1. Coworking
1.1. The Watercooler
1.1.1. Office space that encourages collaboration and offers mentoring, community engagement, growth, and success
1.1.2. Events
1.1.3. Contact
1.1.3.1. Tara Flume
1.1.3.1.1. 208.794.7508
1.1.3.1.2. [email protected]
2. Organizations that Support Startups
2.1. startupboise
2.1.1. Overview
2.1.1.1. startupboise is an entrepreneur-led, grassroots program assembled to energize the Boise entrepreneur and startup scene by creating a concentrated and collaborative community of startups. Our vision: to help solidify Boise as a premiere startup city in America.
2.1.2. Contact
2.1.2.1. Pat Lawless
2.1.2.1.1. [email protected]
2.1.2.1.2. (208) 968-0224
2.1.2.2. Kelci Richardson
2.1.2.2.1. [email protected]
2.1.2.2.2. (208) 968-0224
2.2. IGEM: Idaho Global Entrepreneurial Mission
2.2.1. Overview
2.2.1.1. A program of the Idaho State Department of Commerce
2.2.1.2. iGem is a comprehensive strategy to enable Idaho’s stakeholders to collaborate and leverage resources with the goal of increasing the state’s knowledge-based economy. Successful implementation of iGem strategies will increase the research capacity of Idaho’s universities in strategic areas, develop a world-class talent pool, and develop dynamic consortium of industry, university and government partnerships. These economic drivers will generate globally competitive technologies, high-paying jobs, new startups and an expanded tax base. iGem will create an innovative ecosystem to sustain a thriving and top-performing economy.
2.2.1.3. Its goal is to create new enterprises and high-paying knowledge-based economy jobs by increasing strategic areas of research and development through targeted partnerships among industry, higher education and government that leverage new and existing resources.
2.2.2. Contact
2.2.2.1. Jesse Speck
2.2.2.1.1. IGEM Innovation Manager
2.2.2.1.2. 208 334 2470
2.2.2.1.3. [email protected]
2.3. Idaho Technology Council ITC)
2.3.1. Overview
2.3.1.1. The ITC provides a valuable networking resource for industry executives, potential partners, academic leaders, investors, government and customers. They exist to connect, inform and promote the technology companies in Idaho and are dedicated to foster the growth of technology companies in the state, primarily in the areas of software , biotech , energy and iGEM . The ITC advocates for creating a strong, innovative technology ecosystem and a high quality, high paid workforce.
2.3.2. Contacts
2.3.2.1. Jay Larsen
2.3.2.1.1. President & Founder
2.3.2.1.2. [email protected]
2.3.2.1.3. 208-422-9100 ext. 119
2.3.2.2. Malcolm Hong
2.3.2.2.1. Project Manager
2.3.2.2.2. [email protected]
2.3.2.2.3. 208-422-9100 ext. 122
2.3.3. Purpose
2.3.3.1. connect, inform, promote tech in Idaho
2.3.3.2. Foster the growth f Idaho tech companies
2.3.3.2.1. software
2.3.3.2.2. biotech
2.3.3.2.3. energy
2.3.3.2.4. IGEM
2.3.3.3. Advocates for strong, innovative tech ecosystem; high quality, high-paid workforce.
2.3.4. Stakeholders
2.3.4.1. industry execs
2.3.4.2. potential partners
2.3.4.3. academic leaders
2.3.4.4. investors
2.3.4.5. government
2.3.4.6. customers
2.3.5. Events:
2.3.5.1. Tech Cocktail
2.3.5.2. develop.idaho
2.3.5.2.1. only event of its kind in the state created to connect software developers, designers, entrepreneurs and students with Idaho’s brightest software leaders and special guests. This year’s theme, “Find Your Platform,” is about showing how software companies are not just solving specific problems, but building integrated solutions that scale and serve a wide user base. Find Your Platform will also challenge each of us to find our own platform for success.
2.3.5.3. GoLeadIdaho
2.3.5.3.1. Features local and national speakers and panels to help attendees find their public engagement voice, discover their policy passion and be inspired to lead – whether through elected, appointed, volunteer or business opportunities.
2.3.6. Events
2.3.7. ITC BioTech Alliance
2.3.7.1. Overview
2.3.7.1.1. The ITC is the state affiliate for the global BIO, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, which states the following regarding biotech:
2.3.7.1.2. Currently, the ITC is creating a BioTech industry cluster which will build global differentiation for Idaho biotechnologies. Clusters are geographic and or segmented concentrations of interconnected companies and institutions in a particular field. They encompass an array of linked industries and other entities important to competition.
2.3.8. ITC Software Alliance
2.3.8.1. Overview
2.3.8.1.1. dedicated to the promotion and development of software developers and software companies throughout the state of Idaho. We are a group of dedicated business people, collaborating to improve the economic opportunities for students, employees and businesses. Our focus is increasing the awareness of the required competencies along with the opportunity before us to help grow and nurture our software community.
2.3.9. ITC Energy Consortium
2.3.9.1. Overview
2.3.9.1.1. To encourage the flow of ideas and expertise (formal and informal networking).
2.3.9.1.2. To demonstrate the State's clear advantage as it relates to business of energy technology.
2.3.9.1.3. To facilitate a common understanding and message across energy stakeholders.
2.3.9.1.4. To form a common voice to advocate on behalf of the growing energy technology segment.
2.4. Idaho Tech Connect
2.4.1. Overview
2.4.1.1. Idaho TechConnect is a business catalyst - igniting entrepreneurs and companies as they bring innovative solutions to market. TechConnect offers a proven methodology and framework to help Idaho entrepreneurs, researchers and scientists achieve commercialization success. They actively support Kickstand networking events, as well as organize TechLaunch , an annual business pitch contest designed to educate and provide a stage for entrepreneurs and students to practice and hone their pitch in front of the business/investment community. TechConnect also operates Kickstand chapters in Moscow, Twin Falls and Idaho Falls.
2.4.2. Contact
2.4.2.1. Rick Ritter
2.4.2.1.1. [email protected]
2.4.2.1.2. (208) 908-0625
2.4.3. Events
2.4.4. Kickstand
2.4.4.1. Overview
2.4.4.1.1. Founded in 2000, Kickstand is a statewide entrepreneur support organization helping-their members’ network, learn and grow.
2.4.4.2. Events
2.4.4.2.1. Meetings are held the second Thursday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the Watercooler in Boise’s Linen District at 14th & Idaho.
2.4.4.3. Contact
2.4.5. TechLaunch
2.5. Girls in Tech
2.5.1. Overview
2.5.1.1. A social network enterprise focused on the engagement, education and empowerment of like-minded, professional, intelligent and influential women in technology.
2.5.2. Events
2.5.2.1. Meets every first Wednesday of the month at noon at the BSU Downtown Center on Main.
2.5.3. Contact
2.6. TechHelp: Solutions for Manufacturers
2.6.1. Overview
2.6.1.1. TechHelp manufacturing specialists provide technical and professional assistance, training and information to Idaho manufacturers, processors and inventors to help them strengthen their global competitiveness. They offer advanced manufacturing services that help Idaho companies drive bottom line savings and top line growth.
2.6.2. Events
2.6.2.1. Holds events and training year-round.
2.6.3. Contact
2.6.3.1. Steve Hatten
2.6.3.1.1. [email protected]
2.7. BSU: Idaho Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
2.7.1. Overview
2.7.1.1. The Idaho SBDC is a university-based organization offering confidential no-cost business consulting and low-cost training to help small businesses and entrepreneurs start and grow. The Idaho SBDC offers a continual schedule of affordable workshops, conferences, and special events; each designed to teach practical, hands-on small business management skills. Topics include marketing, cash flow, financial statements, business valuation, sales, bookkeeping, accounting, strategic planning and much more.
2.7.2. Events
2.7.3. Contact
2.7.3.1. 1-800-225-3815 (toll-free) or 208-426-1640
2.7.3.2. [email protected]
2.8. BSU: Technology and Entrepreneurial Center (TECenter)
2.8.1. Overview
2.8.1.1. Located on Boise State University's West Campus in Nampa, the TECenter offers start-up and early stage technology company entrepreneurs the expertise, networks and tools they need to succeed. They offer a number of trainings and networking events.
2.8.2. Contact
2.8.3. Events
2.9. BSU: Boise Code Camp
2.9.1. Overview
2.9.1.1. Boise’s premier software development technical event. Boise Code Camp offers a full day of technology learning for the best price possible: free! Spend a day improving your game, learning the latest technology and networking with your technical peers.
2.9.2. With Boise State University's College of Engineering
2.10. BSU: Venture College
2.10.1. Led by business executives, Venture College offers students a customized education plan, individual coaching by experts, internships and invaluable experience to launch their own businesses or nonprofits.
2.10.2. Contact
2.10.2.1. Kevin Learned
2.10.2.2. Ed Zimmer
2.10.2.3. Mary Andrews
2.11. B-launched.: Start-up training for young entrepreneurs
2.11.1. Sponsored by Boise Young Professionals
2.11.2. Overview
2.11.2.1. A one of a kind, “soup to nuts” competition that is designed to connect Boise’s young professional talent with experienced entrepreneurs to encourage idea development and create company startups.
2.11.3. Events
2.11.4. Contact
2.12. Idaho Treasure Valley SCORE Counselors to America’s Small Business
2.12.1. Overview
2.12.1.1. SCORE "Counselors to America's Small Business" is a nonprofit association dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth and success of small business nationwide. SCORE is a resource partner with the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE offers one-day workshops that cover the major factors that are essential to establish or grow a small business.
2.12.2. Workshop Schedule
2.12.3. Contact
2.12.3.1. Tel: (208) 334-1696
2.12.3.2. [email protected]
2.13. MicroEnterprise Training & Assistance (META)
2.13.1. Overview
2.13.1.1. A nonprofit provider of direct and supportive small business assistance to new Americans, women, minorities, and other low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs in southwest and south central Idaho. META specializes in providing direct microloans, one-on-one consulting, and business plan training classes. These and other resources give META clients the tools to prosper and contribute to the economic vitality in the communities in which they live. Trainings are offered on a regular basis.
2.13.2. Training Schedule
2.13.3. Events Calendar
2.13.4. Contact
2.13.5. META Women’s Business Center
2.13.5.1. Overview
2.13.5.1.1. The Women’s Business Center of Idaho is dedicated to creating jobs through the establishment and growth of new and existing businesses in the State of Idaho. It is our belief that educating and mentoring women business owners will not only provide economic empowerment but will create a better society overall. We do business counseling and training on various topics. To date, we have counseled over 120 clients and assisted in the launch of 14 businesses which have 23 jobs. We have also assisted in the placement of $96,000 in loan funds for new or expanding business owners.
2.14. Idahos Coalition for Innovation (The Core): Health, Research, MedTech
2.14.1. Overview
2.14.1.1. The CORE is a technology, health care, and education enterprise zone in Meridian that will add new emphasis to Idaho’s Project 60 economic development initiative. Here the City of Meridian, Idaho State University and partners are preparing a technically proficient workforce for the region’s fastest-growing industries.
2.14.2. Events
2.14.3. Contact
2.14.3.1. Earl E. Sullivan, current Chairman
2.14.3.1.1. 208.724.0790
2.15. Entrepreneur Think-Tank Co-Operative (Meridian ETC)
2.15.1. Overview
2.15.1.1. An Entrepreneur success development center where members participate in the ownership, operation & profits of the co-op. Profits accrue through rents, membership fees, special training and events and, in the future, a retail space that will feature local products. Focused on building the small business community through creative, co-operative collaboration. Not just tech-specific.
2.15.2. Contact
2.16. TechBoise
2.16.1. Spotlights the people and companies making a difference in Boise, Meridian, and the greater Treasure Valley.
2.16.2. Seems to be dead
2.17. SBA: Small Business Administration
2.17.1. Overview
2.17.1.1. SBA offers a variety of programs and support services to help small business owners navigate the issues they face with initial applications, and resources to help after the company is open for business.
2.17.2. Events
2.17.2.1. "Click for Local Events"
2.17.3. Contact
2.17.3.1. 208-334-9004
3. Technology-Related User Groups
3.1. Boise Web Technologies Meetup Group
3.1.1. Overview
3.1.1.1. • Boise Web Technologies meetup group is a place where all web professionals in the Boise area can come together to learn, network, share, and of course eat. Programmers, designers, developers, social media gurus, SEO pros, business owners, and anyone else are welcome to attend. They are devoted to bridging the gap between technical gurus and employers who want to get the job done! Talks tend to center around open source and client-side technologies, but they are in no way limited to these topics. They meet on the 4th Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room in the U.S. Bank building. The food is sponsored by Bodybuilding.com and the venue is sponsored by Volt. For more information email <mailto:> Patrick Lee.
3.1.2. Contact
3.1.2.1. Patrick Lee
3.1.2.1.1. [email protected]
3.1.3. Meetings
3.1.3.1. 4th Thursday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the 2nd floor conference room in the U.S. Bank building.
3.1.3.2. The food is sponsored by Bodybuilding.com and the venue is sponsored by Volt.
3.2. Boise .NET User Group (NETDug)
3.2.1. Overview
3.2.1.1. • NETDUG is local group of software developers who meet regularly to discuss Microsoft Technologies. Each month they have a featured speaker, product giveaways and community networking. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Microsoft Building downtown.
3.2.2. Meetings
3.2.2.1. Meetings are at 6:30 p.m. the 3rd Thursday of the month at the Microsoft Building downtown.
3.3. Boise Software Developers Group (BSDG)
3.3.1. Overview
3.3.1.1. • BSDG is a discussion environment for developers and IT professionals focusing on building real-world solutions using the various development platforms, but focusing mainly on the Microsoft.NET platform. Meets every 1st Thursday of the month at the Washington Group building at 720 Park Blvd. in Boise, Idaho. Visit their Google group <https://groups.google.com/forum/?fromgroups>.
3.3.2. Google Group
3.3.3. Meetings
3.3.3.1. Meets every 1st Thursday of the month at the Washington Group building at 720 Park Blvd. in Boise, Idaho.
3.4. Boise SQL Server Users Group
3.4.1. Overview
3.4.1.1. • They are affiliated with the Professional Association for SQL Server <http://www.sqlpass.org/>, a world-wide SQL Server Users Group. They have meetings on the 2nd Tuesday of every month except December. They meet at the Microsoft Offices on the 4th floor of the Idaho Independent Bank Building, 401 W. Front Street, 4th Floor N. Fork Room, Boise. Their meetings begin at 5:30 p.m. and usually last until about 7:30 p.m.
3.4.2. Meetings
3.4.2.1. 2nd Tuesday of every month except December.
3.4.2.2. Microsoft Offices on the 4th floor of the Idaho Independent Bank Building, 401 W. Front Street, 4th Floor N. Fork Room, Boise.
3.4.2.3. Start at 5:30 p.m. and usually last until about 7:30 p.m.
3.5. Boise Area VMware User Group (VMUG)
3.5.1. Overview
3.5.1.1. • The VMware User Group is an independent, global, customer-led organization, which maximizes members’ use of VMware and partner solutions through knowledge sharing, training, collaboration, and events. Visit them on their Facebook page <> or email Rodney Truslow.
3.5.2. FaceBook Page
3.5.3. Contact
3.5.3.1. Rodney Truslow
3.5.3.1.1. rtruslow%20at%20bcidaho.com
3.6. Idaho PC Users Group
3.6.1. Overview
3.6.1.1. • They are Idaho's oldest and only PC User Group open to all users of the personal computers. Founded in 1984, the IPCUG has been a resource to both new and advanced users of Personal Computers. The Idaho PC Users Group's General Meeting is held the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. Go to their calendar page <http://idahopcug.apcug.org/page6.html> for more information.
3.6.2. Meetings
3.6.2.1. 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m
3.6.3. Events
3.7. Boise Linux User Group
3.7.1. Overview
3.7.1.1. • The Boise Linux User Group was founded by the Idaho PC User Group as a special interest group. They are Idaho's oldest Linux User group meeting continuously for 8 years. While the group is primarily focused on Ubuntu Linux users and its derivatives, they also support Fedora, openSUSE, Slackware, and Puppy Linux users. They meet once a month on the 1st Thursday at 6:30 p.m., in the Gates Meeting Room at the Boise Public Library! on Capitol Blvd. For more information, to make suggestions for the meetings, volunteer to present at their meetings, or to be placed on our email distribution list, you can email <mailto:[email protected]> Clint Tinsley.
3.8. Adobe Developers of Idaho
3.8.1. Overview
3.8.1.1. • Learn the latest tools and techniques using Adobe development tools. Find other developers that are using Flex, Adobe Air, Cold Fusion along with other programming languages to create Rich Internet Applications. Beginners and advanced developers are welcome!
3.8.2. Contact
3.8.2.1. Ben Whitaker
3.8.2.1.1. Ben%20%[email protected]%3e
3.9. JavaScript Users Group
3.9.1. Overview
3.9.1.1. Some Javascript developers in Boise shootin' the breeze.
3.9.2. Contact:
3.9.2.1. Cody Lindley
3.9.2.1.1. 208-859-1175
3.9.2.1.2. [email protected]
3.9.3. Meetings
3.9.3.1. 1st Tuesdays of each month in downtown Boise
3.10. Boise Drupal Group
3.10.1. Overview
3.10.1.1. Based out of Idaho's Treasure Valley (Boise, Nampa, Caldwell) the Boise Drupal Users Group seeks to bring Drupal users together, encourage new users, share knowledge and best practices, and encourage users to give back to the larger Drupal community.
3.10.2. Events
3.10.2.1. Sign up for RSS feed
3.11. Southern Idaho Society for Software Quality Assurance (SISQA)
3.11.1. Overview
3.11.1.1. • SISQA is a non-profit, voluntary membership organization based in Boise. Their purpose is to encourage and foster the exchange and development of Software Quality Assurance concepts, principles and practices.
3.12. Interactive Artists and Animators Group of Idaho (IAAGI)
3.12.1. Overview
3.12.1.1. • The culture of animators, game developers and technical artists in Idaho is taking leaps forward. For years, these types have been scattered throughout garages, bedrooms and small independent shops with virtually no way to share, teach and network. Through IAAGI, Krux Creative will be working to bring those days to an end. information email <mailto:> or call
3.12.2. Contact
3.12.2.1. Stuart Walsh
3.12.2.1.1. [email protected]
3.12.2.1.2. 208-631-0687
3.13. Social Media Club Boise
3.13.1. Overview
3.13.1.1. The Social Media Club Boise host conversations that explore key issues facing our community as technologies transform the way we connect, communicate, collaborate and relate to each other. Social Media Club enables you to explore your personal and professional passions by helping you connect with a community of your peers based on both geography and areas of interest. They exist to ensure that the world of Social Media does not become an echo chamber of self-reinforcing thoughts, but is instead fueled by diversity of opinion and perspective.
3.14. The Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE) Boise Section
3.14.1. Overview
3.14.1.1. IEEE is the world's largest professional association for the advancement of technology. The Boise section and its technical society chapters have numerous technical, professional development, and social/networking events throughout the year. IEEE membership is encouraged but not required to participate in most of these events. Information about upcoming events can be found on the section and chapter web sites. The local chapters include:
3.14.2. Local Chapters
3.14.2.1. · Boise Computer Society
3.14.2.2. · Electron Device Society Boise Chapter
3.14.2.3. · Boise Joint Chapter of the Power Engineering & Industry Applications Societies
4. Resources
4.1. Kaufman Foundation
4.1.1. One Million Cups
4.1.1.1. 1 Million Cups seeks to spotlight area startup companies in a weekly forum that's centered around hot coffee, hot topics and fresh feedback.
5. Events
5.1. Startup Weekend Idaho
5.1.1. TBA Spring 2013
5.1.2. Powered by thre Kauffman Foundation
5.1.3. weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable. On average, half of Startup Weekend’s attendees have technical backgrounds, the other half have business backgrounds.
5.1.4. Overview
5.1.4.1. Startup Weekends are weekend-long, hands-on experiences where entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs can find out if startup ideas are viable. On average, half of Startup Weekend’s attendees have technical backgrounds, the other half have business backgrounds. Beginning with open mic pitches on Friday, attendees bring their best ideas and inspire others to join their team. Over Saturday and Sunday teams focus on customer development, validating their ideas, practicing LEAN Startup Methodologies and building a minimal viable product. On Sunday evening teams demo their prototypes and receive valuable feedback from a panel of experts.
5.2. Boise Code Camp
5.2.1. Boise’s premier software development technical event. Boise Code Camp offers a full day of technology learning for the best price possible: free! Spend a day improving your game, learning the latest technology and networking with your technical peers.
5.2.2. With Boise State University's College of Engineering
5.3. TechLaunch
5.3.1. Overview
5.3.1.1. TechLaunch an annual business pitch contest designed to educate and provide a stage for entrepreneurs and students to practice and hone their pitch in front of the business/investment community.
5.3.1.2. Presented by Idaho TechConnect
5.4. Startup Speed Dating
5.4.1. Presented by Idaho Tech Connect
5.4.2. Overview
5.4.2.1. Following a competitive selection process, as many as 10 entrepreneurs will be chosen to participate in the educational and inspirational Start-up Speed Dating exercise. If your company is selected, you’ll be able to present key information about your company to 10 investors during a two-hour period. Speed Dating will allow you to receive real time feedbac
5.5. Tech Cocktail
5.5.1. aimed at helping build and strengthen local tech start-up communities both online and off. During past mixer events we have had companies find employees, co-founders, funding and some start-ups have even been acquired.
5.5.2. Idaho Technology Council
5.6. develop.idaho
5.6.1. only event of its kind in the state created to connect software developers, designers, entrepreneurs and students with Idaho’s brightest software leaders and special guests. This year’s theme, “Find Your Platform,” is about showing how software companies are not just solving specific problems, but building integrated solutions that scale and serve a wide user base. Find Your Platform will also challenge each of us to find our own platform for success.
5.6.2. Idaho Technology Council
5.7. GoLeadIdaho
5.7.1. Features local and national speakers and panels to help attendees find their public engagement voice, discover their policy passion and be inspired to lead – whether through elected, appointed, volunteer or business opportunities.
5.7.2. Idaho Technology Council
6. Startups
7. Accelerators
7.1. BSU: Technology and Entrepreneurial Center (TECenter)
7.1.1. Overview
7.1.1.1. Located on Boise State University's West Campus in Nampa, the TECenter offers start-up and early stage technology company entrepreneurs the expertise, networks and tools they need to succeed. They offer a number of trainings and networking events.
7.1.2. Contact
7.1.3. Events
8. Incubators
8.1. Nebula Shift
8.1.1. Building Software Companies to Create High Salary Jobs in Idaho
8.1.2. [email protected]
8.2. The Greenhouse
8.2.1. Helping Boise's early-stage companies build strong foundations and success.
8.2.2. Contact
8.2.2.1. Betti Newburn, Region III SBDC Director
8.2.2.2. (208) 426-3875
8.2.2.3. [email protected]
9. Investors
9.1. Boise Angel Fund
9.1.1. Overview
9.1.1.1. Early stage angel investments. Approximately 50 Idaho angels have come together to form the Boise Angel Alliance. Members of the Alliance along with several funds they have formed are interested in investing in early-stage, high-growth-potential Southwest Idaho companies. If you would like for us to consider your firm for an investment, we strongly encourage you to first review the other information linked to this page, especially our investment criteria.
9.1.2. Contact
9.1.2.1. Alliance Administrator, Kevin Learned
9.1.2.1.1. [email protected]
9.1.2.2. Screening Committee Chair Garrett Goldberg
9.1.2.2.1. [email protected]
9.2. Keiretsu Fund
9.2.1. Overview
9.2.1.1. Keiretsu Forum is a global investment community of accredited private equity angel investors, venture capitalists and corporate/institutional investors. Keiretsu Forum was founded in the San Francisco East Bay in California in 2000 by Randy Williams. We are a worldwide network of capital, resources and deal flow with 26 chapters on 3 continents. Keiretsu Forum members invest in high-quality, diverse investment opportunities. Our community is strengthened through its involvement in social and charitable activities.
9.2.2. Contact
9.2.2.1. Tyler Varnell
9.2.2.1.1. Marketing/Events Coordinator
9.2.2.1.2. Northwest Region
9.2.2.1.3. (206) 529-3687
9.2.2.1.4. [email protected]