Executive Director's Letter

We’re heading past spooky season into our season of thanks, and a day that matters deeply to SIMBA - Small Business Saturday. It’s not a secret that we’re all about supporting small, but please don’t head into the holiday season by simply shopping small on Saturday, November 28. You have 55 days between Halloween and Christmas to be intentional about supporting small; 34 days before the start of Hanukkah; and 56 days until the start of Kwanzaa. That’s plenty of time to plan and shop locally, but don’t just stop with physical gifts and stocking stuffers. We’ve got a few more ideas to ensure you’re supporting local this holiday season & beyond:

Buy your holiday meal ingredients at a locally-owned grocery store (hint: not Safeway);
Order your holiday breads and pies from a local bakery (like Made with Love or Bean and Pie);
Give yourself a little holiday shopping treat at a local coffee shop (Arctos & Indaba are faves);
Share posts from your favorite local businesses on social media (especially if they have a beautiful window display, like our friends at Garland Resale);
Make your holiday shopping lists on locally-purchased stationery instead of using AI (Atticus has a great selection);
Use local guides to find your perfect gift (we love the Women-Owned Business Guide from Vested);
Find your new-to-you holiday decor at your favorite, locally-owned thrift store (we never miss the holiday section at Global Neighborhood Thrift); AND
Donate to local nonprofits (like SIMBA), on Giving Tuesday.

Warm Regards, Robin

P.S. Last month, I told you to vote with your dollars and decisions. Make sure that this month, you vote with your ballot. Get it to an official ballot dropbox by 8 p.m.

*SIMBA staff voting early at the Election Office Dropbox. Supporting local includes voting.*

SIMBA UPDATES

Thinking about joining SIMBA or finally scheduling a 1:1 consultation with a member of our team? Hear directly from the people who know us best: our members and the small business owners we support.

We’re excited to share a video testimonial, beautifully produced and edited by Theta State Studios, featuring just a few of the incredible people and businesses SIMBA has had the opportunity to help grow. Meet Eva Vigouroux from La Latina Magazine, a nonprofit organization that publishes a magazine supporting Latinx culture; Ashley Werner, who owns multiple businesses, including The Guardian Spokane and Vertical Elements Entertainment; and Olivia Evans, owner of Mama Root Media and one of the founders of The Root Experience.

These are just a few of the entrepreneurs and organizations SIMBA has worked with directly. Listen to their stories, hear about their experiences, and learn what how working with SIMBA can support can mean for your business or nonprofit.

Watch full video 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.

Shophand $5K Small Business Boost Grant

The Shophand $5K Small Business Boost Grant helps U.S.-based small businesses tackle technology, marketing, operations, finance, or other challenges that can make running a business unnecessarily chaotic. Humanity has invented spreadsheets, yet somehow this is still a problem.

Each winner receives $5,000 in total support, including $2,500 in cash and $2,500 in Shophand technical support and services;
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based, for-profit small businesses with fewer than 50 employees and less than $5 million in annual revenue;
Businesses must be actively operating and cannot be just an idea;
Support can include automation tools, marketing and technology support, creative services, operations assistance, software setup, and other business support;
Applications are accepted on a rolling schedule twice a year, with the current round open from June 1 through November 30;
Applications are free and take approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.

Learn more and apply here.

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Breva Thrive Grant

The Breva Thrive Grant provides funding and business support to U.S.-based contractors and trade subcontractors looking to grow their businesses and strengthen their operations.

One business receives a $5,000 cash grant each quarter;
Winners also receive one year of Breva's platform, valued at $6,000, plus capital and bonding readiness support valued at $6,000;
The total award package is valued at approximately $17,000;
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based, for-profit construction businesses that are legally formed and in good standing;
Funds can be used for business needs such as equipment, hiring, training, technology, marketing, or working capital;
The program operates on quarterly application cycles, with opening and deadline dates announced at least 30 days in advance;
Applications are currently closed, but businesses can check the program page for the next quarterly application cycle.

Upcoming Events

**SIMBA’s 3rd Annual Small Business Holiday Social!**
Join us on **Thursday, December 3rd, from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m.** at the Community Building (35 W. Main Ave., Spokane, WA 99201) to celebrate the holiday season!
Sip, snack, and celebrate with drinks and appetizers, connect with fellow small business owners, and capture festive memories with **Electric Photoland**.
You'll also have an opportunity to shop local vendors during the event. We'll share the vendor lineup as we get closer and reach out to local businesses interested in participating
.
Get in the holiday spirit with exciting prizes and a
50/50 raffle.
**21+ only.**
**Tickets:**
**Supporting, Non-Profit, Student, and Individual Member:** 1 Free Ticket (Additional tickets $25)
**Sustaining Member:** 1 Free Ticket (Additional tickets $12.50)
**Event Sponsor or Sponsoring Member:** 2 Free Tickets (Additional tickets $12.50)
**2026 Donor or Volunteer:** 1 Free Ticket
**Guest/Non-Member:** Tickets are $25 each
Each ticket includes food, merriment, and 1 drink ticket for beer, wine, or a cocktail (additional beverages will be available for purchase, and we’ll have free soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages).
**Each person attending must submit their own RSVP form. If multiple people from your business or organization are attending, each attendee must complete a separate RSVP form and** **purchase an additional ticket if applicable.**
**RSVP and ticket sales close November 27th.**
**We will *not* accept payment at the door.**

Find more SIMBA events here on our Events Page.

Non-members: Get tickets

SIMBA MEMBER: RSVP here

Business Tip: Know What I-645 Means for Your Small Business Bottom Line

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3. VOTE NO on I-645.

Why it matters to small businesses?

The law that created the 9.9% tax on household income above $1 million also bundled in tax relief for small businesses and nonprofits. I-645 would keep several of those tax changes, including a small business tax credit and lower sales tax on some services, without providing a way to pay for them.

According to the No on 645 campaign:

B&O tax relief is at stake. Businesses with gross annual receipts under $250,000 would owe Washington State’s Business & Occupancy (“B&O”) tax again, and those with receipts up to $600,000 would lose their small business tax credit. If you’re a small business owner making less than this, you’ll be paying B&O tax again.
Your customers benefit too. The revenue also supports an expanded Working Families Tax Credit, childcare, and school meals. Money that stays in household budgets gets spent locally.
The tax is narrow. About 20,000 households, roughly 1% of Washington households, would actually pay the tax only on income above $1,000,000 per year.

Read your ballot carefully. I-645 is a repeal measure. A “Yes” vote would repeal the so-called “millionaire’s” income tax, and a “No” vote would leave it in place. To keep the current tax package, vote No.