BOISE, Idaho — Idaho Women's Business Center with community partners and the Idaho Hispanic Foundation celebrated the opening of three new locations Friday in Idaho, with a special focus on women in underserved areas of Idaho.
It's no secret starting a successful business requires more than just a great idea.
"You have to know the legal aspect, how to register a business, how to get your LLC, how to get your accounting set up, you have to create a business plan. Well then there's marketing, you have to figure out how to do a website," said Diane Bevan, executive director, Idaho Women's Business Center.
And since small businesses make Idaho's economy stronger...
"We're hoping to see more women actually open their business and not just dream about it, because they know they can come here and figure out how."
Idaho senator Jim Risch helped secure federal funding from the Small Business Administration, helping the Idaho Women's Business Center to get on its feet. It's a new resource for all Idahoans-- but especially women in rural communities.
"Having been an entrepreneur in rural Idaho, I know first-hand the struggle. I know that you're, you're far away from resources, you know they exist but they're just too far to get to," she said.
Starting next week, Idaho Women's Business Center will begin hosting low-to-no-cost classes taught by SBA teachers and University of Idaho business school leaders, in Boise, Nampa, Twin Falls, and at University of Idaho offices across the state.
"They have them in 42 of 44 counties, so that way we can advertise a class, out in rural Idaho... women can attend at University of Idaho location," said Bevan.
And with its partnership with the Idaho Hispanic Foundation, Bevan says this couldn't have come at a better time.
"We know that women are opening businesses right now faster than men. Women entrepreneurs is the fastest growing segment and within that we're seeing a lot of entrepreneurs in our Latina population as well as our other minority populations in Idaho," she said.
While the focus is on women, Bevan says they won't discriminate against men wishing to sign up. Bevan said they plan to expand into Idaho Falls as well.
To learn more about the dates, times, and locations off these classes, visit their Facebook page.
