4 Best Startup Accelerators and Incubators in Boise, Idaho 2024
Last Updated: By TRUiC Team
Boise startup accelerators are programs designed to take your startup to the next level. Because they are based in Boise and the surrounding areas, they often prefer participants who are located in the area. If you gain acceptance to a program, the close proximity of the organization means you can often get in-person guidance, which can prove invaluable for startups.
We’ve gathered our favorite startup accelerators in Boise — programs that want to help startups reach their full potential. Each has its own style, and some have different requirements, so dig deep into any of them that interest you. Hopefully, you can find one that is looking for exactly the kind of startup you're working on.
We also recommend exploring our main list of the best startup accelerators.
Startup Incubators and Accelerator Programs in Boise
These Boise startup incubators and accelerator programs are all worth considering. Be sure to verify that you qualify for participation before applying, as some have specific requirements that not all startups will meet.
1. Trailhead
Trailhead is a membership-based program for small businesses that provides different programs and services to help accelerate business growth. It was founded by local entrepreneurs who wanted to help facilitate the enhancement of the small business community in the area. By providing knowledge, tools, resources, and networks, it seeks to be a hub for startups and anyone else that needs help taking their venture to the next level.
Programs at Trailhead include pitch nights, entrepreneur week, community lunches, idea development workshops, and more. They are hosted throughout the year, some as often as a few times a month, and accessible to all members.
Trailhead also provides desks and workspaces for new businesses and even students. If you need a place to get work done and want to be surrounded by other business-minded individuals, Trailhead can help.
2. Elevate Idaho
Elevate Idaho helps businesses in the early stages to compete for federal research and development funds through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR). The organization is a partnership between a variety of state organizations, including professional regional, state, university, and federal mentors.
Elevate has Innovation Centers located throughout the state that provide virtual services, including mentorship, direct proposal assistance, training, and a variety of other services.
All companies with a business license in Idaho that are American-owned, for-profit, and have 500 or fewer employees are welcome to apply.
The services are free for participants, making Elevate Idaho a valuable resource for startups and small businesses.
3. Idaho SBDC
The Idaho SBDC offers two different accelerator programs in Boise and Nampa. These programs take advantage of professional business consultants, a powerful local network, and other resources unique to the SBDC to provide transformative services for local startups.
Some of the benefits of the program include one-on-one consulting, structured programs, skill-building workshops, and social events with area investors and businesses.
The lead consultants in the program have years, often decades, of professional experience that startups can tap in one-on-one meetings. Those in the program are required to meet with a consultant at least once per quarter.
Participants can take advantage of two main types of training: Sprint Programming and Skill-Based Trainings. Sprint Programming is a longer, more intensive type of program lasting from four to 10 weeks. It requires significant commitment from participants, but can yield powerful results. Skill-Based Trainings are focused on individual skills, such as Quickbooks training or website creation.
4. Venture College Incubator
Venture College Incubator is part of Boise State University. It is an accelerator program for students. It’s not for credit, but it lets you discuss business ideas, learn new startup concepts, and build traction on your way to starting a business. The program is available to students with a business at any stage, from idea to scaling.
This program connects you with Venture College staff and professionals in the state’s business environment. You gain access to CEOs, lawyers, marketing professionals, and other useful connections. It’s also possible to win prizes to fund your business and to win up to $3,000 in seed money.
Venture College will now help participants apply for prize money from national and international competitions as well.
To participate in the program, you must be a student at Boise State.
