Executive Director's Letter

Tom Cruise, as Jerry Maguire, famously said “Help me help you.” In fact, the titular sports agent begged his client to help him help [him] in a locker meeting scene. And while SIMBA is not having locker room meetings, we daily provide resources, information, and tools to help Eastern Washington small businesses and nonprofits succeed. It is on the business owners, Board members, and entrepreneurs to actually use those resources. While we cannot “show you the money" directly (since we are not a funder), we can help you if you also help yourself.

So, how can SIMBA help you? You can sign up for a 1:1 consult. They are no more than $25, depending on topic. That $25 is a potential tax deduction. That consult can cover everything from business licensing to SEO support to reviewing a grant or loan application to helping you file your state business taxes (which nonprofits are not exempt from). You can attend a workshop - we host at least one per month and usually more. Topics will vary, and they are almost always free. We’ll even send you slides and resources after the fact. We can conduct a grant search using comprehensive funder databases for a small fee, and we include grant opportunities in every newsletter. We can help you promote your business by listing it for free on Live Local INW - last month we had almost 30,000 unique visitors looking for independent and local businesses just like yours. We provide regulatory business tips applicable to Washington State businesses in every single newsletter. We host a YouTube library of dozens of small business and nonprofit workshops, so you can learn from the comfort of your home. We provide low cost registered agent services so you never miss a filing date; offer reasonably priced social media marketing packages if you aren’t ready to hire a big firm; and can provide virtual mailing if you are a home-based business. We can provide fiscal sponsorship for emerging nonprofits to apply for grants and receive donations while you’re waiting to obtain your tax exempt status. Finally, you can join SIMBA as a member for networking, marketing, and connection.

But, we cannot do it for you. You have to help us help you. You need to sign up for the consult. You need to attend the workshop. You need to be ready to apply for the grant. You need to keep your Live Local INW listing up to date. You need to read the newsletter. You need to watch the videos. You need to sign up for registered agent or marketing or mailing services. You need to be ready for a fiscal sponsor. And, you need to attend member events to actually make those connections. We can’t do any of that for you - nor can anyone else.

Warmly, Robin (robin@spokaneindependent.org)

P.S. I realize Jerry Maguire came out in 1996.

A photo from our Member Meetup Happy Hour at Emma Rue’s featuring a few of our board members: Flor Castaneda, Juan Mas, David Borrell, Chrystal Gonzalez, and SIMBA staff, Emily Phelps, Lina Roncancio, Robin Haynes, and Alexis McLaughlin.

SIMBA UPDATES

Participants from the Spokane Inclusive Business Catalyst Cohort celebrate completing the program with SIMBA and Greater Spokane, Inc. (GSI). Thank you to these local and independent businesses for showing up, engaging in every class, and investing in their growth!

***Featured businesses:*** Teresa Sorroche LLC, Made with Love Bakery, Creative Catch Studio, Biomethane, Las Delicias de Isa, Fuel to Thrive, Megan Perkins Art, The Guardian Spokane, Indigenous Eats, and Crystal Madsen Photography.

Spokane Inclusive Business Catalyst Cohort Wraps Up

This May and June, SIMBA and Greater Spokane, Inc. (GSI) wrapped up our very first Spokane Inclusive Business Catalyst cohort, supporting local business owners with the tools and resources needed to grow their businesses. Over the course of the program, participants attended workshops covering topics such as business planning, bookkeeping and accounting, government contracting, and other key areas of business development. They also received support in pursuing OMWBE Certification and formal business planning.

We're excited to celebrate the ten small businesses that will graduate from the program. Each business will successfully complete the cohort and receive a $5,000 grant to invest back into their business. Congratulations to this incredible group of women business owners for taking the next step in their business journey and helping build a stronger, more inclusive local economy. They all worked incredibly hard.

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.

Shophand Small Business Boost Grant

The Shophand Small Business Boost Grant supports U.S.-based small businesses by providing funding and hands-on technical support to help entrepreneurs overcome operational, technology, marketing, and growth challenges. The program is designed to help small business owners improve systems, streamline operations, and build stronger businesses. Some general details:

Provides $5,000 in total support, including a $2,500 cash grant and $2,500 in Shophand services and technical assistance;
Awards grants three times per year through rolling application cycles;
Supports challenges related to technology, marketing, finance, operations, customer experience, and business management;
Open to U.S.-based for-profit businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $5 million in annual revenue;
Businesses must already be operating and cannot be just an idea or startup concept;
Applicants should explain their business, biggest challenge, and how Shophand support would help them grow;
Grant recipients may receive support with AI tools, automation, marketing, software setup, operations improvements, and other business systems.

Applications are currently open. Learn more here!

Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant

The Stephen L. Tadlock Veteran Business Grant supports veteran entrepreneurs through a combination of financial assistance and business development programming. Created in honor of U.S. Navy Veteran Stephen L. Tadlock, the program helps veteran-owned businesses access funding, training, and resources to strengthen and scale their companies.

Provides $1,000 micro-grants to 20 veteran entrepreneurs nationwide;
Includes free access to Founders First CDC business programs, including Passport Community or Zebra Leadership;
Supports flexible use of funds for needs such as equipment, operations, staffing, or business growth;
Requires applicants to be U.S. military veterans who own or lead an active U.S.-based business;
Businesses must have been operating for at least one year, have between 2–100 employees, and generate no more than $5 million in annual revenue;
Combines grant funding with training focused on marketing, sales, operations, finance, leadership, and scaling strategies.

Pre-registration is currently open, with the full application opening in September 2026. Learn more here!

Santander Cultivate Small Business Program

The Santander Cultivate Small Business Program provides training, mentorship, and capital support to food entrepreneurs looking to strengthen and grow their businesses. The program offers a free 12-week MBA-style experience designed to provide business education, industry connections, and access to funding opportunities.

Offers a free 12-week business training program for food-related entrepreneurs;
Provides customized curriculum, access to industry experts, and mentorship;
Qualifying graduates may receive up to $20,000 in capital grants;
Designed for businesses in food-related industries, including restaurants, food trucks, food production, manufacturing, and food services;
Applicants must have been operating for at least one year and have annual revenue between $25,000 and $1 million;
Businesses should have fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees and be located in or serve low-to-moderate income communities when possible.

Applications are currently open. Learn more here!

Upcoming Events

**Accident Prevention Program (APP) Workshop**
Part 2 with David Jeary
Join us for a workshop led by David Jeary from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), focused on building an effective **Accident Prevention Program (APP)** for your business.
**Did you know an APP is required for all Washington businesses?** We’ll walk through the essential components, help you identify common workplace hazards, and guide you in choosing the right topics and materials for your team. You’ll also have dedicated time to start developing your own program, with access to expert guidance and additional resources.
**Please bring your laptop—we’ll review the L&I template together so you can begin building your APP in real time.**
**Date & Time:** Monday, September 14, 2026 | 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
**Location:** Liberty Park Library
402 S. Pittsburg St., Spokane, WA 99202
**Zoom Option Available**

Business Tip: Equal Pay Act

Did you know that employers in Washington State cannot pay an employee less than other similarly employed employees because of gender? Employees are considered “similarly employed if they:

Work for the same employer;
The performance of their job requires similar skill, effort, and responsibility; AND
Their jobs are performed under similar working conditions.

In addition, an employer cannot limit or deprive an employee of advancement opportunities, like promotions, because of an employee’s gender. Employers in Washington State cannot prohibit employees from discussing wages and cannot take adverse employment actions (such as

suspension or termination) against employees who are openly discussing wages. This includes asking, disclosing, and comparing wages among employees. Employers are not permitted to seek or request your wage or salary history when you apply for a job. This includes questions on application forms, even if the question is optional. Employers also cannot require that an employee’s wage history meet certain criteria to consider an employee for a job. An employer can confirm an employee’s wage or salary history if an employee voluntarily discloses the information or after a position is offered and compensation is negotiated.

If you have questions about the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act requirements, 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

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