Best Job Creation Grants in Idaho

Idaho employers creating new jobs or retraining existing workers for specific economic opportunities in Idaho can access funding through the Idaho Workforce Development Council, with awards up to US $250,000. Grants support workforce training that boosts wages, promotes innovation, and strengthens talent pipelines for long-term job creation and economic growth.

Idaho cities and counties under 50,000 residents can seek funding to build or improve public infrastructure and publicly regulated utilities that support new job creation, with awards up to US $500,000. Focused on job creation, Idaho Department of Commerce invites Idaho communities and sponsored service providers to propose projects benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.

Arbor Rising Grant, established in 2010, is a NYC-based nonprofit providing unrestricted multi-year funding and capacity-building support to nonprofits focused on alleviating poverty. The grant process occurs every three years, with the next round in 2025 being invitation-only. Eligible organizations must demonstrate high potential and effective leadership, typically operating on a modest budget. Arbor Rising prioritizes applicants from the NYC metro area while expanding to cover the lower 48 US states.

Idaho Department of Commerce

We empower business success and support Idaho’s vibrant communities for the state’s current and future prosperity.

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Idaho Department of Commerce plays a pivotal role in revealing new opportunities, solutions and innovative possibilities to maximize Idaho’s potential and empower its future. We foster economic growth, quality job creation and innovation while supporting businesses and communities statewide.

Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF)

The Rural Community Investment Fund (RCIF) program provides funds to rural areas in support of economic expansion and job creation. Created by the Idaho State Legislature in 2001, this state-funded grant program is a component of the Rural Initiative.

The intent of this program is to provide state funded block grants to benefit rural communities and areas by providing or improving public infrastructure systems that enable communities to retain or create jobs.  

Eligible RCIF activities include

• Construction or expansion of public infrastructure or publicly regulated utilities or infrastructure; acquisition of land or real estate by an eligible grantee or sub-recipient for purpose of leasing to a business; and new construction, reconditioning, or remodeling of an industrial or commercial building owned by an eligible grantee or sub-recipient for which the building will be leased to a business.  

• Applications will be evaluated on their impact to distressed areas, benefits of the project, community support, and the project’s feasibility. A public hearing is required to be held before submission of the application. Applications will be accepted four times a year – the third Monday in March, June, September and December. Applications are evaluated by staff and the Economic Advisory Council (EAC).