August 2025 | ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
We talk regularly about the importance of supporting local businesses - it's the basis for our flagship program Live Local INW and it's literally part of our mission statement. But, what is the impact of local support?
For every dollar spent at a local business, 67 to 75 cents stays in that community. For every dollar spent at a non-local business (Amazon, Target, a chain restaurant), 13 to 25 cents stays in that community. Here's how that shakes out in Spokane County, which as of 2024 has just over 550,000 people. If each of those 550k people spent $100 at a local business this month, that is $36,850,000 that stays in Spokane County (at 67 cents per dollar). That money goes to local wages, to pay mortgages and rent, to buy groceries and gas (hopefully at locally-owned spots), and to County and City tax revenues that fund parks, streets, public safety, community events, and economic development to support those local businesses. By contrast, if each of those 550,000 people spends $100 at Amazon or Target, only $7,150,000 stays in Spokane County - that is a loss of community dollars in excess of almost $30 million to Spokane County and its residents.
Think about that next time you consider a Target run. Don't know where to start shopping local? Head to our free online directory, marketplace, and community events calendar Live Local INW and search by product, service, neighborhood, and more. Follow @livelocalinw on Instagram and Facebook as well, where we highlight local businesses and events across Eastern Washington. Or, simply reach out - we are happy to share our local faves and hidden gems.
Warm regards, Robin (robin@spokaneindependent.org)
SIMBA Members enjoyed a coffee social at SIMBA Member Indaba's Monroe Street location earlier this month.
SIMBA Updates
New Member Benefit: Your Business Featured First on Live Local INW
Exciting news! SIMBA member businesses are now automatically placed at the top of every search on Live Local INW. Whether people search by city, neighborhood, demographics, or business type across Eastern Washington, your listing will always appear first, ensuring your business gets seen before non-member listings, which appear in random order.
With thousands of monthly visitors and strong Google rankings, Live Local INW drives real visibility and customer traffic to your business. Ensure your listing is current and detailed, allowing customers to easily locate your products, services, and events. Want to learn more about SIMBA Membership to take advantage of this benefit? Find out here.
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:
Vexing Media is a Spokane-based creative agency helping businesses, nonprofits, and organizations tell their stories with impact. Since 2009, their team has specialized in branding, web design, video, events, and digital strategy, blending creativity and strategy to amplify voices and build lasting connections.
Supporting Member Mentions: Pamper Me Pink, Spokane Workforce Council, Up and Atom Foundation, Discovery Counseling Foundation, Spokane Zero Waste, and Odyssey Youth Movement.
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.
She’s Connected by AT&T Small Business Contest
One woman-owned small business will win $50,000, a year of AT&T service with a new device, and a feature with a #ShesConnected athlete. Four runner-ups will each get $5,000.
Deadline: September 30, 2025
Eligibility: Woman-owned U.S. small businesses with 50 or fewer employees
Tourism & Cultural Investment (TACI) Grants – City of Spokane
The Tourism & Cultural Investment (TACI) Grants provide $5,000 to $10,000 in funding to support new or emerging events and cultural projects in Spokane that attract tourists and enrich the city's cultural environment.
Deadline: Ongoing
Eligibility: Nonprofit, for-profit, or public agencies hosting public-access events in Spokane during the applicable calendar year. Events should promote cultural diversity, tourism, and inclusivity.
Start.Pivot.Grow. Micro Grant
Start.Pivot.Grow. awards a $2,500 quarterly micro grant to U.S.-based, for-profit businesses. Funds can be used for essentials like utilities, rent, inventory, professional development, software, marketing, and bookkeeping.
Deadline: Rolling, quarterly
Eligibility:
In operation for at least two years
$50,000+ annual revenue (verification required)
1–2 employees (including owner)
U.S.-based, for-profit companies only
Upcoming Events
Featured SIMBA Event
Live Local INW Market
September 13, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
1403 N. Washington St., Spokane, WA - The Guardian Spokane
Shop a variety of local makers and artisans offering:
Apparel & home goods
Bath & self-care
Jewelry & accessories
Art & handmade crafts
Specialty foods, coffee & boba
Vendors You’ll Love: Mountain Top Mentality, Which Witch Handmade, Jenn Marquis Photography, Evolving Guys, Up & Atom, Spokane Zero Waste, Bath By Bex, Earthling Goods, Kape Cha, La Pica Chica, Nomadic Knots, Soriano Designs, Artisan Guild, Roaming Roots Woodwork, Planted Cauldron, Mother Goose Bakery, Liberate & Lather, and more!
We'll also be selling Live Local INW market bags and new support local stickers to help keep Live Local INW free. Enjoy beverages, friends, tarot readers, and a photo booth from our friends at Electric Photoland!
Business Tip
Business Tip: Understanding Business Interruption Insurance
Business interruption insurance, sometimes called business income insurance, helps businesses maintain financial stability when unexpected events disrupt operations. Situations such as natural disasters, fires, theft, or supply chain interruptions can lead to lost revenue and additional expenses.
What it covers: Lost income, payroll, rent or mortgage payments, loan payments, utilities, relocation costs, and other ongoing expenses.
Policy inclusion: Typically part of a Business Owner’s Policy (BOP); premiums are tax-deductible.
Coverage period: Begins after a short waiting period following a qualifying event and lasts until normal operations resume.
Determining coverage: Analyze annual gross profit, operational expenses, and potential interruption duration to ensure adequate protection.
Special considerations: Seasonal businesses or high-risk operations may need additional coverage to account for peak periods or extended disruptions.
Exclusions: Most policies do not cover losses from pandemics or communicable diseases.
Reviewing your policy, understanding what is covered, and calculating appropriate coverage levels can help ensure your business is financially prepared for unforeseen interruptions. Have an insurance question? Let SIMBA's business support team help you by requesting a low cost business consultation below!
