North Idaho Small Business Development Center

10/21/2026

The North Idaho Small Business Development Center at North Idaho College is offering a free webinar on "How to Get Business Funding". Register here: https://business.idahosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=80460042

09/24/2026

09/24/2026

USDA Grant News! A new online game allows players to build a farmers market empire as they learn real-world food safety topics. The game, “Market, Set, Go!,” was released earlier this year, just in time for the opening of seasonal farmers markets. Inspired by the highly successful SimCity games that debuted in 1989, "Market, Set, Go!" players become farmers market vendors and can build 10 stands with a variety of products and activities, including leafy greens, dog biscuits or face painting. To grow, vendors must solve food safety challenges. Success provides vendors more resources to expand their stand.

In the educational game Market, Set, Go you're a vendor at the Farmers' Market. Solve problems with food safety, and keep your customers happy and healthy. Watch out for the cute dog!

09/23/2026

Nondegree credentials may boost earnings, especially for those with just a high school diploma but sometimes even for those with college degrees. About 37% of adults ages 25 to 64 with at least a high school diploma went on to earn nondegree credentials (NDC) — professional certifications, licenses or certificates — which typically target specific skills and occupations.
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09/16/2026

Tired of leaving money on the table, or losing jobs to underbidders? 💼🔨
If you are a contractor, plumber, electrician, or landscaper here in North Idaho, knowing how to bid properly is the difference between surviving and thriving. Just giving a bottom-line number isn't enough anymore—vague bids invite clients to shop around on price alone.

Join the North Idaho SBDC for our upcoming workshop, "Bid to Win! Learn to successfully bid on construction projects."

You will gain the essential skills to:
✅ Understand the bidding process from start to finish
✅ Conduct thorough research so unexpected site issues don't eat your profits
✅ Prepare accurate cost estimates that protect your margins
✅ Craft a compelling proposal that puts your company's unique strengths front and center

Stop guessing on your numbers. Shift the conversation from "how cheap can you do it" to the actual value of your skilled expertise.🗓️ Date: Friday, November 13, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
📍 Format: Live Interactive Webinar (via Zoom)
💵 Cost: $0 (Free, thanks to SBA, State of Idaho, and NIC funding!)
🎟️ Register Today: https://business.idahosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=80460038

06/30/2026

Whether you're starting a business, expanding operations, purchasing equipment, or managing cash flow, financing can play an important role in achieving your goals. However, many business owners underestimate the preparation required when applying for a loan.

This article from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/startup/how-to-apply-for-a-small-business-loan) outlines the key steps involved in applying for a small business loan. A successful loan application starts with preparation. Understanding your financing needs, organizing your financial records, and reviewing your credit profile can help improve your chances of approval.

The stronger your financial records and business plan, the easier it becomes for lenders to understand your business and assess your ability to repay the loan.

Topics included are:
• Determine how much funding you need and how it will be used
• Research loan options and identify the right lender
• Review your business and personal credit profile
• Gather financial statements and supporting documentation
• Prepare a business plan and loan proposal if required
• Complete and submit the loan application
• Be prepared to answer questions and provide additional information

Interested in financing your business? Join our Funding Panel Discussion on July 15 to learn what lenders look for and how to position your business for funding success. You can register here: https://business.idahosbdc.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=80460029

04/21/2026

"Build something 100 people love, not something 1 million people kind of like."
~ Brian Chesky
Check out out newest class schedule

https://conta.cc/48NGoZ7

Email from North Idaho SBDC Small Business Succes Starts Here! "Build something 100 people love, not something 1 million people kind of like." ~ Brian Chesky Register for Free Business Coaching JOIN

04/16/2026

The Tax Debt Help tool provides individuals and businesses with a simple, accessible way to explore payment options and identify next steps based on their situation. The tool is part of the IRS’s broader effort to expand digital services and make it easier for taxpayers to meet their obligations. https://www.irs.gov/payments/get-help-with-tax-debt

The Tax Debt Help tool walks users through a series of straightforward questions about their financial situation and tax debt. Based on taxpayer responses, the tool will guide them to potential payment and resolution options available through the IRS.
These options may include payment plans, temporary delay of collections, or an offer in compromise for those who qualify. By presenting options in a clear, structured format, the tool helps taxpayers make informed decisions about how to resolve their tax debt. To protect taxpayer privacy, the tool does not require taxpayers to enter personally identifiable information. Taxpayers can explore available options without providing details such as Social Security numbers, names, or addresses. By expanding self-service options, the IRS is helping taxpayers resolve issues faster while reducing the need for phone calls or in-person visits.

04/14/2026

Check out this week's newsletter for our upcoming classes. https://conta.cc/3Ol9uYY

Email from North Idaho SBDC Small Business Succes Starts Here! "People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories, and magic." ~ Seth Godin Register for Free Business Coaching JOIN OUR

04/14/2026

If you need more time to file, request an extension
IR-2026-52, April 14, 2026
WASHINGTON — As the end of filing season approaches, the Internal Revenue Service reminds taxpayers they can get an extension to file their federal income tax return until Oct. 15, 2026, but they must request the extension by April 15, 2026, in order to avoid penalties.
An extension provides extra time to file, not additional time to pay. Taxes owed are still due by April 15. To avoid or minimize penalties and interest, taxpayers should estimate their total tax liability, subtract any payments already made, and pay the remaining balance by the deadline. , .

If you need more time to file your taxes, request an extension and pay any tax you owe by the April filing due date.