Executive Director's Letter

Every day, we receive support requests from small businesses and nonprofit about funding. Loans, grants, crowdsourcing, and angel investors are among the categories, but a common theme exists among the requests - business owners and emerging nonprofits do not understand their finances. They want money, but they have no idea how much money their business or nonprofit actually has.

This is not a failing - unless you are in accounting or financial services, your area of expertise is not in budgets and profit and loss statements. But, it is a failing if you continue to hide behind excuses like “I’m not good at math”; “girl math”; or “I don’t do numbers.” If you want to succeed in business - and successfully run a nonprofit - you have to know the numbers. You do not need to do it alone - you can hire professionals or partner with someone who can do the work, but you still need a basic understanding of the numbers. How do you know if you’re actually making money at your small business (hint: it’s not just the balance in your business account)? How do you know if you can afford to hire staff (it’s more than the hourly rate you’re offering)? How do you know if a nonprofit program is sustainable (it’s not just because it’s popular)? The answer always lies in the numbers.

Why else do you need to understand the numbers? You’ll need reconciled, clear financials for grant and loan applications - usually years’ worth. For your small business, this also includes your personal financial information - not just your business financials. A future business partner or investor will also want clean, clear, and organized financials. You need them to budget. You need them for a formal business plan. You need them to forecast growth and sustainability of your business.

But, where do you start? Book a low-cost consult with SIMBA’s technical assistance team. Come to workshop. Ask us for a referral to a bookkeeper or an accountant. Watch any number of our financial videos on SIMBA’s YouTube channel in the comfort of your own home. But, start. The longer you wait, the harder it will be.

Warmly, Robin (robin@spokaneindependent.org)

SIMBA staff conducted outreach in Colfax and Pullman this month, spending the day connecting with small businesses and distributing SIMBA and Live Local INW materials, along with the three required L&I posters. Pictured is Emily Phelps in front of a beautiful mural in downtown Colfax.

SIMBA UPDATES

A look inside SIMBA’s 2025 year—featuring a letter from our Executive Director; the businesses, nonprofits, and entrepreneurs we served; new programming and outreach efforts; and the impact we’re building across Eastern Washington. Plus updates, highlights, and what’s ahead for the community.

Read Full Report

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.

Founders First Pride Grant

The Founders First Pride Grant supports LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and small business owners looking to grow and scale their businesses. This grant provides direct funding along with resources to help founders build sustainable, revenue-generating companies. Some general details:

Grant funding is awarded to selected LGBTQ+-owned businesses demonstrating strong growth potential;
Open to for-profit businesses that are at least 51% LGBTQ+ owned;
Focuses on businesses generating revenue and positioned to scale;
Application requires business details, financial information, and plans for growth;
Prioritizes founders who show clear impact, job creation potential, and long-term sustainability.

Deadline varies by cycle. Learn more here!

Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Grant

The Famous Amos Ingredients for Success Grant supports early-stage Black entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and resources to help grow their businesses. This national program is designed to create long-term success and expand opportunities for underrepresented founders. Some general details:

Three winners each receive $50,000 in funding, for a total of $150,000 awarded;
Open to U.S.-based businesses that are at least 90% Black-owned and in operation for five years or less;
Focuses on early-stage businesses with strong potential for growth and sustainability;
Application requires business information and a short video pitch highlighting your business and how funds will be used;
Winners also receive mentorship, networking opportunities, and national visibility.

Deadline June 1, 2026. Learn more here!

McMillan Family Foundation Grant

The McMillan Family Foundation offers grant opportunities designed to support entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community organizations focused on building generational wealth and creating positive community impact. Their funding programs prioritize purpose-driven work and measurable outcomes. Some general details:

Grant funding varies by program, with micro-grants typically around $1,500 and other awards varying annually;
Open to aspiring entrepreneurs, early-stage and growth-minded business owners, nonprofits, and community organizations aligned with their mission;
Focuses on minority-owned businesses and initiatives centered on financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and community impact;
Application requires details about your business or organization, intended use of funds, and alignment with the foundation’s values of integrity, accountability, and impact;
Funds can be used for startup or expansion costs, equipment, marketing, and professional development, but not for personal expenses or unrelated activities;
Applications are typically accepted on a quarterly basis for micro-grants, with additional annual grant opportunities available.

Deadlines vary by program. Learn more here!

REI Path Ahead Ventures – Embark Program

The REI Path Ahead Ventures Embark Program supports early-stage entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities who are building outdoor-focused businesses. This is a 3-month virtual program designed to help founders turn early ideas into viable, impact-driven companies with the support of mentorship, community, and funding. Some general details:

Participants receive structured programming, mentorship, and hands-on guidance from industry experts;
Open to Black, Indigenous, Latina/o/x, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) entrepreneurs based in the United States;
Focuses on early-stage business ideas or startups in the outdoor industry, including gear, apparel, experiences, services, and more;
Application requires sharing your business idea, vision, and how you plan to grow and use the support provided;
Upon successful completion of the program, founders receive a $5,000 grant to invest in their business;
Includes workshops, peer networking, office hours, and direct feedback from industry professionals.

Applications open May 4, 2026. Learn more here!

Upcoming Events

**SIMBA CIRCUS**
Join us for our inaugural SIMBA Circus, sponsored by Inatai Foundation and Numerica Credit Union, an evening of aerial performances, appetizers and drinks, a silent auction, Electric Photoland photobooth, and more—all designed to support SIMBA’s mission of empowering local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Eastern Washington.
A huge thank-you to our incredible sponsors who are helping make this event possible.
**Location:** The Guardian, 1403 N Washington St, Spokane, WA 99201
**Date:** Saturday, May 16, 2026
**VIP Entry:** 5:30 p.m.
**Doors Open:** 6:15 p.m.
**Performance Begins:** 7:15 p.m.
**Ages 21+**
Expect dazzling aerial performances, appetizers, drinks, a silent auction, an Electric Photoland photo booth, and immersive circus magic throughout the evening.
**Tickets are on sale now:**
SIMBA Members receive discounted ticket pricing (check your emails), and there’s a few promo codes floating around. But, we are selling out fast.
**Balcony Buyouts Available Now**
Reserve an exclusive private balcony experience for your group of 8 and enjoy an elevated, eye-level view of the aerial performances.
Every ticket purchased and every contribution help support SIMBA’s mission to empower and enrich entrepreneurs, microbusinesses, and local communities across Eastern Washington.
Get your tickets, reserve your balcony, donate, or sponsor today!

GET TICKETS HERE!

Business Tip: You Need a Business License

If you’ve ever talked to our Executive Director, you know there are rare occasions where your paid hobby, side gig, side hustle, income stream does not require a business license. Just because you are not making money (yet) or you have not made much money (yet) does not mean you are not required to have a Washington State business license.

The definition of a “business” under the City of Spokane’s Municipal Code “includes all activities, occupations, trades, pursuits, professions, and matters located or engaged in within the city with the object of gain, benefit, or advantage to the registrant or to another person or class, directly or indirectly.” If you are doing any of that within the City limits - you need a business license. It does not matter if you have not made money yet; it does not matter if it is not your main source of income. If you are offering goods or services in the hopes of being paid, you are running a business, and you need a license. This is true in almost all parts of the state - and most codes include a very similar definition.

The following is a list of some - but not all - of the reasons you might need a business license:

You are operating under something other than your full legal name; OR
You are required to collect and remit sales tax (retail, web design, live presentations, and more); OR
You operate within most cities or towns within the state, including the City of Spokane; OR
You need a specialty license, like for construction or a restaurant; OR
You gross $12,000 or more in a year from work other than as a W2 employee.

Note those are ORs. If any of them apply, you need a business license. If you aren’t sure, reach out to us for help.

Request Business Support