October 2024 | ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
As Eastern Washington moves fully into fall, it always feels like a time to get cozy and reflective. That's just what our Board and Staff team did on Friday, October 25th when we spent our full day in a retreat at the Four Letter Word Event Center, locally owned by Alexa Jourdan. We welcomed our newest Board Member Joshua Thomas (more on him below); and did a deep dive with Dr. Angie Beeman on the role of race and culture in our organization, in the businesses and entrepreneurs we serve, and in our greater Eastern Washington community; and started planning for SIMBA's future. We'll be kicking off our Strategic Planning Committee (for SIMBA's first-ever strategic plan) - don't be surprised if you're a SIMBA Member that we ask to participate.
I can't end this letter without encouraging everyone to vote. I had the privilege of speaking on a panel hosted by ACL Spokane featuring speakers from Spectrum Center Spokane and the Inatai Foundation as part of ACL's Reimagine Spokane project about intersectional communities and voting. As a 501(c)(3), SIMBA won't tell you who to vote or not vote for, but we are here to remind you to vote with your dollar every day (by supporting local businesses) and to explain how proposed legislation may or may not impact your business (or business dreams). We also encourage you to look at where your local tax dollars are going (reach out to your council people and commissioners - your voice really matters locally) and allow us to help you grow your power as small business owners and supporters of local businesses.
P.S. Mark your calendars for December 4 for a holiday social for Members and Local Small business owners! Details coming soon. media, our website, or an email.
Warm Regards, Robin
SIMBA Board and Executive Director at our Fall Board & Staff Retreat at the Four Letter Word Event space in Spokane: (New) Board Member Joshua Thomas, Vice President Chrystal Gonzalez, Board Member Kathy Thamm, Executive Director Robin Haynes, President Juan Mas, and Secretary David Borrelli. Missing are Board Treasurer Jeff Ferguson and Board Member Ed Reese.
SIMBA Updates
SIMBA Has a New Office!
We are excited to share that SIMBA has officially relocated to the Community Building in downtown Spokane! The Community Building is a collection of beautifully restored historic buildings, bringing together a diverse mix of nonprofits and local businesses. Our new location makes up neighbors with SIMBA members, including Kizuri, The Glow Co., and Spokast!
At the Community Building, we now have fantastic event spaces, conference rooms, and a beautiful rooftop garden—perfect for small business meetings and events!
Welcome Our New Board Member: Joshua Thomas!
We are thrilled to announce that Joshua Thomas has joined SIMBA as our newest Board Member! As the founder of Lejit Creative, a full-service branding agency, Joshua helps companies in tech, entertainment, and sports launch and elevate their brands. He is a talented graphic designer, illustrator, and motion designer who is deeply passionate about Spokane and committed to supporting small businesses.
We are excited to have Joshua on board as we continue our mission to uplift and empower our local business community!
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!
Sustaining Member Spotlight: The Garland Business District
The Garland Business District, nestled in Spokane's North Hill neighborhood, is a vibrant, historic area with a unique blend of vintage charm and modern flair. Explore over 80 local businesses offering everything from delicious food and handcrafted art to vintage finds and home decor. Incorporated in 2007, this 501(c)(4) non-profit is dedicated to boosting local businesses and fostering economic development.
Supporting Member Mentions: Spokane Public Library, One Body One Mind Massage Therapy, Meeting House, Roam Coffee Roasters, Keith's Contracting, and J. Ferguson Photos.
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.
National Emergency Relief Fund for Food Industry Businesses
Feed the Soul Foundation is a 501c(3) non-profit developed to aid BIPOC professionals in the culinary industry. The National Emergency Relief Fund (NERF) provides businesses with up to $1,000 in financial support to alleviate business owners who have been gravely impacted by: natural disasters, vandalism, equipment repairs, theft, and more.
The application deadline is ongoing. Learn more and apply!
Recoverable Grant Program
Revolve Fund's charitable purpose is to increase affordable access to capital for small businesses owned by low-income, minority, and/or other disadvantaged entrepreneurs or tax-exempt organizations who historically have difficulty securing capital from traditional sources. The fund provides recoverable grants to increase capital access for Black/African-American, Latinx, Native American, and other people of color (POC)-led businesses, nonprofit organizations, financial intermediaries, and venture funds.
The grant features a recoverable Grant amount ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 from the Revolve Fund, which must be repaid typically within 3-5 years (only if financial milestones are met), and is available for both existing nonprofits and existing for-profits, with technical assistance and business support provided as needed. Learn more and apply now!
Small Business Façade Enhancement Program
The Downtown Partnership's Small Business Façade Enhancement Program aims to revitalize the aesthetic appeal of downtown areas facing challenges due to vacant and underutilized properties.
This grant program operates as a reimbursement initiative, allowing business and property owners to apply for funding of up to $5,000 for completed improvement projects. Learn more and apply now!
Upcoming Events
FEATURED NOVEMBER SIMBA EVENT: SIMBA Business Bites: How to File Your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) (Zoom)
Join us for our upcoming Business Bites session, where we’ll provide guidance on how to file your Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI). BOI filings are a mandatory federal government requirement for ALL BUSINESSES that are structured as an LLC, a corporation, a formal partnership, and a few other entity structures. Sole proprietorships and d/b/as DO NOT have to complete a filing (nor do most non-profits).
Don’t miss this opportunity to simplify the filing process and get your questions answered! We’ll host SIMBA Business Bites every 2nd Wednesday of the month at noon, covering various topics to support your small business. Grab your lunch, get comfy, and let’s elevate your business together!
Date: Wednesday, November 13th
Time & Location: Noon on Zoom
RSVP: RSVP for the Zoom Link
Other November SIMBA Events:
Trending Tuesday with Trending NW Networking (November 5)
Time & Location: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Fellow Coworking
Health Care for Business Owners with Washington Healthplanfinder (November 19)
Time & Location: 12:00 - 12:30 on Zoom
SIMBA Board Meeting (November 21)
Time & Location: 6:30 p.m. at the Community Building
RSVP: Email Grace Rowe (grace@spokaneindependent.org) for a Zoom link (for SIMBA Members only)
Live Local INW Update
Live Local INW Tips: Support Local Artists!
October was "Choose Indie Art Month," but you can continue to support local artists all year long through the "Arts and Culture" and "Entertainment and Experiences" categories on Live Local INW. Discover unique, handcrafted products and browse our directory to find talented local artists and explore their work. By purchasing from local creators, you contribute to the growth of Eastern Washington's arts scene
If you're a local artist, make sure to join Live Local INW and list your artwork in our directory to connect customers wanting to support local.
In addition to visual arts, explore our indie offerings in music, markets, dance, theater, and literature. Visit the "Arts and Culture" and "Entertainment and Experiences" categories today to keep supporting local artists throughout the year!
Business Tip of the Month
Minimum Wage Increase Alert!
Starting January 1, 2025, the minimum wage in Washington State will rise to $16.66 per hour for all hourly employees aged 16 and over. For younger employees aged 14 and 15, the rate will be set at 85% of the minimum wage, amounting to $14.16 per hour. It's important to note that individual cities can establish higher minimum wages, so residents in Seattle, SeaTac, Tukwila, Renton, Bellingham, and Burien can expect even higher wages in 2025.
For any questions, employers and workers can reach out to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries's (L&I) Employment Standards Program at 360-902-5316 or toll-free at 1-866-219-7321.
For personalized L&I support, reach out to SIMBA for free business assistance in Eastern Washington!
