Building the Region

Introducing RISE

A new opportunity for small businesses and nonprofits to invest in their storefronts and strengthen our communities. RISE offers below-market interest rates, a simple application process, and funding for improvements ranging from exterior upgrades to security and design services.

Map of North Central Idaho

Driving Regional Progress

Clearwater Economic Development Association (CEDA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping businesses and communities succeed by serving as a conduit to the resources that move projects forward. Through regional collaboration and strong partnerships, CEDA works to improve quality of life, support economic diversification, and guide community development across north central Idaho. As the region’s collective voice, CEDA provides leadership that empowers communities and fuels opportunity.

$40 m

Directly Secured in Financial Resources for Built Infrastructure, Projects and Programs

$12 m

Secured in Idaho Community Development Block Grants Since 2015

$10 m

Sourced in Financing for Start-up and Existing Small Businesses

Since 2015

clearwater-economic-development-association-county-map

Our Region: North Central Idaho

CEDA serves the five Idaho counties of Clearwater, Latah, Lewis, Idaho, and Nez Perce, and also provides alternative financing solutions to businesses in a four-county region of southeast Washington, including Asotin, Columbia, Garfield, and Whitman counties. This diverse landscape spans vibrant university communities, rich agricultural valleys, historic river towns, and rugged rural landscapes. Together, these counties form a dynamic region where collaboration, innovation, and quality of life shape a strong foundation for business growth and community development.

Latest from CEDA

View our announcements, recent economic development, and projects to stay connected with our region.

A Look at CEDA’s 2026 Impact

It’s been a busy year at CEDA! Explore community development projects, program highlights, and meet the newest member of our team. From supporting local leaders and expanding opportunities to investing in the communities we serve, we’re proud of the progress made throughout 2026. Read the Fall 2026 Newsletter to discover more about the people, partnerships,…

Introducing RISE Small Business Financing

CEDA offers alternative financing to small businesses and startups in north central Idaho that do not qualify for conventional financing. We partner with local banks and credit unions, relying on referrals and supporting borrowers as they work toward traditional financing. CEDA is introducing Revitalization Investment for Small Enterprises (RISE), a new microloan program designed to…

Community Development in 2026

Construction wrapped up on five projects this past year, including the Elk City water tower, Cottonwood well and water tank improvements, Potlatch city pool renovation, Craigmont recreation court, and St. Mary’s Hospital electrical improvements. Projects Underway or in Planning: New Senior Center The Friendly Seniors of Troy organization acquired property on Troy’s main street last…

Youth Making a Difference

In summer 2026, CEDA wrapped up its sixth year managing the Clearwater Basin Youth Conservation Corps, a youth workforce development program connecting high school students with hands-on conservation and career-building opportunities. Six crews were based in Grangeville, Kooskia (2), Pierce, Potlatch, and Orofino, engaging six adult crew leads and 26 high school-aged students from rural…

Building Community Leadership & Opportunity

CEDA partnered with Clearwater County Economic Development (CCED) and Susan Jacobson on initiatives that strengthen community leadership, partnerships, and opportunities throughout Clearwater County. The Orofino Community Leadership Program, led by Rural Development Initiatives in partnership with CCED, helps residents build leadership skills, identify community assets, develop partnerships, and turn ideas into action. Participants also receive…

Be My Neighbor Day

The Clearwater Regional Early Learning Collaborative (CRELC) joined more than 20 family-service partners at Lapwai High School on August 1, 2026 for Be My Neighbor Day, hosted by Idaho PBS and Prairie River Library District. The family-friendly event promoted early childhood education, health, safety, and the values celebrated by Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood and Mister Rogers’…

CEDA Hosts Annual Meeting and Elects Board for 2026-28 Term

The Clearwater Economic Development Association’s (CEDA) Annual Meeting was held April 30 at the Orofino Best Western Lodge at River’s Edge. Membership present elected the board of directors for 2026-28. We are pleased to welcome to the leadership: The evening program included an Annual Report presentation by Executive Director Dodd Snodgrass, and panel discussion on…

CEDA Shares Regional Priorities with Lewiston City Council

On October 27, 2025, Executive Director Dodd Snodgrass presented to the Lewiston City Council on behalf of the Clearwater Economic Development Association, outlining key regional initiatives and opportunities for collaboration. His remarks emphasized the essential role of local partnerships in strengthening economic growth and advancing community development across north central Idaho.

Major Broadband Projects Break Ground in North Central Idaho

Two major middle-mile fiber broadband projects are now underway in north central Idaho. The Port of Lewiston is constructing a connection from Moscow to Grangeville, while Idaho County is building a link from Orofino through Nezperce to Grangeville.  These projects are critical for creating a redundant network loop in the state, ensuring faster, more reliable…

Youth in Action with CEDA’s Workforce Development Program

Summer of 2025, CEDA’s workforce development program wrapped up its 5th year managing the Clearwater Basin Youth Conservation Corps. Six crews were based in Grangeville, Kooskia (2), Pierce, Troy, and Orofino, along with a residential crew of four out-of-area youth at Kelly Forks in Clearwater County. The program engaged 30 high school students from Cottonwood, Grangeville, Greencreek, Kooskia, Clearwater,…