Executive Director's Letter

As we head into fall and the holidays, the desire to support local is often outweighed by the desire for a deal or convenience or fill-in-the-blank reason to shop at Amazon. Unfortunately, convenience is never how we support community, and supporting community is needed now more than ever. With looming cuts to SNAP and WIC benefits for our most vulnerable neighbors and our small businesses losing business to big box stores and "Black Friday" deals, it's time to find ways to truly support local.

Here are some options that you can do today:

Donate to a local food bank (even the little neighborhood free food library) - money goes further than food donations, but give what you can;
Leave a review on Google, Yelp, Facebook, etc. for your favorite cal business;
Write out your holiday shopping list and search Live Local INW for independent and local businesses in Eastern Washington who can fulfill those wishlists;
Write to your elected officials about why food benefits matter to our community members and small businesses (you can reach 5th District Rep. Michael Baumgartner here);
Shop at a locally-owned grocery store for your holiday meal; loss of SNAP and WIC will impact those stores as well.

Here's what SIMBA is doing in November to support our community, in addition to the work we already do: 50% of every dollar donated in November to support our FREE local business directory, Live Local INW, and 25% of every new and recurring member dollar received in November will go to the 2nd Harvest Food Bank. It's a small way to support local businesses while supporting our most vulnerable neighbors. What are you doing to support our local community this month?

Warmly, Robin (robin@spokaneindependent.org)

*SIMBA Board Members and Staff joined* *Dr. Kylie Bragdon* *in late October for a* session on "Making the Ask" to continue to sustain SIMBA's programs and offerings, both free and paid. From left to right (back row): Board Treasurer Kathy Thamm, Board Member Joshua Thomas, Board Member David Borrelli; (front row): Board Member Flor Castaneda, Board President Juan Mas, Executive Director Robin Haynes, Communications & Business Services Associate Alexis McLaughlin, and Dr. Kylie Bragdon.

SIMBA Updates

**Now Hiring: Business District Liaison**
SIMBA is looking for a **Business District Liaison** to help strengthen and support Spokane’s local business districts, including Garland, North Monroe, and the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation. This role focuses on outreach, board and volunteer engagement, capacity building, and developing resources to empower neighborhood business communities. The position also includes direct, in-person outreach on behalf of SIMBA. This is a unique, shared staffing position made possible by a grant from our neighbors and friends at Washington Trust for Historic Preservation.

Applications and interviews will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Please send a cover letter, a one-page resume, and a list of three professional and/or personal references in PDF format to **robin@spokaneindependent.org**.

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:** **Vodde IP** is an intellectual property law firm, helping businesses protect and manage their trademarks, copyrights, and brand assets with expert, client-focused guidance.

Supporting Member Mentions: Olivia Brownlee, GLOW Children Early Learning Center, 33 Artists Market, Counter Culture, Indaba Coffee, Spirit Pruners, Precision Driving Academy, and Which Witch Handmade.

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A huge thank you to our Individual Members: Christine Pratt, Chrystal Gonzalez, Court Saunders, Gabrielle Calcaterra, Robin Haynes, William Morkill, Tamar Powers, Emily Arneson, Lina Roncancio, Alexis McLaughlin, Alex Lacy, and Flor Castaneda!

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.

Thrive Grant

Small business owners making a positive impact in underrepresented communities can receive a $5,000 grant to grow their business and enhance community impact. Each quarter, one entrepreneur is selected to receive funding along with support from Breva’s AI-driven insights and coaching. Quarter 1 Application opens January 1, 2026!

Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses with at least 1 year of operation, generating revenue, and making a tangible impact on their community. Learn more & apply here!