Sign In
Free Newsletter
Key solutions to top challenges facing Idaho’s Black and African American entrepreneurs
There are more than three million small businesses owned by Black and African American entrepreneurs in the United States with annual sales totaling over $150 billion. However, in 2020, Black and African American business ownership rates dropped 41% between February and April 2020, the largest rate of any racial group. Historically, Black and African American entrepreneurs have faced systemic barr[...]
3 investments that will give your small business a boost
Sometimes you have to spend money to make money, and although that may feel like a risky proposition for a small business owner, there are areas where you can get a lot of bang for your buck. Here are three investments you should consider to give your small business a boost: Technology [caption id="attachment_286140" align="alignright" width="214"] Dale Austin[/caption] Upgrading or investi[...]
Don’t let your credit score get in the way of your entrepreneurial dreams
[caption id="attachment_287415" align="alignright" width="300"] Lindsay Hendrix[/caption] Personal credit isn’t the only thing that determines whether you’ll get approved for a small business loan, but don’t let it be the one thing that stops you from pursuing your dream. Prospective entrepreneurs and established business owners alike will benefit from understanding how their personal cred[...]
What explains the disconnect in perspectives on Idaho’s growth?
A recent Boise State University poll found that 67% of Idahoans think Idaho is growing too fast. This perspective — that economic growth is not necessarily a good thing — runs counter to the frequent narrative of many economists and policymakers. What’s the disconnect? Some insight can be found in the interpretation of basic economic statistics. A widely used measure of economic progres[...]
Commercial trucks should pay their share to use the roads
[caption id="attachment_288808" align="alignright" width="201"] Allen Hodges[/caption] Our association has long supported equity when it comes to road usage taxes imposed on commercial trucks. Commercial vehicles in Idaho make up 12% of all miles driven annually in the state of Idaho and support 43% of the fuel tax collected for roads. The current state fuel tax is $0.32 per gallon of diese[...]
The next grid attack is coming. Idaho can help prevent it
Imagine if homes across Idaho lost power and heat without warning. That happened recently in North Carolina when criminals attacked a pair of electrical substations, cutting off power to tens of thousands of people for nearly a week. That event rightfully garnered national attention and scrutiny, but what may have escaped notice is that several similar grid attacks recently played out much closer [...]
How Idaho businesses can prepare for an economic downturn
Following a global pandemic, Idaho finance executives have redefined adaptability with warp-speed reconfiguration of capital investment plans. With a potential economic slowdown on the horizon in 2023, how can Idaho businesses prepare? [caption id="attachment_288473" align="alignright" width="240"] Brian Cook[/caption] Between supply chain stagnation, rapid inflation, rising interest rates a[...]
7 New Year’s resolutions for your small business
Setting New Year’s resolutions is an important exercise for businesses, especially as experts predict economic uncertainty in the new year. No matter what your goal is — improving workplace culture, increasing revenue and growth, or improving workplace wellness for your employees —setting goals can bring you closer to success. Here are seven business New Year's resolutions that you may[...]
A note from the editor Jan. 6
2023 is starting out strong for us. Our Jan. 6 edition features in-depth looks into Idaho industries and products, inspiring stories of business owners launching new ventures, two Idaho companies’ impact in another country, local collaborations and more. [caption id="attachment_286345" align="alignright" width="200"] Alx Stevens[/caption] [caption id="attachment_288149" align="align[...]
Hitting pause — successful contracting in an uncertain market
The construction industry has faced various struggles since the onset of the pandemic. Recent reports confirm that medium-term commercial construction, specifically, has a cloudy forecast at best. There are juxtaposing perspectives in the industry. The July AIA Consensus Construction Forecast Panel expressed optimism concerning the overall construction outlook for 2023, with a 6 percent growth[...]
Seeking a culture of courage? Try failing bigger and celebrating more
You may have heard the mantra “work hard, play hard.” Perhaps it is one by which you abide. It can be a way of channeling one’s power into creating a full, rich experience of life. There is good energy in giving everything to a pursuit. We feel complete. Unexamined, however, “work hard, play hard” can be another source of stress to endlessly push. As Peter Catapano, senior staff e[...]
3 tips to help small businesses not fall victim to scams
Small business owners have a lot on their plate, but fighting fraud should be a priority. Fraudsters often pretend to be someone you can trust and create a sense of urgency to act quickly. For example, a fraudster could compromise a business email and request a money transfer to a specified account often via a wire transfer. Once the wire is sent, the fraudster has the funds and it’s nearly impo[...]
