May 2026 | ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
Supporting local is not always easy.
It’s a daily practice, like getting in your steps and increasing your water intake. It’s skipping two-day delivery and instant gratification and waiting to find what you want and what you need in your community. It’s walking into Arctos for your coffee and not hitting the Starbucks drive through on your way to work. It’s showing up for community events; sharing social media posts; and leaving positive reviews for great local experiences.
But, it’s not about being perfect. Even in a city the size of Spokane, you cannot find everything you need. There wasn’t a local option for us to purchase clown noses for the SIMBA Circus. We couldn’t find enough reasonably-priced ten-foot metallic gold streamers to decorate our event space (and the local ones we could find were definitely purchased from the same non-local spot we purchased ours from but in a smaller quantity at a higher price). And yet, a few clown noses and gold streamers were a tiny part of our budget for this event - we hired local caterers for our appetizers; a local baker for our dessert table; two locally-owned cotton candy machines were rented (and both did not work, sadly); our VIP cloth bags were printed locally; our stickers are designed in-house and locally printed; our dress rehearsal and day-of-show photographers were local; we hired local performers (and paid them fairly); and we rented a locally-owned venue.
When we ask you to Live Local (INW), we understand that time, cost, and availability are all factors impacting that decision. That’s why we talk about local first and not local always, as that is unrealistic. And when we talk about “voting with our dollars” that can mean skipping a local merchant who underpays their employees or going to the brewery that aligns with your values - again, it’s a practice.
How do you support local? What ways do you support local beyond shopping?
Warmly, Robin (robin@spokaneindependent.org)
A photo from our SIMBA Circus on May 16, 2026 featuring our incredible performers and the amazing staff team who helped bring this event to life! Thank you to Electric Photoland for capturing this photo and to Numerica Credit Union for sponsoring our photo booth and helping make the night even more memorable.
SIMBA UPDATES
Live Local INW Market at Pride in Perry on June 26th
Pride in Perry 2026 is happening Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Spokane’s South Perry District, annually hosted by SIMBA Member Odyssey Youth Movement. SIMBA is proud to be a repeat sponsor for Pride in Perry and Spokane Pride (on June 13, 2026). In 2025, we were the only business-focused organization that sponsored both. Through our partnership with Odyssey and Pride in Perry, we are hosting the Live Local INW Market at Pride in Perry in a prime location during this year's event.
About Pride in Perry
Hosted by Odyssey Youth Movement, Pride in Perry is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community in the South Perry District. The event includes:
Drop-in programming for teens
Restaurant specials
DJ and live entertainment
Interactive art and photo opportunities
Vendor booths throughout the district
You’ll find several SIMBA Members participating, including Aphantastic Designs, Mountain Top Mentality, Global Neighborhood Thrift & Vintage, and more!
Join us as we celebrate Pride in Perry and spotlight incredible local businesses in the heart of South Perry.
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.
Mindful Founders Inc. Emergency Micro-Grant
The Mindful Founders Inc. Emergency Micro-Grant supports mission-driven entrepreneurs facing unexpected business challenges or financial emergencies. The program provides fast, flexible funding to help businesses stabilize and continue serving their communities. Some general details:
Offers one $1,000 grand prize grant and two $500 runner-up grants;
Designed for entrepreneurs experiencing urgent financial or operational hardships;
Prioritizes businesses that support underserved communities or address social challenges;
Applicants should demonstrate a clear plan for how the funds will be used;
Evaluation includes community impact, founder experience, business viability, and urgency of need;
Requires financial documentation and a realistic recovery or stabilization plan.
Applications are currently open. Learn more here!
The Jobber Grants Program supports home service and blue-collar businesses across the United States and Canada by providing funding to help businesses grow and improve operations. Selected businesses also receive visibility and networking opportunities. Some general details:
Open to home service and blue-collar businesses providing installation, repair, maintenance, or mobile services;
Applicants must be members of the Jobber Home Service Community Forum;
Nine grants totaling up to $250,000 are awarded annually, ranging from $10,000 to $100,000;
Funds must be used for legitimate business growth, such as equipment, staffing, expansion, or marketing;
Includes a multi-phase application process with questionnaires and finalist interviews;
Grant recipients may also attend an exclusive Jobber business retreat.
Phase One applications close June 11, 2026. Learn more here!
American Farmland Trust Brighter Future Fund
The American Farmland Trust Brighter Future Fund provides grants and support to farmers and ranchers working to strengthen farm viability, sustainability, and resilience. The program focuses on helping agricultural businesses adapt to challenges while protecting farmland and local food systems. Some general details:
Supports farmers and ranchers across the United States;
Prioritizes beginning farmers, historically underserved producers, women farmers, veterans, and socially disadvantaged farmers;
Funding may support climate resilience, regenerative agriculture, soil health, business development, and operational sustainability;
Some grant programs focus specifically on emergency resilience and disaster recovery;
Designed to provide accessible and straightforward funding opportunities for agricultural businesses;
Grant cycles and eligibility vary depending on the specific program.
Some programs are currently closed, with additional national grant opportunities expected in Summer 2026. Learn more here!
Upcoming Events
Board Basics (Without the Boring Parts): What Every Nonprofit Board Needs to Handle Each Year
Serving on a nonprofit board shouldn’t feel mysterious—or intimidating. This interactive, in-person session breaks down the core responsibilities every nonprofit board is expected to address each year, in plain language and without governance jargon. Together, we’ll walk through what boards are actually responsible for (and what they aren’t), including financial oversight, executive support, legal and ethical obligations, strategic direction, and board effectiveness. Participants will gain clarity on where boards add the most value, common places boards get stuck, and how to focus limited time on the work that truly matters. This session is designed to be practical, approachable, and reassuring—ideal for board members at any stage, as well as staff who work closely with boards.
Date & Time: Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: 25 W Main Ave, Spokane
3rd Floor Classroom
Cost: Free for SIMBA Nonprofit members | $25 for non-members | $5 off for Greater Spokane Progress members
Due to space constraints, a maximum of 2 people per organization may attend. Attendance is limited to active nonprofit staff or board members—no consultants, please. There will be no walk-ins or ticket sales at the door. Each attendee must pay separately; there is no group option.
About Kari Anderson
Kari Anderson is the founder of Incite! Consulting Group, bringing over 25 years of hands-on experience in nonprofit leadership. Having served as an Executive Director and board member, she understands the unique challenges nonprofits face. Kari specializes in helping organizations build sustainable revenue streams, develop strategic plans, and enhance leadership effectiveness. Her approach combines practical strategies with a deep empathy for the nonprofit sector.
Business Tip: Employee's Driver License
Did you know that employers in Washington state cannot require employees to have a valid driver’s license as a condition of employment unless driving is an essential job function or part of a job’s legitimate business purpose? It’s true, as of July 27, 2025.
This is a requirement of the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act, which promotes fairness among workers by prohibiting discrimination based on an employee’s gender or membership in one or more protected classes. The law also addresses business practices that contribute to income disparities. This includes requiring a valid driver’s license when driving is not part of the job.
Employers who are found to have violated the act can face enforcement actions and may be assessed civil penalties. If you have questions about this requirement, you can reach out to the Equal Pay Agents at the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries via email: equalpay@lni.wa.gov or phone: 360.902.6625
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 Mention: Electric Photoland is a Spokane-based event photography company turning moments into memorable experiences. Since 2019, Electric Photoland has specialized in custom photo booths, 360 video, headshots, and creative event photography, combining tech and design to make every celebration unforgettable.
Founded in 2019 by Ashley and Dylan Cone, the focus not only on a great expereicne, but also on the community they serve. They’ve grown from two founders to a team of 6, plus an amazing group of photo attendants that you’ve seen around Spokane and in the Inland Northwest. Last year, they were awarded the Journal of Business’s Small Business of the Year Award.
Family-owned, family-operated, and based in downtown Spokane, Electric Photoland is ready to take you next big or small event to the next level.
Supporting & Non-Profit Member Mentions: Spokane International Film Festival, Spokane Reimagined,Creative Mornings Spokane, Mr. Appliance Spokane Valley, Elixir Sauce Co, Advanta Insurance,RW Bookkeeping & Notary, and North Monroe Business District.
