August 2026 | ROAR Newsletter
Executive Director's Letter
“…I’ve got enough problems of my own to pass judgment on somebody else.” Dolly Parton
Like the rest of the country, I was saddened by the loss of Dolly in the last week. She lived a long, full-life, dedicated to helping others and making the world a bit shinier (literally). The sadness of Dolly’s passing at the end of the month bookends the incredible sadness and devastation facing Spokane and Eastern Washington from unprecedented wildfires.
The loss in Spokane, and in Inchelium, and beyond is immeasurable. Sure, we can calculate the cost of lost homes and businesses. We can figure out how much it costs to rebuild and repair physical things. But, memories and sentimental items and trauma - real trauma - can be hard to quantify. And yet, in the face of these losses, our communities are rallying. People opened their doors to friends and neighbors; collected clothing and toiletries; donated to GoFundMes and local relief efforts. I’ve lost count of the local drives and fundraisers; the free coffees and meals being offered; and the generosity of our community members in the face of loss.
I’ve also seen the helplessness of those who can’t help financially or physically, especially the small business owners who can’t offer free food or free products because they have to feed themselves and their families. They want to help, but aren’t able to close their stores or stop social media posts because it is their livelihood. I’ve seen the judgments made about those businesses, but I think that energy is misplaced. You never know how close that small business is to laying off their employees or closing their doors or taking on more debt to compete with the ease and immediacy of buying with “One-Click.” I haven’t seen the same judgment about Amazon pledging barely five figures ($10k, I believe) for Spokane-area fire relief when they made $77.7 billion in net profit last year. Entrepreneurs and small business owners are often running on tiny margins that cannot easily absorbed. They are asked to give first and often to community causes. They are our friends and neighbors; they employ our friends and neighbors. They have chosen to pursue their dreams in our communities.
Let’s all be a little more like Dolly and reserve our judgments as we support our community - and our independent and local businesses - as we rebuild.
Warm Regards, Robin
P.S. A few other ways to be a little more like Dolly that are SIMBA-approved (in no particular order): support your local community; read and encourage others to read; consider bleaching your hair and wearing rhinestones for day (“there’s no such thing as natural beauty”); record songs with Miley & Beyonce; and work towards racial equity.
A photo taken during SIMBA Staff’s outreach trip through Garfield, Columbia, and Walla Walla Counties. This sign was in the heart of Dayton, Washington.
SIMBA UPDATES
Wildfire Support for Local Businesses & Nonprofits
When fires destroyed Spokane and Eastern Washington, we focused on what we do best, supporting independent and local Eastern Washington small businesses and nonprofits. We will continue to do that as we rebuild and heal.
SIMBA created a growing list of resources for small businesses and nonprofits impacted by the recent wildfires across Spokane and Eastern Washington. Our “We Love You, Spokane” resource page includes disaster relief grants and loans, insurance and tax resources, free coworking options, and other support. We’re continuing to update the page as new resources become available.
Free Small Business & Nonprofit Consults
Small business and nonprofit consults are free from SIMBA through December 31, 2026, if your residence or business address is within an evacuated wildfire zone for any 2026 Eastern Washington fire. We’ll waive the usual $25 consultation fee and can help with questions including filing insurance claims, applying for disaster grants and loans, handling employees and staffing, and other issues you may be facing while keeping your organization running.
This fee waiver is available to independent, local (non-franchise) small businesses and nonprofits in Eastern Washington wildfire evacuation zones. Translation services are also available.
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.
SAGA Grants for Individuals, Collectives, and Organizations
The Spokane Arts Grant Awards (SAGAs) goal is simple: to serve as a catalyst, fostering a robust, healthy arts community where individual artists, creative industries, and nonprofits arts and culture organizations thrive. Some general details:
Grants are up to $10,000 each;
Funding period is for one year, and is non-renewable;
Eligible artists, arts service organizations, collectives, and community-based arts programs in the Spokane region are eligible;
Spokane Arts offers support with your grant application;
The grant reopens October 1, 2026.
Credibly Small Business Award
The Credibly Small Business Award provides substantial funding to small businesses through an annual award program. The 2026 program is designed to recognize active small businesses making an impact in their communities. Some general details:
Awards $30,000 to first place, $20,000 to second place, and $10,000 to third place;
Open to U.S.-based, active, for-profit small businesses;
Businesses must have been operating for at least 6 months;
Applicants must have an active business banking account;
Nonprofit organizations are not eligible;
Applications are selected through a randomized drawing rather than a competitive judging process;
The 2026 application period closes September 30, 2026;
Finalists will be notified and winners announced in October 2026.
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? Failing to have a written accident prevention plan is actually the number one L&I violation in Washington State. 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
Find more SIMBA events here on our Events’ Page.
Business Tip: Be Heat Smart & Protect Your Workers
Summer heat can create serious workplace hazards. Washington employers should have a plan in place to prevent heat-related illness and keep employees safe when working in hot conditions.
A few important steps employers can take:
Provide enough cool drinking water and encourage employees to stay hydrated
Provide access to shade or other cooling areas
Allow workers to take cool-down rest breaks when needed
Train employees and supervisors on recognizing the signs of heat-related illness
Pay close attention to new employees, returning employees, and workers during heat waves who may need time to adjust to working in the heat
Signs of heat-related illness can include heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, weakness, confusion, and fainting. Having a heat safety plan helps employees know what to do before a situation becomes an emergency.
Learn more: Be Heat Smart
Have questions?
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries – Small Business Office
Email: SmallBusiness@Lni.wa.gov
Toll-free: 1-800-987-0145
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!
Sustaining Member Highlight: NewBeginnings Student Loan Advocacy & Financial Literacy, founded by former educator Carey Donaldson, was built on a simple belief: no two borrowers are the same. With 13 years in the classroom and 10 years of successful student loan advocacy, Donaldson created NewBeginnings to replace confusion with clarity and help borrowers build a plan that truly fits their lives.
What started as a commitment to help people understand their options has grown into a decade of successful student loan advocacy. NewBeginnings believes no two borrowers are the same, and their student loan plans shouldn’t be either. Through an education-first approach and its proprietary Individualized Student Loan Assessment, NewBeginnings helps borrowers navigate repayment, forgiveness, and ever-changing legislation with clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward.
Supporting & Non-Profit Member Mentions: Lighthouse Spokane, Bungalow Candle Studio, Odyssey Youth Movement, House on a Hill Bakery, Resian's Dream, Bucho's Barkery, Kaizen CX, Stewardship Concepts Financial Services, and Cat Tales Wildlife.
