September 2024 | ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
Running a small business is exhausting - just thinking about all the things a small business owner has to juggle makes me want to take a *cat* nap. You may have noticed that in September we offered several trainings on things every business needs - including an Accident Prevention Plan! Did you know they are mandatory for all business owners in Washington State (regardless of size)? If you missed that training, we'll run it again later this year via live Zoom.
You may have also noticed that our social media is full of business tips, as well as a monthly business tip in our newsletter - this month's tip is literally about the laws of tipping. Pro-tip (all puns intended): all tips must be paid to your employees in Washington (read more below). At SIMBA, we are trying to make the "business of running your business" as easy as possible, so you can focus on what you do best - whether that is videography, web design, baking incredible cookies, or crafting a perfect latte.
Trust me, you don't want me trying to design your website, but my staff and I can help you complete your mandatory (there's the word again) Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) filing. As a reminder, if you have an LLC, corporation, or formal partnership that was formed before January 1, 2024 - you have until January 1, 2025, to complete this filing. If you formed your business (other than a sole proprietorship and most non-profits) after January 1, 2024, you only have 90 days to complete your BOI filing. The penalty for not filing is up to $591 per day; oh "BOI" that is a hefty penalty. There's also a chance of criminal penalties. Let us help you avoid that by scrolling all the way down and fixing your *paws* on that "SIMBA Business Assistance" button if you need help filing yours.
We would love to know how else we can support your independent and local Eastern Washington business. We'd also love to help you as a consumer to better support those businesses (first stop, Live Local INW). Tell us what you need to truly support local and grow your small business by reaching out on social media, our website, or an email.
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
Our Website Just Got an Upgrade!
We’re thrilled to announce that our website has received a fresh makeover! A huge thank you to SIMBA Business members Maker + Made for designing our new site that is both colorful and user-friendly. Dive in to explore all the new features designed to enhance your experience and keep you connected with everything SIMBA has to offer.
Stay Up to Date on SIMBA Events
Don’t miss out on any events! Check out our events page featuring past and upcoming workshops, trainings, and socials tailored to help you grow and enhance your independent & local Eastern Washington business.
Job Opportunities
Access exclusive job postings from SIMBA partners and members. Plus, as a paid SIMBA member, you have the opportunity to add your job listings—let us help you connect with talented individuals in our community!
Updated Member Directory
Do you want to support local businesses or find a fellow SIMBA member? Our updated, premium SIMBA Member Directory makes it simple to find and connect with fellow members. Explore and discover the amazing services and products offered in our Eastern Washington community.
We have even more exciting features on the way, making our website an invaluable resource for independent and local business owners and consumers in all of our Eastern Washington communities. We’re thrilled to share these new features with you, and we encourage you to explore the website today!
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
Feast World Kitchen is a nonprofit restaurant, catering company, and food wholesaler located at 1321 West 3rd Avenue, Spokane, WA 99201. Their mission is to empower immigrants and former refugees by elevating them as leaders through international cuisine, fostering economic resilience and cultural sharing.
To explore their delicious offerings, visit their online menu here.
Sustaining Member Spotlight
NewBeginnings stands as the premier student loan advocacy organization, distinguished by its unwavering commitment to personalized support for each student loan borrower.
Supporting Member Mentions: A Compassionate Heart, Let's Getting Sewing, and Shotgun Studios.
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 provide 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.
Wellness, Arts, and Military (WAM): Self-Directed Art Practice (SAP) Grant
ArtsWA’s Wellness, Arts, and Military (WAM) program provides a unique opportunity for eligible military-connected individuals to dedicate time to their artistic pursuits, fostering both professional and personal growth.
The SAP grant offers one-time funding of up to $3,000 to cover costs associated with engaging in art throughout the grant period.
The application deadline is October 11, 2024. Learn more and apply!
Artist Trust Fellowship Awards
Artist Trust Fellowship Awards are merit-based awards of $10,000 to practicing professional artists of exceptional talent and ability residing in Washington State. These unrestricted awards are open to artists of all disciplines and are given annually to 8+ artists of in recognition of artistic excellence and dedication to their practice. The award is $10,000 for 8+ artists each year. You must be 18+ and reside in Washington at the time of applying and funding.
The application period is October 4 through November 4, 2024. Learn more and apply!
Upcoming Events
SIMBA Business Bites: Washington State B&O and Sales Tax Filings (Zoom)
Join us for our upcoming Business Bites session, where we’ll provide guidance on navigating Washington State B&O and Sales Tax Filings - required for all businesses in Washington State!
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Time: 12:00 to 12:30 PM
Where: Zoom - (link upon RSVP)
Information Session for Non-Profits
Join Muslims Community Action & Support (MCAS) for an insightful information session presented by SIMBA. This session is tailored for 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) non-profit organizations, offering essential guidance on Washington State regulations for operating your organization and managing employment practices.
Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Time: 3:00 to 4:30 PM
Location: Saranac Building
25 W. Main Ave. (3rd Floor) Spokane, WA 99201
Live Local INW Update
SIMBA Business Bites Recap: Benefits of Joining Live Local INW
Did you miss our recent SIMBA Business Bites session on the benefits of joining Live Local INW? Don’t worry! Here’s a quick recap of the key points covered.
Joining Live Local INW offers businesses an incredible opportunity to connect with local consumers and showcase their offerings. Here’s what you can do on the platform:
List Your Products: Highlight what you offer and entice potential customers to visit your website.
List Your Deals: Promote exclusive offers tailored for Live Local INW consumers, attracting more local shoppers.
Provide Contact Information: Ensure customers can easily reach you by listing your contact details and location.
Targeted Discoverability: Be found through categories based on neighborhood, business type, and demographics, making it easier for consumers to find you.
For those who missed the event (or many other SIMBA business training events), you can watch those trainings here: SIMBA Business Trainings & Workshops YouTube.
Business Tip of the Month
Did you know that if you collect tips at your business all tips must be paid to employees? Employers cannot take tips for company or owner use, and they cannot use tips to pay wages. Tips are in addition to, and not part of, an employee’s regular wages.
Employees can make “tip pools,” but must follow these rules:
Tip pools or tip outs cannot be split with owners or salaried, overtime-exempt managers
Tip pools can include employees who do not directly serve customers, such as kitchen staff
Tip pools or tips outs, again, must be in addition to, not part of, an employee’s regular wages
Employees cannot be required to contribute more tips than they earn to a tip pool
Employers, managers, and owners may only accept service tips they provide - they cannot be included in a tip pool or tip-out system.
For personalized L&I support, reach out to SIMBA for free business assistance in Eastern Washington!