From offices in Boise, Post Falls, Twin Falls, and Pocatello, TechHelp Specialists help Idaho manufacturers, food processors and entrepreneurs improve their competitiveness through continuous product and process innovation.

TechHelp helps Idaho companies create products of all kinds. When a company has success selling domestically, there is good reason to explore global markets and join Idaho companies that sell around $6 billion worth of goods and services to 168 countries worldwide. As Idaho’s Manufacturing Extension Partner (MEP), and a member of the Idaho District Export Council, TechHelp can introduce you to the state’s export experts who help Idaho inventors, manufacturers and processors sell to the 6.5 Billion consumers with 70% of the world’s purchasing power who live outside the U.S. 

A  report from Dun & Bradstreet and American Express indicated that about 4% of Idaho’s middle-market companies (firms generating between $10 million and $1 billion) are exporting compared to about 5% nationwide. Idaho has 546 middle-market firms, and 21 are engaged in export activities. Idaho’s technology sector generates about half of Idaho’s exports, with agriculture driving around 21%.

Exporting can be profitable, but it can also introduce language, culture, law, currency, certifications, business environment challenges. Thankfully, Idaho is home to a host of organizations that can address export challenges:

  • The Idaho District Export Council or DEC is a volunteer organization drawn from Idaho industries and service providers. DEC members provide a unique source of professional advice to help other Idaho firms compete and win business in the global marketplace.
  • The U.S. Commercial Service Office in Boise, aka U.S. Export Assistance Center or USEAC, is a federal government agency dedicated to helping small-to-medium sized Idaho businesses realize their export potential. Connecting with the local USEAC gives you access to the agency’s 165 offices in 82 countries worldwide. The Idaho office in Boise has been run admirably for years by Director Amy Benson. Phone: (208) 364-7791 Email: amy.benson@trade.gov
  • The Idaho Department of Commerce Division of International Business staff members are experts in developing reliable global business relationships. The IB Division helps companies identify prospects in international markets, find financing to support this new aspect of a business, and match companies with local resources that can provide export services.
  • The Idaho State Department of Agriculture Market Development Division is a public resource providing marketing assistance to Idaho’s food and agriculture industry. The Division’s mission is “to promote Idaho’s food and agriculture industry by expanding opportunities in domestic and foreign markets fostering industry growth and profitability.” (See 2020 Idaho Ag Trade Issues Report)
  • The Idaho Small Business Development Center, in collaboration with other statewide resources, has developed programs to position small and medium-sized businesses to take maximum advantage of business and trade opportunities in the global marketplace.
  • Boise State’s College of Business & Economics International Business Program is a fount of information, programs, and resources for the export community. IB strives to provide the highest value preparation to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, enabling them to compete successfully in the global economy. IB Majors are students of the world representing a variety of diverse cultures and languages. In addition, IB manages or supports several programs that benefit exporters, including:
    • Export Excellence (ExporTech) – Since 2010, IB has been the exclusive provider of interns to Idaho’s Export Excellence Program that helps Idaho companies accelerate profitable export activities. 
    • Heidelberg Project – In collaboration with The Business School of Applied Science at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, and the Idaho Small Business Development Center, IB offers Idaho companies the ability to investigate market opportunities in Germany and Europe. Since 2005, student teams, with oversight from professors at both universities, conducted field research for Idaho companies on potential markets and other specific queries from the firms. As a result, these firms receive a customized marketing study, analysis, and plan for exporting products or services to Europe or Germany.
    • Internships prepare IB students for success in the globally competitive job market and provide critical workforce, knowledge, and skills to Idaho companies struggling to find resources to accelerate export activities. IB majors have completed over 70 internships with various multinational and governmental agencies over the past few years.

Other Resources:

  • Export.gov is a great starting point for all things export and international. The site is managed by the International Trade Association in collaboration with U.S. agencies and private sector organizations involved in trade.
  • STEP Grant Funding – Funds export growth activities such as trade shows, Governor’s or Foreign Trade Mission, Foreign Market Sales Trips, Services phttp://commerce.idaho.gov/idaho-business/international-trade/state-trade-and-export-promotion-grantroved by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Website translation to a foreign language, search engine optimization, localization services, and International Trade Shows
  • U.S. Export Portal Including Export Readiness Assessment – Many free tools, including an assessment that determines export readiness.

 

Infographic on Idaho agriculture exports.

Upcoming Workshops & Events

Food Safety Modernization Plan – Gem State Food Safety Alliance

University of Idaho Research and Extension Center or Virtual Workshop 315 Falls Ave,, Twin Falls, Idaho

Funded by a grant from the Northwest & Rocky Mountain Regional Food Business Center for a limited time, the Program is worth over $15,000 to each participant. Embark on a journey to fortify your food processing endeavors with our comprehensive course. 4/02/24, 4/16/24, 4/30/24, 5/14/24 and 5/28/24 Tailored for all, including smaller entities with fewer than 500 employees, this program is designed to equip you with the expertise, templates, and guidance necessary to craft a robust Food Safety Plan in compliance with the Preventive Control for Human Food regulations under the Food Safety Modernization Act and Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point standards. Prior to completing the registration process, a preapproval screening is needed. If you are interested in joining, kindly reach out to Janna Hamlett at 208-731-9363 or jannahamlett@techhelp.org so we can schedule a meeting to discuss the details and assess compatibility. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Spudnik Site Tour & Hosted Social Hour

Spudnik 584 West 100 North, Blackfoot, Idaho

Join us for a tour and networking time hosted by Spudnik! Open to members and non-members, the tour will last approximately 90 minutes and attendees can stay for a networking […]

Developing a Food Product Idea

The University of Idaho Education Center 1902 E Chicago St, Caldwell, United States

Do you have a concept for a food product but lack clarity on the market requirements for selling it? Transform Your Food Idea into a Marketable Product! Join our 1-Day Workshop with our team of food experts, with a collective experience of over 45 years in assisting both small and large-scale food manufacturers. Gain Invaluable Insights on Regulatory Requirements, Food Safety Systems, Processing Options, Marketing Strategies, Business Plans or gain insights into any additional questions you might want to explore.

$125

2024 Idaho Rural Success Summit

SHOSHONE BANNOCK HOTEL & EVENT CENTER 777 Bannock Ave, Pocatello, United States

This event serves as a platform to exchange success stories and share essential resources, fostering an environment where Idaho’s rural communities and businesses can not only survive but truly flourish.

Innovation & Ingenuity @ I-90 Aerospace Corridor 2024 Conference & Expo in Coeur d’Alene

Coeur d’ Alene Resort 115 S 2nd St, Coeur d' Alene, ID, United States

This event is designed specifically for aerospace manufacturers seeking to expand their industry knowledge and build their business.
​Participants will learn about the latest industry trends, challenges, and forecasts, and network with peers, prospective customers, and vendors from the region’s aerospace supply chain. Join the event in person at the Coeur d’Alene Resort on May 28-29, 2024. Mix business with pleasure the day after the conference golfing at the scenic Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course.

2024 Idaho Small Business Contracting Symposium

Get ready to flip the script at Idaho’s biggest Reverse Vendor Trade Show! Imagine vendors shaking hands directly with contractors and subcontractors. Seasoned pros staff the booths, and vendors bounce […]

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course – Coeur d’Alene

North Idaho College Hedlund Building Room 420 N College Dr, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Lean Six Sigma also know as Continuous Improvement Methodology integrates the advantages of Lean in process improvement with the statistical process control benefits offered by Six Sigma. It harnesses the value-added emphasis of Lean while upholding the statistical rigor inherent in Six Sigma. The series comprises four comprehensive training sessions, each spanning a full day, with a two-week interval between sessions. Participants are allotted this time to complete project work, an indispensable component of the program.

$1,500

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course – Coeur d’Alene

North Idaho College Hedlund Building Room 420 N College Dr, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Lean Six Sigma also know as Continuous Improvement Methodology integrates the advantages of Lean in process improvement with the statistical process control benefits offered by Six Sigma. It harnesses the value-added emphasis of Lean while upholding the statistical rigor inherent in Six Sigma. The series comprises four comprehensive training sessions, each spanning a full day, with a two-week interval between sessions. Participants are allotted this time to complete project work, an indispensable component of the program.

$1,500

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course – Coeur d’Alene

North Idaho College Hedlund Building Room 420 N College Dr, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Lean Six Sigma also know as Continuous Improvement Methodology integrates the advantages of Lean in process improvement with the statistical process control benefits offered by Six Sigma. It harnesses the value-added emphasis of Lean while upholding the statistical rigor inherent in Six Sigma. The series comprises four comprehensive training sessions, each spanning a full day, with a two-week interval between sessions. Participants are allotted this time to complete project work, an indispensable component of the program.

$1,500

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Course – Coeur d’Alene

North Idaho College Hedlund Building Room 420 N College Dr, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

Lean Six Sigma also know as Continuous Improvement Methodology integrates the advantages of Lean in process improvement with the statistical process control benefits offered by Six Sigma. It harnesses the value-added emphasis of Lean while upholding the statistical rigor inherent in Six Sigma. The series comprises four comprehensive training sessions, each spanning a full day, with a two-week interval between sessions. Participants are allotted this time to complete project work, an indispensable component of the program.

$1,500