December 2024 | ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
As 2024 ends, I'm taking a moment to reflect on where I have been as Executive Director, and more importantly, where SIMBA has been this year. I stepped into this role in December 2023, and it has been a whirlwind since. While SIMBA will produce a 2024 Annual Report next spring, some highlights:
We've grown our staff and Board to continue to reflect the communities we serve;
We've expanded our direct outreach to rural communities outside of Spokane County, including our first-ever outreach trips in Garfield and Asotin Counties;
We've partnered with dozens of organizations to provide community resources, including Manzanita House, RIC Spokane, Muslims for Community Action, Vested, and StartUp Spokane, among others;
We created a one-stop, FREE, community calendar for independent and locally-owned business events in Eastern Washington;
We've updated our bylaws and completed a successful financial audit;
We've sponsored community events, including Spokane Pride and the NEYFS Spring Market;
We've created a video resource library on demand (and free); AND
We've served more than 290 Eastern Washington businesses and entrepreneurs to help start, grow, and continue their businesses.
Importantly, we've also updated our Mission, Vision, and Values to more accurately reflect who SIMBA is and will be in the future. We encourage you to review our updated MVV, and we welcome your thoughts and comments on how we can continue to serve our independent and locally-focused Spokane and Eastern Washington Community. We're looking forward to an exciting, educational, and empowering 2025. We have some big announcements coming soon that we cannot wait to share.
Warm regards, Robin
SIMBA staff participated in a Community Assembly with other non-profits and business leaders from Spokane and Tacoma in early December in conjunction with the Equitable Recovery and Reconciliation Alliance (ERRA) in an effort to find ways to address the racial wealth gap through collaborative work.
SIMBA Updates
Climate Planning Survey Now Open
The City of Spokane is updating its Comprehensive Plan to include climate planning and resiliency, creating a 20-year vision to address climate risks and promote equity. To guide this transformative effort, the city has launched a Climate Planning Survey through January 31, 2025.
Your input is crucial to helping the city learn from lived experiences and diverse perspectives in our community. The survey is available in English, Spanish, Russian, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Marshallese, and participants can win one of ten $50 gift cards as a thank-you for their time.
Visit my.spokanecity.org/climateplanning for survey links and resources.
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: New Moon Art Gallery
New Moon Art Gallery is an artist-owned collective located at 1326 E. Sprague Ave in Spokane. The gallery represents over 75 seasoned and emerging artists from the Inland Northwest and offers a diverse range of original, one-of-a-kind artwork across various media, including painting, sculpture, pottery, glassworks, jewelry, and more.
Supporting Member Mentions: Harmony Yoga, Rebel Hart Co., Garland Resale Boutique, Olivia Brownlee, Symons Block Hotel, and Spokast!
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.
Honeycomb Credit’s $5,000 Change It Up Fall Grant
Looking to grow, adapt, or take your business to the next level? Honeycomb Credit is offering the Change It Up Fall Grant, a $5,000 opportunity to help small businesses make bold moves. Learn more and apply!
Excellence in Local Science Journalism Award
The Victor K. McElheny Award recognizes outstanding local and regional journalism that shines a light on critical issues in science, public health, technology, and the environment. Sponsored by the Knight Science Journalism program at MIT, this prestigious award celebrates exceptional reporting with a $10,000 prize and a recognition ceremony. Learn more and apply!
Upcoming Events
SIMBA Business Bites: Business Planning with LivePlan
Kick off the new year with SIMBA Business Bites: Business Planning with LivePlan on January 8th from 12:00 to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom! Learn why business planning is essential for your success and how to use LivePlan, a powerful tool available through SIMBA, to grow your business.
Stay tuned for more details on how to RSVP. Don’t miss this opportunity to start 2025 with a solid plan for growth and success!
Other December SIMBA Events:
Manzanita House: Small Business State Tax Returns (January 14th)
Time & Location: 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Shadle Park Library
Live Local INW Update
Every Day is Small Business Saturday
This holiday season, we celebrated and supported local businesses across Eastern Washington. By shopping small, we kept dollars in our community, strengthened our economy, and supported our neighbors.
How to Live Local INW:
Shop Small: Choose local businesses for your everyday needs.
Eat Local: Dine at nearby restaurants and visit farmers’ markets.
Attend Local Events: Join community gatherings, festivals, and markets.
Spread the Word: Share your favorite local spots on social media and encourage others to shop small.
Give Local: Select local artisans and businesses for gifts, showcase unique products, and support your community.
Don’t forget to use Live Local INW to find and support local businesses year-round.
Did you know? Live Local INW now has a FREE, community events calendar—thanks to a grant from the Avista Foundation! Showcasing and discovering local events in Eastern Washington has never been easier. Check it out to stay connected and continue supporting local all year long!
Business Tip of the Month
Stay Prepared for Corporate Transparency Act Updates
A recent nationwide injunction has temporarily halted enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and its beneficial ownership information (BOI) reporting rule. While companies are not currently required to file BOI reports or face penalties, the situation remains fluid as the Department of Justice appeals the ruling.
What does this mean for your business?
Reporting companies can choose to voluntarily file BOI reports during this pause.
It’s wise to stay prepared for compliance, as enforcement could resume depending on the appeal's outcome.
SIMBA will share updates and guidance as they become available about the BOI.
