Executive Director's Letter

I recently joked that the only AI that I recognize is Allen Iverson. I realize this joke is niche and ages me, but I stand by it.

I’m not going to tell you not to use AI for your small business, but I am going to tell you to use it cautiously. Besides AI using up water and natural resources, producing biased results, and jeopardizing personal data, it also produces a lot of incorrect answers. If AI is coming for our jobs, it’s doing so poorly. We see this regularly at SIMB. Small business owners and entrepreneurs are coming to us with questions about LLC formation or business licensing or state business tax requirements with information that is wrong. The linked sources on AI-searches are not the places with the answers — the Secretary of State (LLC or entity formation) or the Department of Revenue (Business licensing and taxes) ; they are links to blogs or other business services websites or summaries of data that miss key points. At this point, I am confident that AI is going to keep SIMBA employed because our staff, our contractors, and our partners are continually correcting mistakes that could have been avoided with a little practice in understanding sources and not using AI summaries.

At SIMBA, we value knowing the right answer — or knowing who to ask — before we share it. We stand by our small business workshops (including those on our free video library) and our consultations, and we will talk to you about how using AI as a tool — and not The Answer — is a possible solution for your business or nonprofit. And yes, I write with oxford commas and em dashes, but it’s because I studied literature a lifetime ago, not because this letter was drafted by a chat bot.

Are you using AI for your small business? How are you using it? Why?

Warmly, Robin (robin@spokaneindependent.org)

*SIMBA Small Business Consultant Lina Roncancio grabbed a well-earned doughnut from local favorite* *Donut Parade* while doing outreach in the Logan neighborhood. She spent the day connecting with small businesses about SIMBA and Live Local INW, and even handed out L&I’s three required workplace signs as a bonus.

SIMBA UPDATES

SIMBA School of Business Shorts: Marketing for Your Small Business

The SIMBA School of Business Shorts series continues with a brand-new set of videos now live on YouTube—and completely free. We've added three more videos, led by Communications Lead, Alexis McLaughlin, that break down basic marketing strategies for small businesses:

Google Business Profile & SEO
Web Design
Social Media Strategy

They’re designed to fit into real life, easy to watch during lunch or between client calls. A big thank you to SIMBA Member Vexing Media for recording and editing these videos—we love collaborating with them. Shout out to our partners StartUp Spokane and Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN), who have made these videos possible.

We also have over a dozen other small business workshops on demand on YouTube, covering a range of topics, including state and federal tax information, business licensing, and SEO basics.

WATCH HERE

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.

SBA Express Loans

Small Business Administration loans are government-backed loans that are issued by local CDFis, banks, and credit unions for business that meet certain kinds of requirements. There are a variety of SBA loans, but SBA Express Loans are often easier to obtain, especially for newer business. Some general requirements:

Maximum loans of up to $500,000, but collateral is generally not required for under $50,000;
Must be in business for at least 2 years;
Must be a for-profit business;
Credit scores will be determined by the lender, but usually at least 650 (these are the credit scores of the business owners);
Can be used for working capital, refinancing debt, and purchases of inventory or equipment.

Locally, banks like Columbia Bank or credit unions like Numerica offer SBA loans to small businesses. Want to talk about small business lending with SIMBA before talking to a banker? Use this link to schedule a low-cost consult.

Upcoming Events

**Smart Tech Systems for Future-Ready Businesses**
Technology should support growth, not slow it down. This interactive event features roundtable discussions focused on protecting your business and streamlining operations through cybersecurity, automation, CRM, MarCom tech, and AI. Come ready to discuss, learn, and walk away with clear, practical next steps.
**Date & Time:** March 10, 2026 | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
**Location:** Spokane Public Library – Shadle Park, 2111 W Wellesley Ave, Spokane, WA 99205
Zoom Option Available.
This event is hosted in partnership with SBRN and StartUp Spokane.
**About Stephanie High /**
**KaizenCX:**
Stephanie High is the founder of **KaizenCX**, a technology advisory and solutions practice that helps businesses streamline operations and set up tools that actually make sense for growth, like CRM, automation, cybersecurity, and more. KaizenCX offers vendor‑neutral expert guidance so you get technology that fits your business goals. Stephanie brings over 20 years of experience in tech, marketing, and business development.

RSVP HERE!

Business Tip

We are waiting on a review from our partners at the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, so we’ll be sharing two tips next month. We were not kidding about providing the correct information.

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