Business Resource Guide

The following regional, state, and federal organizations are helpful resources for small business owners, those looking to start a business in the Sun Valley area, and those looking for local information.  

Local & County Agencies

City of Ketchum: 480 East Avenue North, P.O. Box 2315, Ketchum, Idaho 83340

  • City Tax Information (LOT): City sales tax of 2% on retail items and 3% on hotel/motel rooms and liquor by-the-drink.  All sales of groceries and motor vehicle sales are exempt from the city sales tax as well as medicine which is also exempt from the State of Idaho sales tax.
  • Business Licenses:  The City of Ketchum requires a business license for all business operating within the city limits. Please contact the office of the City Clerk to apply.
  • Signage: The City of Ketchum requires a sign permit for businesses operating within the city limits. Please contact the Planning and Zoning Department to apply for a permit.

City of Sun Valley: P.O. Box 416, Sun Valley, Idaho 83353

  • City Tax Information (LOT): City sales tax of 3% on retail items, 4% on hotel/motel rooms and 4% on liquor by-the-drink. All sales of groceries and lift tickets are exempt from the city sales tax as well as medicine which is also exempt from the State of Idaho sales tax. Contact the office of the City Clerk to arrange payment or online at the City of Sun Valley’s website.
  • Business Licenses: The City of Sun Valley does not require a business license to operate a business within the City of Sun Valley.
  • Signage: The City of Sun Valley requires a sign permit for businesses operating within the city.
  • Blaine County Offices: 206 1st Ave S, Hailey, Idaho 83333
  • Hailey Chamber of Commerce: 309 S. Main, Hailey, Idaho, 83333, 208-788-3484

Visit Sun Valley Visitor Center: 491 Sun Valley Road, Ketchum, ID 83340.  Mailing: P.O. Box 4934 Ketchum, ID 83340
Visit Sun Valley Offices:  406 E Sun Valley Road in Ketchum, ID 83340.  Mailing: P.O. Box 4934 Ketchum, ID 83340

State of Idaho Resources

  • U.S. Department of Labor: Includes the statutes and regulations administered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that affect businesses and workers.
  • Gemstateprospector.com:  An interactive internet mapping program that provides enhanced economic development and site selection services to the business community. GEM State Prospector allows users to search for available commercial buildings and sites as well as generate site-specific demographic and business analysis reports. GEM State Prospector speeds up and simplifies the process of finding the optimal location for a business by providing public access to a range of valuable information.
  • Idaho.gov: The website to turn to for business resources, information, and services from the Idaho government.
  • Idaho Department of Labor: Here you can find the latest edition of “Starting a Business in Idaho.” This booklet provides Idaho entrepreneurs and new businesses with information essential to being successful operations. It highlights the registration process and the regulatory issues new businesses encounter and includes a directory of organizations specializing in business start-up assistance.
  • Idaho State Tax Comission
  • Idaho Prime Loan Program: Need some cash to start or expand your business? The Idaho State Treasurer’s Office, in conjunction with a variety of Idaho banks and the US Small Business Administration, has a very successful and innovative Idaho Prime Loan Program that has helped Idaho rank as one of the top states in the US for new business start-ups for the past few years.
  • Small Business Administration (SBA): SBA helps small businesses obtain loans to start, operate, and expand operations. The loans are actually made by financial institutions, primarily banks, with the backing of an SBA guaranty. In most cases, the borrower does not have to deal directly with SBA. The banker will make a decision on the loan and submit the necessary paperwork to SBA if its guaranty is deemed necessary. The SBA also has many publications available online. The “Small Business Management Series” can be found here or by contacting the office below.
  • SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): One-on-one counseling is offered at no cost by volunteers from the Service Corps of Retired Executives. SCORE chapters are located in Boise and Idaho Falls. These retired business men and women possess a wealth of knowledge and experience in numerous fields and types of businesses. Counseling is available on weekdays. Appointments can be made by calling 208-334-1696 in Boise or 208-523-1022 in Idaho Falls. SCORE chapters are well known for their “Beginning Business” workshops. Counseling is available online if a personal visit is not convenient.
  • Alcohol and Beverage Control Applications and License Information

Federal Services

Firstgov.gov: The U.S. Government’s Official Web Portal. Services include: