A Catalyst for

Economic Growth

Business Lending /
Disaster Recovery /
Community Development

Workforce Housing Survey
RFP - Consulting Services
NOW HIRING - ED Professional

Frontier Community SMILES Grant Program

The Frontier Community Resources (FCR) SMILES Grant Program is designed to support cities, counties, and small businesses within South-central Idaho by providing up to $5,000 in funding for community, economic development, and business-growth projects.
SMILES Program for

CITIES & COUNTIES

Instructions PDF
Application Web Form
Applications Open October 1, 2025
SMILES Program for

SMALL BUSINESS

Instructions PDF
Application Web Form
Applications Open Spring 2026

Draft Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

Requesting Public Comments

A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is the result of a planning process that an Economic Development District (EDD) completes in order to focus the region’s priorities with the intent to foster economic growth through job creation opportunities and public infrastructure improvements. With support from the U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration the Frontier CEDS analyzes the regional economy, highlights Frontier’s commitment to small business lending, identifies regional strengths and weaknesses, and establishes a regional action plan for economic prosperity.

Read the 2023 CEDS Updates

Join Us for Our Upcoming Events!

Connecting You to the Resources You Need

When it comes to creating and improving the livability and sustainability of communities in Southern Idaho, there is no such thing as getting “too much help.” The Frontier Community Resources exists to empower South-Central Idaho’s community leaders and business owners by connecting them with resources and technical assistance. 

Frontier also helps grow the community in Southern Idaho by helping small businesses meet their financing needs. Whether a business is needing real estate financing, a loan to cover equipment and inventory costs, funds to aid in their disaster recovery efforts, or money to improve tenant housing — Frontier is here to help people find the funding they need to improve the community around them.

What Does Frontier Community Resources Do?

Small Business Lending Department

Frontier Community Resources' Loan Division focuses solely on the progression of small businesses. We will walk step by step with business owners to find financing that will meet their needs. Frontier Community Resources can help small businesses from startups to expansions. We can partner with banks or work individually to provide financing for real estate, equipment, inventory, tenant improvements and working capital from the Magic Valley to the Treasure Valley.
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Community & Economic Development Department

For more than four decades, Frontier Community Resources has been providing hands-on technical assistance to communities throughout southern Idaho – from helping with basic infrastructure development (sewer, water, fire protection) to assisting with community building (training, visioning, and comprehensive planning). The Frontier Community Resources team can assist with town meetings, preparing funding applications, and project administration.

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Brownfield Assessment Program & RLF Program

Some commercial properties have undisclosed contamination, making them an extremely risky investment. These abandoned and contaminated properties are commonly known as “Brownfields,” and the cost of remediation can be extremely expensive. Common contaminants include lead-based paint, asbestos insulation, forgotten underground fuel tanks, and improperly stored chemicals that have leached into the nearby soil or water sources. This contamination can be costly and time-consuming to clean up. Completing an environmental assessment before purchasing can help you plan for the future and can provide you with liability protections.
Learn More

Start Your Project

1. Contact Us

Schedule a consultation with one of Frontier's Departments

2. Find Resources

We'll connect you with the resources and finances you need to fulfill your goals.

3. Grow & Succeed

Become a part of Southern Idaho's thriving communities!
Get Started
Economic Development Strategy
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