WE LOVE YOU, SPOKANE (and Eastern Washington).
Resources for Small Business and Nonprofits Impacted by Wildfires in Spokane & Eastern Washington
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. Check back for updates.
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.
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.
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 of us, but it must be legible.
Free coworking in Spokane County:
Burbity Coworking for those impacted by the Spokane Complex fires at the Sullivan and Liberty Lake locations. Call 509.255.7275 for more info.
Fellow Coworking for those impacted by the Spokane Complex fires. Monday - Friday, 8-5 in the Washington Cracker Building.
The Business Lab at the Central Library (Downtown).
Disaster Relief Lending:
Numerica Credit Union Wildfire Relief Loanfor Numerica CU members of at least 30 days.
SBA Disaster Relief Loan (for profit businesses only). There are requirements, but wildfire relief is an eligible options. More here.
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.
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)
We will continue to update this as more resources and information become available to us.
