Small Business Development Center (ISBDC). We’re celebrating four decades of supporting entrepreneurs all over Idaho. Since the beginning, the Idaho SBDC has been the cornerstone of support for Idaho’s small business community, empowering countless businesses to build and grow successfully. The Idaho SBDC is one of 63 Lead SBDC networks across the country, making it part of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive small business assistance program.
In October of 1984, the Idaho SBDC was piloted through an agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Boise State University. The pilot was a resounding success, and within just over a year, it had made significant contributions to the small business community. In January of 1986, the Idaho SBDC was formally established at Boise State University and designated as the “Lead Center” for the state. Soon after, a second center was opened at Idaho State University in Pocatello. In 1987, alongside thirteen other states, the Idaho SBDC was officially added to America’s SBDC network.
Originally focused on the basics of business planning – helping entrepreneurs understand how to start and grow a business – the Idaho SBDC has continued to adapt by expanding its scope to address the specific technical and digital challenges that have emerged over the last 40 years. These growing sectors of expertise include e-commerce, digital marketing, high-tech startups, cybersecurity, international trade, environmental solutions, and, of course, artificial intelligence.
The Idaho SBDC comprises six regional centers across Idaho, each affiliated with a local college or university. Operated through partnerships with the federal government, state government, and higher education institutions, the Idaho SBDC leverages a combination of funding to provide no-cost, confidential business consulting to Idahoans. Our consultants are experienced professionals – often former business owners themselves – who are dedicated to helping clients overcome roadblocks and seek growth opportunities.
Guided by a core commitment to serve, respect, discover, and persevere, the Idaho SBDC helps its clients typically outperform their peers, achieving 5 times the sales growth of the average Idaho small business. In 2024 alone, client businesses saw a $59 million increase in sales. With 27% of our clients in rural areas, we ensure our services reach every corner of our state.
As our network enters the next forty-year cycle, we aim to remain a critical component of our state’s economy. Focused on helping innovators “Think BIG and start small”, we can continue to support Idaho’s small businesses as the primary driver of our state’s prosperity. With continued data-driven evolution in the ever-changing business landscape, the Idaho SBDC is committed to serving its community for years to come.
To explore a timeline of the Idaho SBDC and our 40 year impact, see the images below.
40 Year Timeline
40 Year Impact
