Three local businesses receive grants

Three North Idaho companies were recently awarded $20,000 grants through the Idaho Small Business Development Center.

Marine Co., of Harrison, Ground Force Mfg, of Post Falls, and Bullet Tools, of Hayden, each received grants in a competitive grant program for small- and medium-sized, high-growth companies seeking to streamline operations using integrated software solutions.

The North Idaho grant recipients were among 12 companies from across the state selected.

The grants will supplement each company’s own funds for the training and services necessary to implement Enterprise Resource Planning systems. One of the most common challenges growing businesses face is the rising operational inefficiencies caused by disconnected systems within an organization. ERP systems integrate technology, processes and data across the organization to maximize operational efficiency. The greatest impact is typically in resource management, such as inventory, personnel, scheduling and billing, integral elements of most businesses.

According to Bill Jhung, director of North Idaho College’s Idaho Small Business Development Center which assisted the companies in applying for the grants, the training costs are key to successful implementation of the ERP systems, but are often under-budgeted.

“These grants will help these businesses become even more competitive in their industries with new ERP systems,” Jhung said. “Their continued success will help create more manufacturing opportunities and jobs in North Idaho.”