January 2025 | ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
This week the non-profit and small business communities were thrown into a panic when the federal Office of Budget and Management (OMB) issued a directive to halt payments on federal grants and loans. While much of the media focus was (rightfully so) on the impact to programs like Head Start, WIC, and student loans, the federal funding freeze was felt across (virtually) every non-profit and small business owner. Anyone running a business knows that business lending is a necessity, and a large majority of that lending comes from the Small Business Association (SBA). Your loan may have been issued by SIMBA Member Numerica Credit Union, but it was likely backed by SBA (federal) dollars. If federal loans and grants are shut down, that includes SBA lending. While the OMB has rescinded the federal freeze - for now - this fast-moving change made clear that SIMBA needs some new tools to share "of the moment" information in our local, state, and federal landscape that impacts our small business and greater communities in Eastern Washington.
With that, SIMBA will begin blogging on our website soon to give small business owners, consumers, and entrepreneurs the information they need when they need it - and from a trusted source. We want to increase your power to know what is happening when it is happening, and how it impacts (or could impact) you and our community. We'll be providing updates on local, state, and federal legislation; providing tools and scripts to reach out to decision-makers; and sharing the work we are doing as a non-profit to support our entrepreneurs and business owners. For example, SIMBA signed onto a petition with Main Street Alliance on Tuesday (January 28) to oppose the federal funding freeze as it directly impacts small businesses, especially in our rural communities. While the freeze has been halted, business owners can still sign the petition here to tell their legislators how important SBA Lending is. Likewise, SIMBA happily supported the resolution brought forth by our friends at Latinos en Spokane asking our local leaders in the City of Spokane to follow Washington State's Keep Washington Working Act, to ensure the dignity, safety, and inclusion of our our immigrant community members - many of whom are small business owners. The resolution will be before the council in the upcoming weeks, so if you're in Spokane, please reach out to your council person.
We'll keep you posted as the blog begins, and as always, we are here to support the diverse entrepreneurs, business owners, and consumers throughout Eastern Washington. Supporting local only makes us stronger. We share more in common than we share in differences.
Warm regards, Robin
SIMBA Staff doing outreach to Spokane-area businesses in January! They are coming to your Eastern Washington city next.
SIMBA Updates
SIMBA is Partnering with StartUp Spokane
We have some exciting things in the works to support Spokane-area entrepreneurs. If 2025 is the year you start your business, SIMBA is thrilled to be partnering with StartUp Spokane in a more formal way to expand small business group training opportunities across our incredible Spokane library system. If you haven't been to the Central Library's Business Lab or met Mark Pond, our talented Business Research Librarian, you are missing out on the tools you need to start and run your Eastern Washington Business. More details coming soon about our collaborative efforts.
The Inlander’s 2025 Best of the Inland Northwest Readers Poll is Open
It’s time to show some love to your favorite independent and local businesses and organizations. Support local by giving them the shout-out they deserve. While you’re voting, don’t forget to vote for SIMBA as the Best Non-Profit!
Voting closes February 19th, and the results will be featured in the March 27th issue of The Inlander. Share with friends and let’s celebrate the amazing small businesses in the Inland Northwest! VOTE NOW!
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: Helmer Noel is a Spokane-based musician known for his soulful blend of gospel, jazz, and soul. Alongside his partner David Borrelli, he co-owns Mountain Top Mentality, a local business dedicated to inspiring growth and community. Check out his music for a unique and powerful experience!
Supporting Member Mentions: Rejuvenate, Candle Bar Co,. SpokeAnna, Sixth Man Marketing, Brick West Brewing Co., and Bryan Hall Designs.
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.
Coach K Legacy Grant
The Coach K Legacy Grant offers $2,500 each quarter to support aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners in advancing their ventures. The application process is straightforward and free, requiring basic information, business experience, and intended use of the grant funds.
The current application deadline is February 19, 2025.
Washington Small Business Flex Fund 2
The Washington Small Business Flex Fund 2, is supported by the Washington State Department of Commerce. This program offers flexible, affordable loans designed to meet the unique needs of small businesses and nonprofits, with competitive interest rates and repayment terms that work for you.
Loan Highlights:
Borrow up to $250,000
Fixed interest rates ranging from 8.5–11.5% (based on loan length)
Repayment terms from 36 to 72 months
No prepayment penalties
Funds can be used for payroll, rent, utilities, marketing, building improvements, or other expenses
Eligibility:
To apply, your business or nonprofit must:
Have fewer than 50 employees
Generate less than $5 million in annual revenue
Have been operating for at least one year
Upcoming Events
SIMBA Business Bites: Live Local INW & Events
Join us for our upcoming Business Bites on Live Local INW & Events! Discover how to leverage Live Local INW to connect with an audience passionate about supporting local businesses. We’ll guide you through LLINW’s brand-new Event Calendar and show you how to list your events, products, and deals.
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 12:00 to 12:30 p.m.
Location: Zoom (RSVP for the link)
We host Business Bites every 2nd Wednesday of the month at noon, covering a range of topics designed to support your small business. Grab your lunch, tune in, and let’s elevate your business together!
Other December SIMBA Events:
SIMBA Board Meeting (February 11th)
Time & Location: 6:00 p.m. at the Community Building
(Third Floor Large Conference Room)
Exclusively for SIMBA members. Please RSVP with Grace at grace@spokaneindependent.org.
Live Local INW Update
Share or Find Events on our Live Local INW Events Calendar
Have you started using our FREE community events calendar on Live Local INW yet? This feature lets registered LLINW businesses post their events directly to the calendar - all FREE. From seasonal celebrations and workshops to sales and community happenings—share them with the LLINW audience today! As a community member, find something local to support by checking out the events page. It’s always free for independent and local businesses and non-profits in Eastern Washington to join Live Local INW, and it's free for consumers to use to support local.
Not a LLINW Business Yet?
If you’re a local, independent business in Eastern Washington, join LLINW today to start posting your events.
Business Tip of the Month
Is your independent contractor actually an employee in Washington?
Planning to report someone with a 1099 does not necessarily make them an
independent contractor. All your workers in Washington are entitled to workers’
compensation insurance unless they fit a strict legal exemption. There are six parts (seven for construction), and all parts of the test must be true to be an independent contractor.
Some items of the test include:
Free from your control or direction.
They have their business license with the Department of Revenue and
other state agencies as required.They file a schedule of expenses with the IRS.
For construction only: The individual is properly registered as a contractor or has a valid electrical contractor license.
You can use the Independent Contractor Guide, the eLearning class, or call 360-902-4817 to better understand who you need to cover.
