You've come up with the Next Big Idea.

In North Idaho, that's more the norm than not. The region is home to folks driving innovation and filled with an entrepreneurial spirit.

While in some areas, that's where the good ideas stop, some jump in — no business plan, no strategy, just a wing and a prayer. Others take a more methodical approach, researching what the needs are in the community and talking to mentors before plotting a pathway forward.

Some gain ideas, skills — and inspiration — from their love of the region and the quality of life that abounds in North Idaho. Among them is Doug Faude, whose love of the outdoors inspires his companies, including Molehill Mountain Equipment and, most recently, Cognito Brands.

“The concept was that we would take fishing artwork — it's based on fly fishing — and put prints on garments that are sun protective and offer some additional value to the customer,” Faude said. “It's an extension of my love of the outdoors.”

Innovation can also be found in the region's burgeoning aerospace industry, including Coeur d'Alene Aviation.

With a tagline positioning the company as a one-stop source for aviation services, founder Kirk Lauer’s company aims to transform the community in North Idaho, providing high-level aviation services that have historically been scarce in the region.

Lauer’s vision for Coeur d’Alene Aviation extends beyond airplanes. At its core, the company is rooted in building stronger connections between the aviation community and residents, weaving aviation more deeply into the fabric of North Idaho.

Digital marketplaces, such as Etsy and Shopify, provide an avenue for area artisans, crafters and entrepreneurs — from those getting started to those with well-established names. The platforms offer a worldwide reach while allowing individuals to live where they find inspiration.

Training is key, said crafting enthusiast and entrepreneur Rhonda Newton of Rathdrum. While initially reluctant to jump on the "digital bandwagon," she took advantage of online resources and hired a professional for one-on-one training to better understand the processes and best practices.

"It made all the difference in the world because I understood not only the how, but the why, which really clicked with me," she said. "I’m now a whiz at putting a quick reel together and finding the perfect music to go with it! I love, love, love creating reels and I love, love, love coming up with creative ideas for my reels."

The region's entrepreneurial spirit can also be seen in one of its economic backbones, the timber industry. Safety has pushed many of the changes, allowing for better conditions and higher production.

It also can be seen in other areas, such as local chocolatier Robinson Confections, a husband-and-wife duo whose Hayden production facility is winning fans from at home and afar alike.

Their signature Dubai Chocolate Bar is the most highly awarded in its category in the United States, having earned five medals at the 2025 International Chocolate Salon Awards alone. One judge described the pistachio-filled treat as “pure indulgence, and a perfection of taste, texture, and overall satisfaction.”

Helping the region's entrepreneurs and innovators are facilities like North Idaho College's X-Labs, whose mission is to build human capacity through active learning and shared experiences.

The “X” in the program’s name represents the intersection where community members come together to exchange ideas and grow through shared learning. Area employers bring real-world problems to NIC X-Labs, then instructors collaborate across disciplines to facilitate learning for the students working to solve these problems.

So, again, you've come up with the Next Big Idea.

Dive into this month's North Idaho Business Journal for inspiration and learn about those who are helping drive this region's entrepreneurial spirit forward through innovation, hard work and determination.

Caroline Lobsinger

NIBJ Editor