August 2024 ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
As summer winds down in Eastern Washington and community tabling events finish up for the season, Spokane and our region is headed back to school. And, school is definitely in session at SIMBA this fall! We kicked off school last night with a small business lending presentation with our friends and SIMBA Members at Numerica Bank at The Hive - lending is the primary way small businesses receive funding and grow. I can't reiterate enough that grants are rare for "for-profit businesses."
If you missed the business lending event (and the incredible treats from Made With Love Bakery), we have half a dozen+ training events in September! If you attend just two, make it the Accident Prevention Plan event on September 10. Every single business in the State of Washington is required to have an Accident Prevention Plan - there are potential fines & penalties if your business does not have one! After you've gotten down with APP, and hip hop hooray your way over to The Hive for an event hosted by Desautel Hege, featuring important updates on Washington State's mandatory WA Cares fund for long-term care funding. This training is great for business owners with or without employees, as both are eligible to participate. The Director of the program, Ben Veghte, will be presenting over lunch on September 12. Both events are free to attend (as are so many more below) - but an RSVP is required.
When it comes to business trainings, how can I *purr-suade* you to attend one? Is there a topic you'd like see? Is there a location that is better for you? Do you prefer a specific date and time? Did you know we always provide treats & beverages from locally-owned providers at our business training events? I'd love to hear from you on how we can better support your local & independent small business.
Warm Regards, Robin
SIMBA Staff Members enjoyed Lentil Chili & the Palouse, tabling for the 2nd year in a row at the National Lentil Festival in Pullman's Reaney Park on August 17, 2024. This event brings together food and art vendors, non-profits, and community members each year. SIMBA had 555 unique visitors to our tabling tent that day!
SIMBA Updates
Share Your Feedback for SIMBA Membership Benefits!
We recently held our first-ever Membership Committee meeting on July 23, 2024. Thank you to everyone who joined us, both in person and via Zoom—your input is invaluable as we work to enhance our membership benefits. If you couldn’t attend or have more to share, we still want to hear from you! Your feedback is crucial as we refine our offerings.
Mark your calendars for our next meeting!
Date: Tuesday, September 10
Time: 4:00 to 5:00 pm
Location: 7 S. Howard St., Suite 200, Spokane, WA or Zoom
We look forward to seeing you there and hearing more of your valuable insights. In the meantime, feel free to send any comments or suggestions to SIMBA Business Services Associate, Grace Rowe, at grace@spokaneindependent.org.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement!
Exciting News: SIMBA's New Website Coming Soon!
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our brand-new website very soon, designed by SIMBA Members, Maker + Made. The updated site is user-friendly and packed with features like our newsletter archive, an exclusive, premium SIMBA Business Member directory, and tools to request business support. Plus, this is just the beginning—we have big plans for the future, so stay tuned for more enhancements. A tiny preview is below!
Meet Our Members
SIMBA members have invested in making our community a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous place in which to Live Local! Learn more about becoming a SIMBA Member!
Strengthening Member Spotlight
Numerica Credit Union is a member-owned financial institution based in Spokane, Washington. Established in 1937, Numerica provides a wide range of financial services, including savings and checking accounts, loans, mortgages, and investment options. With a mission to enhance lives, strengthen communities, and build financial futures.
Numerica serves over 160,000 members across Washington and North Idaho. The credit union is known for its commitment to community involvement, financial education, and delivering exceptional member service.
Sustaining Member Spotlight
Sustaining Member Spotlight: Lejit Creative is a Spokane-based design studio specializing in human-centered branding, graphic design, and illustration. With a diverse client base, Lejit Creative focuses on creating meaningful designs that resonate personally and professionally.
Supporting Member Mentions: Belle Mira Consulting, Kizuri, and The Erin & Erika Collective.
Grant & Loan Opportunities
In our ongoing commitment to supporting the success of the local businesses we serve, SIMBA actively seeks out grant opportunities that align with their needs! We can assist in navigating the application process, offering guidance and support every step of the way. It's important to note that while we facilitate grant information, SIMBA does not serve as the funder or selector for any grants shared here. Our focus is empowering our clients with the resources they need to thrive! If you want help applying for any of these grants, simply complete this short intake form. Grants are RARE for for-profit businesses outside of research fields, so make sure to apply for grants that may be available.
Black-Owned Restaurants: Expansion/Growth Grant
Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice offers grants to Black-owned food and service businesses—bakeries, restaurants, cafes, pop-ups, farmer's markets, and catering companies. To qualify, you must have a current business license and state sales tax ID# and have at least one full year of sales!
Application deadline: September 15, 2024 at 11:59 pm
Artistic Production Grant: Spring 2025 Award Cycle
Artistic Production grants support new artistic commissions with funding ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Projects often take place in public spaces and emphasize thought leadership, artistic production, and public engagement.
Letter of Inquiry Deadline: November 4, 2024
Full Application Invitation: December 9, 2024
Full Application Deadline: January 16, 2025
Grant Notification: April 2025
City of Spokane: Tourism and Cultural Investment Grants (Ongoing)
The Spokane Tourism and Cultural Investment grants are aimed at enhancing Spokane’s tourism and cultural environment. Organizations, including non-profit agencies, for-profit agencies, and public agencies, can apply for these grants to fund projects, programs, events, and public or non-profit facilities that promote tourism and cultural investment. Projects that receive funds should promote cultural diversity, support various forms of cultural investment, and create new opportunities for tourism and cultural enrichment. Cultural activities can include sports, arts, street/park festivals, film, culinary, and music.
Fall Grant Awards: Funds awarded this fall.
Next Round: Applications open this fall; deadline TBD.
Late Applications: After July 1st, 2024 considered in the Fall release.
Upcoming Events
Developing a [Mandatory] Accident Prevention Program (APP) with David Jeary
Join us for a workshop led by David Jeary from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), focused on making your required Accident Prevention Program (APP) as effective as possible. Did you know having an Accident Prevention Program (APP) is mandatory for EVERY business in Washington State, regardless of your industry or size? We'll cover the essentials, assess common workplace hazards, and guide you through selecting relevant topics and materials. Plus, get access to expert advice and resources to develop your APP effectively!
Date: September 10 - In person only!
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 pm
Location: Shadle Library 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. Spokane, WA
Join Us for SIMBA Business Bites: Benefits of Joining Live Local INW!
We’re excited to extend a special invitation to our first SIMBA Business Bites session! This is your chance to learn all the benefits of joining Live Local INW. In this session, we’ll guide you through getting your business listed on Live Local INW, uncover the incredible benefits of joining LLINW, and show you how to create deals and list your products. In addition, you'll learn how to promote your events through Live Local INW and engage with our active social media community.
Date: Wednesday, September 11
Time: 12:00 to 12:30 pm
Location: Zoom - RSVP for Link
Lunch & Learn with WA Care Fund
Washington Cares Basics
Join us for a presentation and Q&A with Ben Veghte, director of the WA Cares Fund! WA Cares Fund Director Ben Veghte will cover what long-term care includes, how caregiving responsibilities impact families and the workplace, who contributes to the fund, how exemptions work, how workers will meet contribution requirements (including a pathway for near-retirees), the latest updates on the program and more.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask your questions about the WA Cares Fund!
Date: Thursday, September 12 - In person only!
Time: 11:30 am to 1:00 pm
Loca
tion: The Hive – 2904 E. Sprague Avenue Spokane, WA
Pre-registration is required.
Lunch will be provided.
Co-hosted by the WA Cares Fund, AHANA Multi-Ethnic Business Alliance, and Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance.
You Need to Pay Family Members & Other Wage and Hour Tips for Small Business Owners
Join us for an informative presentation, brought to you in partnership with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and presented by SIMBA's Executive Director, Robin Haynes. We'll explore key topics for small business owners, such as employing family members and hiring minors. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your business knowledge and operations! Learn all you need to know about running a "family" business in Washington State.
Date: September 17 - In person only!
Time: 5:30 to 7:00 pm
Location: Shadle Library 2111 W. Wellesley Ave. Spokane, WA
SIMBA Member Mixer
We’re thrilled to invite you to an exclusive SIMBA Member Mixer, a special evening designed for SIMBA members to connect! Meet with fellow members, grow your network, and enjoy an evening filled with meaningful conversations and fun. We may have a game or two and some very short announcements, but otherwise, this is your time with your SIMBA Member Community. This gathering is reserved exclusively for our current SIMBA members, so we're keeping it intimate—please join us solo, without any plus ones.
Date: September 19
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Location: Meeting House Café 1801 E. 11th Ave. Spokane, WA
Snacks & Refreshments Provided
OMWBE Certification Info Session
We’ve partnered with the Office of Minority & Women's Business Enterprises to bring you an info session about OMWBE certifications and contracting opportunities for Eastern Washington businesses. This is not just for construction-based businesses! Certification and contracting opportunities are available for all kinds of businesses - videographers, the food industry, janitorial, and more!
Date: September 28 - In person only!
Time: 12:00 to 1:30 pm
Location: Cheney Library, 610 1st St. Cheney, WA
Lunch Provided - You must RSVP!
Live Local INW Update
Eat Local First: Recap & Keep it Going with Live Local INW
But the effort doesn’t end here. Keep it going with a few simple actions: learn something new about a local farm, preserve local foods for winter, shop at farmers’ markets or farm stands, or try a meal made with 100% local ingredients. Whether it’s trying a new local product, enjoying local seafood, or getting takeout that features local food, there are plenty of ways to continue supporting our local economy. Let’s continue to support our community and savor the flavors of Eastern Washington
Business Tip of the Month
Here’s a valuable tip from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: In Washington, it’s unlawful for employers to prevent employees from discussing their wages with one another. Employers cannot prohibit, punish, or interfere with employees discussing their wages.
Curious about wage and hour laws for your small business? Don’t miss our upcoming event, “You Need to Pay Family Members & Other Wage and Hour Tips for Small Business Owners,” on September 17th!
For personalized L&I support, reach out to SIMBA for free business assistance in Eastern Washington!