About Us
Make a Difference
Over the past 35 years, we have joined like-minded leaders to grow our economy. In fact, our mission is to ensure that we all play a role in Southern Idaho’s growth and vitality. A strong economy supports job growth, business investment, recruitment, and training the best talent to fill those jobs. Southern Idaho is a thriving region, and you can be part of it.
Our collaborative model is the secret to our success. Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO) markets the region for business recruitment and talent attraction, identifies resources and assists with community development, the communities sell their area’s strengths, and the College of Southern Idaho provides job training and education. Business Plus brings business leaders together to support and fund this process.
Job Creation Drives Economic Growth
Southern Idaho is one of the fastest growing regions in the country. Business Plus supports a broad range of initiatives for job creation with Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO) and workforce training through our partnership with the College of Southern Idaho.
Over the years Business Plus Investors have contributed over $4.2 million to help attract and expand over 100 businesses. Here is a list of our investments from 1987 through 2025.
Connect with the Region’s Most Influential Leaders
Join forces with Southern Idaho’s most influential leaders to create jobs and economic opportunities. See our Executive Team and Board of Directors here.
Over Four Decades of Economic Development Success
Business Plus impact has created over 5,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in economic impact. Here is an example of how the multiplier effect works to multiply the economic impact in the community:
Click on image to enlarge.
History
Business Plus began in 1987 when area business leaders took a proactive approach by recruiting Trus Joist to bring well-paying jobs to the valley. Success continued with the founding of SIEDO and recruiting Dell, WOW, Novolex, Dot Foods, Chobani, Clif Bar and others, contributing to over $1 billion in economic impact to the Magic Valley.
Since 2022, our communities continue to experience strong economic momentum, fueled by business expansions and new investments totaling approximately $1.8 billion in direct investment. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, this growth has generated an estimated $1.2 billion in additional indirect economic impact and led to the creation of 1,452 new direct jobs and approximately 13,500 indirect jobs.
A diverse mix of companies is driving this growth with notable business expansions from Chobani, Dot Foods, Idaho Milk Products, Nelson-Jameson, and Scoular. Newcomers to the region include Hempitecture, Mart Frozen Foods, Pipeline Plastics, Shell, Suntado and True West Beef.
Business Plus continues to partner with the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO) to market the region, and the College of Southern Idaho for workforce training and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How is Business Plus funded?
Q. Are the funds raised invested in local opportunities?
Q. Can I support the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization directly?
The private business sector contributes to the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO) through Business Plus. They are also funded through the College of Southern Idaho and the public sector through individual counties and cities throughout the Magic Valley.