The goal of opening BioDiagnostics West was to offer a private seed testing laboratory in the heart of seed production country that would enhance customer success by providing accurate, reliable, and timely seed quality testing.
BioDiagnostics West was created as an LLC in the state of
The partners laid the foundation to obtain a building, hired an employee, and announced their opening in May of 2006. They found they had interest in their services, trained staff and supplies, but no place to do the work because of contractor delays.
The Idaho SBDC, and specifically Bryan Matsuoka, came to the rescue. Matsuoka found temporary incubator space that allowed the owners to begin operation in June. He soon was involved in helping meet power requirements, providing them with accounting guidance, a Web page designer, and even a company logo that came from a graphic artist student attending College of Southern Idaho.
As word started to spread so did the company’s opportunities to grow. There are now 18 active customers and the company is testing a wide range of crops.
The building is nearly complete and it will allow the company to double its current space.
In addition, staffing has grown from three employees to eight in a very short period of time. They include two Registered Seed Technologists, one Certified Viability Technologist, two fully trained seed analysts, one administrative assistant, and two part-time analysts in training, bringing a combined total of 108 years of experience in seed testing.
SBDCs are a program supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration and extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. SBA cannot endorse any products, opinions or services of any external parties or activities.