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 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, 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!