TOGETHER IS BETTER
About Us
The Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce (IDVCC) exemplifies the spirit of giving by empowering veterans and their families across Idaho. Through comprehensive navigation services in education, workforce, housing, entrepreneurship, and family wellness, the IDVCC helps veterans transition successfully to civilian life. Their commitment to underserved communities, including rural areas, ensures that no veteran is left behind. IDVCC's ongoing efforts to connect veterans with critical resources and opportunities truly reflect a mission rooted in generosity, support, and community impact.
Our History
2020:
The Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce was founded in 2020 as a non-profit 501(c)(3). The Chamber launched a market research study and launched a Task force “Operation Collaboration” and stood up focus groups in the 5 navigation service areas:
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Education
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Entrepreneurship
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Housing
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Workforce
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Family and Wellness
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From market research studies and the monthly focus groups meetings, came the realization and affirmation for the need to establish navigation services that bridge the gaps between the Idaho and Military Communities to create a space for collaboration, connection, and unity.
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2021:
From these focus groups, came recommendations for seat positions that would begin creating Steering Committees in the Fall of 2021. There are over 100 members serving as committee and ad hoc members. For the first time in Idaho history all resources are in one room discussing how to better support the military community through the deeply rooted and strong collaboration space we have established and by providing their subject matter expertise to support the navigation services and delivery of technical assistance.
The Chamber received a 2-year statewide Workforce Development Council Innovation Training Grant Fund in September of 2021. In 2022 and launched the first full year of workforce navigations services.
2022:
In addition to the start of the workforce navigation services, we received a federal SBA grant to launch full navigation services with the community navigator pilot program in December of 2021. In 2022 we launched the first full year of launch of navigation services. We built the foundation, continued to develop partnerships, and sparked community engagement to better serve those that serve or served our country.
The idea of Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce quickly grew into a place where the community found so much value in what was being done and recognized the impact the Chamber was having across all of Idaho. The Chamber continues to grow by leaps and bounds.  There is nothing more rewarding than supporting the Idaho Military community. The gratitude felt for being able to do this as our job is beyond measure.
The Chamber is truly humbled and fortunate to be a part of an organization that has received overwhelming support for bridging the gaps between the Idaho and Military communities. There is no doubt, the future looks bright and prosperous.    
2023 - Now:
For 2023, the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce (IDVCC) saw a year of accelerated growth and impact, further expanding its services to support Idaho’s veterans and their families in transitioning to civilian life. Building on the foundation laid in previous years, IDVCC leveraged the momentum from 2022 to deepen its engagement with underserved communities, including rural areas, ensuring that resources reached even the most isolated veterans. Here’s a detailed look at what IDVCC accomplished in 2023:
Expansion of Navigation Services
In 2023, IDVCC’s navigation services in education, workforce, housing, entrepreneurship, and family wellness became more robust and accessible statewide. Thanks to strategic partnerships and community support, the Chamber delivered expanded guidance and resources, empowering veterans to achieve self-sufficiency, sustainable employment, and a strong foundation for their families.
Successful Rural Outreach Initiatives
Responding to Idaho's unique needs, IDVCC made significant strides in rural outreach. Through satellite events, partnerships with local organizations, and the development of smaller, localized support networks, IDVCC ensured that veterans in rural areas could access the same high-quality support as those in urban centers. This focus on underserved communities exemplified the Chamber’s commitment to leave no veteran behind.
Scaling Workforce Development and Entrepreneurship
Building on the 2021 Workforce Development Council Innovation Training Grant, IDVCC broadened its workforce navigation services, emphasizing skill-building and job placement that led to family-sustaining employment. Additionally, through workshops, training sessions, and business pitch events, the Chamber created new opportunities for veteran entrepreneurs, supporting them in accessing capital, mentorship, and government contracting.
Strengthened Community Partnerships and Advocacy
IDVCC deepened its connections with community partners, such as education institutes, local government agencies, and private businesses, making strides in advocating for the needs of Idaho’s veterans. The collaborative efforts in IDVCC’s steering committees provided invaluable insights and enhanced support to veterans and military families, solidifying IDVCC’s reputation as a trusted resource and advocate.
High-Impact Events and Community Engagement
2023 saw a series of impactful events, including the Inaugural Veterans Summit and awards luncheon which celebrated and recognized contributions of veteran and spouse business owners, education partners, and supporters of the veteran community. We hosted at the University of Idaho in Moscow the 2nd Veterans Education Partner Summit along with the 2nd Shark Tank Business Pitch competition, and Christmas giving for Valor Pointe Veteran Formerly Homeless Residents. These events not only honored those making a difference but also built public awareness and rallied more community support for IDVCC’s mission and the Veterans, Military Serving, and their family members in Idaho.
Recognition and Gratitude
The growth and success IDVCC experienced in 2023 underscored the Chamber’s vital role in Idaho, and the support from partners and communities across the state was profound. The Chamber feels a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to impact Idaho’s veterans positively and looks forward to continued success in bridging the gap between the Idaho and military communities.
IDVCC is proud to look back on 2023 as a year that exemplifies its mission of generosity, community impact, and unwavering support for veterans and their families. The journey continues, with plans for further growth and even more transformative impact in the years to come.
