The U.S. Small Business Administration provides multiple no-cost workshops covering Business Basics, the ABC's of SBA Loan Programs, Doing Business with the Federal Government and Social Networking & Web Marketing. Visit the SBA website for more information.

The Idaho State Tax Commission has a new online resource to help new business start ups. “Starting Your Business on the Right Track” is a five-part, self-paced course covering tax permit requirements for Idaho businesses. Made up of five sections, each part takes about 10-30 minutes to review, with the total course easily completed in an hour and a half. To take the online “Right Track” course, go to the Tax Commission’s website, tax.idaho.gov, and visit the “E-learn” page under “Online Services.” The Boise Tax Commission office also offers an on-site “Right Track” class the second Tuesday of each month. For more information, and to register for the class, call 334-7660 in the Boise area or (800) 972-7660 toll free.

The SCORE program is an organization sponsored by the SBA to match volunteer business-management consultants with present and prospective small business owners in need of expert advice. The volunteers provide free and confidential one-to-one consulting and offer low-cost pre-business workshops. More information can be found SCORE Treasure Valley web site or by calling 208-334-1696 ext 338.

The SBA provides funding for a network of Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) throughout the country. There are eight Idaho SBDC locations and over 1,000 locations nationwide. The SBDCs provide no-cost business consulting, training, and research tailored to the local community and the needs of individual clients. The Idaho Small Business Development Center (Idaho SBDC) is a university-based organization offering a wealth of free and low-cost information designed to educate and support Idaho small business owners and managers, inventors, and potential entrepreneurs. More information can be found at Small Business Development Center web site or calling (208) 426-3875.

The Idaho Department of Commerce helps an existing business expand and encourages the start-up of new Idaho businesses. Specific programs include: Idaho Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC); Information Services; International Business Division; and Business Retention Development Program. More information can be found at Idaho Department of Commerce web site or by calling (208) 334-2470

The Industrial Commission is the agency responsible for regulating workers’ compensation activities in Idaho. Educational seminars and workshops are conducted. More information can be found at Idaho Industrial Commision web site or by calling (208) 334-6031.

Did you know? One of the best ways to get information is by visiting the IRS Small Business Tax Center where you can learn everything from how to get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) online to how to best navigate an audit.

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