November 2025 | ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
Tomorrow marks the start of my third year as Executive Director at SIMBA, and I wanted to reflect on our growth as an organization and share some of our incredible resources - many of which are new this year. These resources were created as a direct result of SIMBA's updated mission, vision, and values, adopted at the start of the year - with a primary focus on education for our independent and local Eastern Washington businesses and consumers:
1:1 business support consultations with a trained team of advisors on topics ranging from marketing to business licensing to state business tax filings;
Monthly business workshops tailored for "for" and nonprofit businesses;
An on-demand video library of small business trainings available to grown your knowledge and your business;
Low cost registered agent services;
The Live Local INW Directory and Marketplace - a website dedicated to supporting local with a place to list your business (or nonprofit), share your goods and services, and promote your events (we had over 20,000 visitors last month looking to shop local);
Virtual mailing services for Spokane County home-based businesses;
Fiscal sponsorships for emerging nonprofits and community-focused dor profit businesses; AND
Business, nonprofit, and consumer memberships for connection, resources, and promotion.
We have more in store as we head into 2026, including our first ever annual fundraising event - The SIMBA Circus, coming May 16, 2026. What else do you need to support the growth of your Eastern Washington business or nonprofit?
Warmly, Robin (robin@spokaneindependent.org)
Kari Anderson from Incite! Consulting presents on revenue diversification for nonprofits at a training hosted by SIMBA in November. We had dozens of attendees in person and on Zoom.
SIMBA Updates
Coming Soon: Expanded SIMBA School of Business Video Series
We’ve teamed up with SIMBA member Vexing Media to roll out a new video series answering our most-asked small business questions in 30 minutes or less. First up: raising capital, with quick, clear breakdowns of loans, grants, and crowdfunding. These videos will be on our YouTube channel in December, and they remain free and accessible. Let us know what topics you’d like us to cover in future videos.
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!
Sponsoring Member Spotlight: Spokast! is a podcast and studio in Spokane, WA that amplifies local voices, helps creators launch their own shows, and produces In the Den with SIMBA once a month. Spokast! was founded by Brennon Poyner in 2021 as a community-focused podcasting recording studio with the main focus of helping people start their own podcasts without having to worry about the technical stuff.
Current 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.
CHS Cooperative Matching Grants
Local member cooperatives can receive matching grants to support projects that strengthen rural communities, from ag safety equipment and FFA/4-H programs to first responder resources. Each cooperative can receive up to $10,000 per program year, with applications accepted online year-round.
Eligibility: Applications must be submitted by a CHS member cooperative or CHS ag retail location. Learn more & apply here!
FY25 ONR STEM Education & Workforce Grant
This grant, offered by the Office of Naval Research, supports STEM education programs—from K‑12 through post‑graduate—to build a strong, diverse science and engineering workforce aligned with Navy and Marine Corps needs.
Deadline: Full proposals due by June 30, 2026, 5:00 PM EST.
Cost Sharing: Not required.
Focus Areas:
Grow learners’ STEM interest and capability
Encourage students into STEM certifications, degrees, or careers
Provide research or work opportunities for post‑secondary students
Improve mentoring and educator quality in STEM
Expand institutional capacity to support STEM fields
AMAKA Grants: Empowering Creative Entrepreneurs
Creative entrepreneurs can receive up to $500 in software subscriptions, complimentary consultations, and creator credits to help grow their business and elevate their creative projects. Each month, two deserving businesses are selected to get the tools, guidance, and support they need to thrive in the creative economy.
Eligibility: Open to brands, business owners, and creative entrepreneurs looking to enhance their digital presence, streamline workflows, or commission creative talent. Learn more & apply here!
Upcoming Events
SIMBA Business Bites: SEO & Google Business Basics
Join us for a 30-minute Zoom session packed with actionable tips to boost your small business online! Learn the essentials of SEO and how to optimize your Google Business Profile so customers can find you faster and easier. Perfect for busy business owners looking for quick, practical strategies to grow their online presence.
Date & Time: Wednesday, December 10, 2025 | 12:00 p.m.–12:30 p.m.
Location: Virtual (Zoom) –
SIMBA Business Bites is a monthly series held every 2nd Tuesday, offering bite-sized learning on essential business topics to help you grow and succeed.
Business Tip
Business Tip: Employee’s Right to Access
SIMBA Business Tip: Employee Access to Personnel Files
Did you know that as of July 27, 2025, Washington State employers have to provide their employees with copies of their personnel files within 21 days of request at no cost or you can face penalties of $250+? In addition to these new requirements, Washington state has codified what documents MUST be maintained in a personnel file.
More details: Employees and former employees (or their designees) have the right to access their personnel files within 21 calendar days of a request, at no cost. Personnel files may include:
Job applications, performance reviews, and disciplinary records
Leave, accommodation, and payroll records
Employment agreements and discharge information
Important: Employers cannot keep medical information in personnel files (ADA) and are not required to create records that aren’t already maintained.
Private Right of Action: Employees must give notice before suing in Superior Court. Statutory damages apply if files are not provided:
$250 if late after 21 days
$500 after 28 days
$1,000 after 35 days
$500 for other violations
Annual Review: Employees can request a review of their personnel file. Employers must remove irrelevant or incorrect information; employees can add rebuttals if they disagree. Criminal investigation records are excluded.
More importantly, AT LEAST the following documents must be maintained in an employee’s personnel file:
All job application records;
All performance evaluations;
All nonactive or closed disciplinary records;
All leave and reasonable accommodation records;
All payroll records; AND
All employee agreements.
