Summary of Findings

The Idaho Investment Guide, spanning 82 pages and 20 sections, presents an overwhelmingly biased view of economic development that favors large corporations while completely ignoring the needs and contributions of small businesses. This comprehensive analysis provides irrefutable evidence that Idaho's economic development activities, as presented in this official document, are 100% focused on big businesses, with no consideration given to small businesses under 20 employees.

The pervasive nature of this bias, spanning from high-level interviews with the Governor and Commerce Director to detailed sector analyses, is alarming and revealing. It demonstrates a systemic neglect of the small business sector, which constitutes the majority of Idaho's business establishments and employs roughly half of the state's private-sector workforce.

The interviews with Governor Little, Director Kealey, and various mayors are particularly telling. Their focus on high-wage jobs, significant capital investments, and international trade opportunities clearly caters to large corporations. The complete absence of any discussion about small business support or development in these high-level interviews, totaling nearly 4,000 words, underscores the state's apparent lack of priority for this crucial economic sector.

Implications and Recommendations

This extreme bias in the state's economic development strategy raises serious concerns about the long-term health and diversity of Idaho's economy. By focusing exclusively on attracting and supporting large corporations, the state risks creating an economic landscape that is overly dependent on a small number of large employers, potentially at the expense of a vibrant and diverse small business ecosystem.

The Idaho Investment Guide's failure to address the needs and potential of small businesses represents a significant oversight in the state's economic development strategy. This approach not only neglects a crucial sector of the economy but also fails to capitalize on the innovation, flexibility, and community connections that small businesses provide.

A fundamental reevaluation of Idaho's economic development strategy is urgently needed to ensure a more balanced and inclusive approach that truly serves all sectors of the state's economy. This should include specific programs and initiatives targeted at small businesses, recognition of their crucial role in the state's economy, and a commitment to fostering a diverse and resilient economic landscape.