WE LOVE YOU, SPOKANE (and Eastern Washington).
Resources for Small Business and Nonprofits Impacted by Wildfires in Spokane & Eastern Washington
Updated September 17, 2026. To say our hearts are broken for our community is an understatement. But, at SIMBA supporting local is what we do every day - on our hardest days - in Spokane and Eastern Washington. To that end, we are sharing these resources that we will continue to update for small businesses and nonprofits directly impacted by the Spokane Complex, Autumn Lane, and other Eastern Washington fires. We will continue to update this as more resources and information become available to us.
Small business and nonprofit consults are free from SIMBA through the end of the year if your residence or business address is within an evacuated wildfire zone. We will waive the $25 fee if you need, through December 31, 2026. We can handle any business or nonprofit questions, including filing insurance claims, applying for disaster grants and loans, handling employees/staffing, and other relevant topics you need to keep your small business or nonprofit running. This fee waiver is only available to independent and local (no franchises) small businsses and nonprofits in Eastern Washington fire evacuation zones. Simply complete this form to get scheduled for support. Translation services are available.
File your insurance claims. First and foremost, focus on the safety of you, your family, your pets, and your staff. Get somewhere secure and safe. Make sure you have clothes and food and required medications and documents. But, if need be, make a claim with your business or nonprofit insurance. Even if you do not think you have a claim, make the claim - things like smoke damage or business interruption may be viable insurance claims. Most insurance companies require “timely” notice for a claim to be valid, so get safe and prioritize your claims. Save all your insurance communications.
Keep detailed notes of losses or potential losses. Keep detailed notes (even in a journal or on an electronic document like a Google doc). Save your receipts. Take photographs of damage. Keep screenshots of evacuation notices. Save communications with insurers, landlords, and staff. Even if it seems minor, save it. Electronic is just fine for all documents, but it must be legible. Take photos.
State Cash Assistance for those Impacted by Fires. Not based on income - for any person or family whose primary residence was destroyed or significantly damaged by a wildfire. Available for homeowners and renters. Apply here.
Disaster Relief Lending:
Numerica Credit UnionWildfire Relief Loanfor Numerica CU members of at least 30 days and must have a personal account.
STCU Disaster Relief Loans available through October 31.
SBA Disaster Relief Loan (for profit and nonprofits businesses). There are requirements, but wildfire relief is an eligible option, as well as the declared drought impacting many Eastern WA counties. More here.
GESA Credit Union Emergency Wildfire Lending.
WSECU Wildfire Relief Lending for members.
Loans for small businesses and nonprofits in Adams, Asotin, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Franklin, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Whitman, and rural Spokane counites from TEDD (up to $25,000 with a 5% fixed rate).
Need an extension help with your Washington State Excise Tax filings (B&O and sales tax) - find information here. The Governor also issued an executive order waiving fees related to late filings. You can read more about the Governor’s support for small businesses here.
Property tax relief (for businesses, nonprofits, and individuals) through the Department of Revenue for destroyed property.
Relief for workers’ compensation premiums via L&I’s Employer Assistance Program.
Disaster Relief Grants. Below are current grant options for nonprofits and small businesses. We will continue to add to this list.
Grants for Nonprofits:
Grants for Firefighters for training and equipment.
Grants for nonprofits providing emergency food and shelter.
Grants for nonprofits sharing community meals.
Grants for nonprofits providing energy cost assistance (Spokane County only).
Grants for nonprofits serving animals in a natural disaster.
Grants for nonprofits providing disaster aid relief.
Grants for nonprofits providing animal shelter and veterinary care.
FEMA grants for nonprofits providing wildfire relief support.
Grants for nonprofits providing animal shelters.
Grants for nonprofits providing disaster relief (certain Eastern WA locations, including Moses Lake).
Grants for nonprofits providing support for the impacts of the Spokane Complex fire.
Grants for Small Businesses:
Grants for small makers, crafters, and creators impacted by natural disasters.
Grants for entertainment technology (behind the scenes) individuals and businesses impacted by disaster.
Grants for optometrists and optometry students impacted by natural disaster.
Grants for impacted independent pharmacies.
Grants for impacted rental business owners.
Grants for hospitality industry businesses/workers impacted by natural disasters.
Assistance for farmers impacted by wildfire (crops & livestock)
Disaster relief aid for musicians & persons in the music industry
Grants for comic book store owners, booksellers, and book store owners
Grants for independent retailers impacted by fires
Wildfire Smoke Safety Trainings & Resources for Employers via L&I.
Hosting a drive or fundraising event to support the community? Tag us @livelocalinw on Instagram or share it (FREE) on Live Local INW’s Event Calendar.
Support SIMBA & the H.O.M.E. Starts Here fund by purchasing a SIMBA Pride or a Metallic Support Local sticker through December 31, 2026. 50% of all sales will be donated directly to the fund to support Spokane Complex fire victims.
