February 2025 | ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
Are you participating in an Economic Boycott today? If you're like me, you've seen the social posts to not shop at large corporations and big box stores today (like Amazon or Walmart), fast food chains, and large gas stations. Per the posts, it was okay to shop "small business" and to use cash. I guess I have been participating in an Economic Boycott for years. I eat local (even when traveling), I drink local coffee, I shop local retail (and often secondhand), and I buy local groceries (when possible) from local grocery stores. I don't have Amazon Prime, and the only thing I really miss is that I cannot re-watch Season 2 of "Fleabag" again.
I appreciate that the national response to a federal focus on billionaires and big business interests has led the country away from Target, but I have to wonder what has taken so long. Sure, Amazon is convenient - if you want cheap, mass-produced items that you likely do not need tomorrow. Not only is your off-brand Amazon t-shirt poorly made in exploitative labor conditions, but it will end up in a landfill. The environmental cost to ship it to you from a warehouse in multiple layers of plastic cannot be overlooked when it's February 28th and 55 degrees in Eastern WA.
At SIMBA we've been supporting local (Eastern WA) and independent (not part of a corporate chain) for almost 7 years, and we encourage you to do the same. Not just as an "economic blackout" and not just to lessen the environmental impact, but to support your region, your neighborhood, and your neighbors. I say it often, but 70 - 90% of your dollar stays in your actual community when you support local. When you shop at Walmart, 10-20% of that dollar stays here. Vote with your dollar every day - not just one day of the year. SIMBA's even made it easy for you to find local businesses throughout Eastern WA with our free directory and marketplace, Live Local INW.
Warm regards, Robin
Business Librarian extraordinaire Mark Pond from StartUp Spokane and the Spokane Central Library presents at "Marketing for Creatives" the first collaborative event this year as part of the SIMBA x StartUp Spokane Partnership.
SIMBA Updates
SIMBA is Now a Registered Agent
SIMBA is thrilled to offer secure, professional, and affordable registered agent services for Eastern Washington business owners!
Why Choose a Professional Registered Agent?
Address Protection – Use SIMBA’s address for your registered agent and business, keeping your personal address private (great for remote workers).
Timely Filing – Never miss important filing deadlines for renewing your LLC or corporation.
Scam & Fraud Protection – We filter out scam mail sent to business addresses and registered agents.
Mail Services – Official business mail scanned and emailed to you by the next business day.
Pricing:
Non-Members: $50/year
Supporting Business Members (including non-profits & students): $25/year
What’s Included?
SIMBA serves as your official registered agent for the entire calendar year.
Fraud and scam mail protection.
Use SIMBA’s address as your business address (optional).
Official mail scanning and digital forwarding.
Additional Services: Annual Report Filing with the Washington State Secretary of State ($20 per filing + state fees)
If you are interested, please complete the intake form below, and we'll be in touch with a payment link within two business days. Upon receipt of your payment, we will file a change of registered agent services with the Washington Secretary of State, and the rest is up to us.
Questions? Email: info@spokaneindependent.org.
SIMBA School of Business Launching This Spring
With generous support from the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA), we’re thrilled to launch the SIMBA School of Business this spring. Whether you're starting a business or looking to grow, our FREE in-person workshops and 1:1 business support are designed to help you elevate your business to an A+ level.
Workshop Topics Include:
Business Startups & Compliance
Business Finance Basics
Social Media, Web Design & SEO
Business Planning & Goal Setting
Locations: Join us in Colville, Cheney, Colfax, or Clarkston for one of our four FREE workshops. Can't make it in person? Zoom access will be available to follow along remotely. Stay tuned—we’ll be adding more dates and locations soon! If attending a session isn’t an option, we also offer FREE tailored business support on the topics covered. A huge thank you to our collaborators: StartUp Spokane, Jasmin Group PLLC, Libraries of Stevens County, Spokane County Library District Cheney, and the Colfax Chamber of Commerce
See below for workshop dates, or visit our website to RSVP!
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: NewBeginnings Spokane LLC is dedicated to building trust, providing personalized expertise, and relentlessly advocating for clients throughout their student loan journey. More than just an advocate, NewBeginnings empowers individuals with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to confidently navigate their student loans and take charge of their financial future.
Supporting Member Mentions: Vexing Media, Mack Creek Ranch, Hidden Bagel, Range Media, Purple Crayon Productions, and Maker + Made.
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. 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.
Funding Opportunity for BIPOC-Owned Small Businesses: Community Enhancement Fund (CEF) Grant Program
The Community Enhancement Fund (CEF) Grant Program is an opportunity for small businesses serving BIPOC communities in Washington State. This pilot program provides funding and support to help businesses grow and build long-term financial sustainability.
Grants of $50,000–$150,000 to support business growth.
Customized Technical Assistance for grantees.
Operating Support for community organizations that co-design and administer the fund.
The CEF prioritizes "By and For" businesses—those led by and serving communities impacted by the racial wealth gap and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Grant Amounts: $50,000–$150,000 per business
Application Deadline: March 17, 2025
Award Notification: Early April 2025
Funds Must Be Spent By: June 20, 2025
Reporting Due: June 25, 2025
Grant funds may be used for construction, equipment, staffing, marketing, rent, professional development, and more. Note: Grant funds are considered taxable income.
Q&A session on Friday, March 7 at noon | Register here!
Upcoming Events
SIMBA School of Business: Business Startups & Compliance (Course 1)
Learn the essential steps to starting a business in Washington! This workshop will cover business structures, licensing, tax requirements, and key compliance factors to help you get off to a good start.
Date: Thursday, March 13th
Time: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Location: Colville Library
195 S. Oak St. Colville, WA 99114
Zoom option available
Other March SIMBA Events:
SIMBA Member Morning Meet-Up | March 11th
Time & Location: 7:30 a.m. | Saranac Commons
Exclusively for SIMBA members.
SIMBA Business Bites: Small Business Federal Tax Filing Prep | March 19th
Time & Location: 12:00 p.m. | Virtual via Zoom
"Workers’ Compensation: What You Need To Know with Holly C. Smith" Live Rewatch | March 20th
Time & Location: 12:00 p.m. | Central - Spokane Public Library/Zoom
SIMBA School of Business: Business Finance Basics with the Jasmin Group PLLC (Course 2) | March 24th
Time & Location: 5:30 p.m. | Cheney Library/Zoom
