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TechHelp seeks modest state support for Studio Blue director as it scales manufacturer assistance
Summary
Brad McDonald, executive director of TechHelp at Boise State University, told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee TechHelp assists Idaho manufacturers and requested modest state support to stabilize the Studio Blue director position that has relied on expiring federal grant funding.
Brad McDonald, executive director of TechHelp at Boise State University, told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee TechHelp helps Idaho small and medium manufacturers with design, prototyping, testing, manufacturing and commercialization assistance. TechHelp reported authorized staffing of 3.44 FTP and described Studio Blue as its product‑development arm that provides student work experience and client services.
Funding and request: TechHelp is largely personnel-funded, and McDonald said Studio Blue’s director role has been supported primarily through federal grants that expired in September 2024. To stabilize the position and retain staff, TechHelp requested a small state appropriation increase (a $5,000 personnel request in the legislative filing) and has previously received small FTP and personnel enhancements in FY2024 and FY2025 ($11,700 and $20,100 in prior years for the Studio Blue director). McDonald said Studio Blue contributes workforce development (student work experience) and measurable client impacts for manufacturers.
Performance measures and outcomes: As part of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership network, TechHelp uses standardized impact metrics (new and retained jobs, sales, cost savings, investments, client counts, net promoter scores) measured quarterly by an independent third party. McDonald said TechHelp has delivered projects across the state and partners with Idaho State and University of Idaho on statewide delivery. Committee members asked for the impact metrics and McDonald agreed to provide them to the committee in writing.
Next steps: Committee members asked for more detail on funding sources and the program’s return on investment. TechHelp said it will provide the requested impact metrics and a breakdown of how Studio Blue’s director and student work components are funded and matched across grant, university and state resources.
