November 2024 | ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
I've scheduled sent this newsletter to arrive early on Black Friday, a "holiday" synonymous with Big Box stores, tech deals, and overconsumption. I'm old enough to remember Black Friday being in-store only - and my parents standing in line at the department store to buy me a cabbage patch doll. Now, it's Amazon flash sales, 30% of codes from every retailer in your email, and the need to get that deal on something you likely do not need or want.
At SIMBA, we'd love for you to think more about Small Business Saturday, and not just this Saturday. We want every day to be a Small Business Day. Supporting local means keeping your neighbors employed, keeping money where you live, protecting your local environment, and being conscious about how you consume and from whom. Why shop locally? One important factor is that up to 70% of each dollar spent at a local, independent business in your community stays in your community whether that is in small business owner revenue, local taxes that fund our parks and schools and emergency services, or local employee wages. Shopping large only keeps about 10-15% of each dollar in your community. That's almost all taxes - all those revenues line the pockets of someone who has never experienced the Garland Neighborhood District or couldn't pick out Main Street Colville on a map.
We realize that money is tight for everyone, so if you cannot truly shop local (and we challenge you to find the real reason you are not doing it), there are other ways to support local businesses on Small Business Saturday and every day. I encourage you to do one of these this weekend:
Follow a local business on social media. Share, like, and comment on their content.
Write a google. Facebook, or Yelp review for a local business you love.
Refer a friend to a local business that you think needs more support.
Use cash for small purchases at local businesses (merchant processing fees are excessive).
Attend a community event that is free or low cost.
Leave a slightly higher tip for a local employee that you love.
Don't ask for a discount from friends and family who own small businesses if you can afford it.
Try a new local restaurant or coffee shop (Starbucks is NOT local) - bonus points if it's a cuisine you've never tried.
I'll be leaving several reviews this weekend, getting outside in nature on Black Friday, and supporting small every day this weekend and beyond.
Warm Regards, Robin
SIMBA staff presenting on Trending Tuesday with our friends at Trending NW Magazine on supporting local.
SIMBA Updates
Submit Your Job Listings on the SIMBA Website!
SIMBA is excited to offer a free jobs Board on our recently-updated website designed to help our SIMBA Business Members, local non-profits, and state and local government agencies connect with talented local professionals and employees.
If you are a SIMBA member, non-profit, or government agent, please fill out our online form in its entirety. Once submitted, a SIMBA staff member will review your listing and contact you if any clarifications are needed before posting.
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 Jasmin Group LLC
Jasmin Group’s team of professionals collaborates with clients to understand their unique needs and implement tailored products and services that fit both their requirements and budgets.
The team includes executive leaders with decades of experience in areas such as accounting, bookkeeping, nonprofit leadership, private equity trusts, business and nonprofit start-ups, public relations and marketing, membership and nonprofit organizations, government and lobbying, and multimedia creation.
Supporting Member Mentions: The Advocates Injury Attorneys (Spokane), Fennel Financial Coaching, Evolving Guys LLC, Come Home Life Coaching, Vexing Media, and Aesthetic Coterie.
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.
Strategic Asset Acquisition Program (SAAP)
The Northwest Native Chamber has launched the Strategic Asset Acquisition Program (SAAP)! This program supports Native-owned businesses in Washington State by providing grant funding for high-value asset acquisitions, fostering generational wealth and healthier communities.
Who is eligible? Native-owned businesses located in Washington State.
What does it provide? Grant funding for strategic, high-value asset purchases.
There is $674,000 in funding available.
The deadline is January 2, 2025. Learn more and apply!
ScaleUp Business Training
ScaleUp Business Training helps established Washington State businesses increase profitability, build capacity, and drive growth.
Who is eligible? Designed for business owners with at least two years of experience.
What does it provide? Delivered online with live training sessions, roundtable discussions, and mentorship hours.
This program which normally costs $1,599 is currently provided at no cost to Washington State businesses through June 30, 2025,
Classes start in January 2025. Learn more and apply!
Upcoming Events
Small Business Holiday Social: Celebrate & Shop Local
Join us for our Small Business Holiday Social! Celebrate with us on Wednesday, December 4th, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at the Community Building, 35 W. Main Ave., Spokane, WA 99201! Enjoy drinks and appetizers from Nectar Catering and Events as we connect with fellow small business owners. Plus, enjoy a fun, interactive photo booth experience brought to you by Electric Photoland.
Shop and support local vendors:
Minty Creations
Plus, Kizuri will be open to explore and shop!
Free for SIMBA Members | $20 for Guests & Non-Members (includes food and 2 drink tickets for beer/wine and raffle entries)
Please RSVP for SIMBA Members here.
Non-member tickets are available here.
Other December SIMBA Events:
Manzanita House: Temporary Business Licenses (December 2nd)
Time & Location: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Shadle Park Library
SIMBA Business Bites: Social Media Basics for Your Business (December 11th)
Time & Location: 12:00 - 12:30 p.m. via Zoom
Live Local INW Update
Share Your Events on Live Local INW!
We’ve officially launched our FREE community events calendar, thanks to support from the Avista Foundation for sponsoring this exciting update! If you’re a registered LLINW business or paid SIMBA member, you can post your events directly on our community calendar. From seasonal celebrations to workshops, promotional sales, and community happenings—share them with the LLINW community! Remember, it's always free for independent and local businesses and non-profits in Eastern Washington to join Live Local!
Want to showcase your event on LLINW? Here’s how:
Log In to your business account and head to the 'Events' section.
Fill Out Your Event Details: Include the Title, Date & Time, Location, and Description, and upload a photo.
Add Your RSVP or Ticket Link for attendees.
Preview and Submit your event!
Once your event is posted, it’ll appear on the calendar, linked to your business profile. After the event ends, it automatically disappears—keeping the calendar fresh and up-to-date!
Not a LLINW Business Yet?
If you’re a local, independent business in Eastern Washington, join LLINW today to start posting your events.
For Our Community
Looking for fun and local activities? Search for events on Live Local INW to discover:
Exciting community happenings
Special offers and sales
Unique workshops and celebrations
Don’t miss out! Whether you're hosting or attending, Live Local INW is your go-to for all things local in Eastern Washington.
Business Tip of the Month
Minimum Wage Increase Alert!
Did you know you can get professional, no-cost advice to create a safer work environment? The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) offers confidential, no-fee professional advice to help you create a hazard-free workplace. L&I specialists are ready to visit your facility to help identify and fix hazards, ensuring a safer work environment for everyone.
Stay tuned for more information on our LIVE replay of "Developing an Accident Prevention Program with David Jeary" in case you missed it! This session covers the essential elements of an APP, assesses common workplace hazards, and guides you through selecting relevant topics and materials.
For personalized L&I support, reach out to SIMBA for free business assistance in Eastern Washington!
