Women-owned businesses in Idaho are thriving

The small business scene in Idaho is growing, and with it, more and more women are entering the world of business ownership. While Merchant Maverick’s 2021 Best States for Women-Led Startups study found that Idaho ranks low in female entrepreneurship compared to other states, that doesn’t stop women from following their dreams and turning their businesses into reality.

Three such companies—Verdis, Port of Subs, and TalentSpark—are examples of women who have found success at the forefront. There are big things on the horizon as each company continues to serve as role models for other women who may be considering taking the plunge and starting or buying a business.

Verdis

Sandy Young and her husband Gary left their public sector jobs to start a landscaping and development firm in 2007. With just one employee and a basement office, growth was slow but steady. In 2011, they expanded their services to include civil engineering. When Gary unexpectedly passed away in 2015, Sandy qualified and was accepted into the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program and took over the business. Since then, Verdis has continued to excel, winning more than 250 federal and state projects in 14 Western states, including Hawaii and Alaska, in just eight years. The firm—through its headquarters in Coeur d’Alene and a satellite office in Anchorage, Alaska—now employs more than 36 people, including civil engineers, project managers, construction managers, masons and more.

“We have seen exponential growth as a result of the tremendous effort and strong team of professionals who are committed to the goals and objectives of this company,” Young said. “I am proud and honored that Verdis not only builds commercial buildings, but also preserves, restores and protects state and national parks and national monuments.”

Submarine port

Port of Subs, a chain of neighborhood sandwich shops, was founded in 1972. There are two locations in the Treasure Valley, and Liz Caldwell is one of the company’s franchisees. She and her team of regional developers plan to open dozens more Port of Subs stores in the next few years.

“As a woman-owned business, we found Port of Subs to be very supportive and helpful,” Caldwell said.

“Having the support structure and resources to help us navigate through the obstacles we’ve faced has been one of the greatest joys of our journey. Connecting with the community and building relationships with other strong women in the industry has been invaluable. Sharing experiences and insights has been invaluable, creating a supportive network that encourages growth and innovation. As we look to the future, we’re excited to welcome more franchise owners, both women and men, to the Port of Subs family. Together, we strive to continue to strengthen our business while making a positive impact on our community. The future looks bright and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Port of Subs.”

TalentSpark

TalentSpark, Idaho’s only certified, woman-owned recruiting firm, finds top talent for companies with annual revenues ranging from $10 million to $6 billion. Founded by Stephanie Parker in 2016, the company’s 100% female management team employs eight people with a combined 50 years of recruiting experience, with nearly 25 years of market experience hiring for Idaho positions. Since its inception, TalentSpark has helped fill thousands of positions from the local talent pool while moving hundreds of professionals across the country into critical positions in the Gem State.

“Our business is critical because we provide the experience, technology, tools, networks and know-how to help Idaho employers strategically find and recruit the most qualified candidates so their businesses can continue to grow and thrive,” Parker explained. “Overall, Idaho is a great place for women entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurial spirit is prevalent, the people are friendly and the business environment is supportive and accessible.”