The Coeur d’Alene-based nonprofit originally known as Jobs Plus, which was formed in 1987 to help diversify the economy in Kootenai County, has become more selective in business recruitment and more involved in housing and labor issues in recent years.

Funding for emerging companies is in a lull, but overall, the Inland Northwest’s startup ecosystem is growing, and that growth is expected to continue in 2025.

“We are at a growth inflection point.” 

Shane Johnson 

CarbonQuest Inc. 

$36M

Estimated capital raised in Series A funding. 

Following a 22-year career with Key Tronic Corp. and serving in several financial roles, Brett Larsen has taken the reins as the new CEO and president of the Spokane Valley-based contract manufacturer. 

Iasis Molecular Sciences Inc., a Spokane medical devices and life sciences company, is developing two products that destroy or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.

Cookies, which are virtual keys to digital marketing, are being reconsidered as online-privacy conversations become more prevalent.

Cowboy CEO Fred Brown is back in the saddle with his hands on the reins of another company in the forefront of artificial intelligence technology.