There are over 31 Million small businesses in the US and over 10,000 in the City of Spokane with fewer than ten employees.
The needs of our small businesses vary from start-up assistance to how to export products. Here we have compiled local and state resources available to help your business thrive at all stages of starting, running, and growing in Spokane.
To connect with a business association in one of our many neighborhood business districts or downtown - you can find those organizations and their contact info on our Partners page.
The US Small Business Administration (SBA), the City of Spokane and AHANA Multi-Ethnic Business Association are committing to work together to solve and resolve issues as related to accessibility, equity and inclusion of multi-ethnic small businesses and entrepreneurs in the Spokane area. As an integral part of their mission, AHANA works closely with other organizations as a member of Business Equity Coalition of the Inland Northwest (BECIN), which includes Carl Maxey Center, Hispanic Business and Professional Association, Inland Northwest Business Alliance and Spokane Independent Metro Business Association. Asian Pacific Islander Coalition of Spokane, Latinos en Spokane and other multi-ethnic partners are also included. The partners have executed a SBA Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) which establishes a heightened level of commitment to work together to bring services to underserved populations of entrepreneurs.
*Use of the SBA logo is authorized by a Strategic Alliance Memorandum. Reference to SBA is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any person or entity.
StartUp Spokane connects you to the resources you need to launch and grow your successful business. Startup Spokane is a program of Greater Spokane Inc., in partnership with the Spokane Public Library. www.startupspokane.com.
The Washington Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a network of more than 30 expert business advisors working in communities across the state to help entrepreneurs or small business owners start, grow or buy/sell a business.
SBDC advisors provide one-on-one, confidential, no-cost advising on all phases of small business development and are often co-located with economic development specialists in community colleges, economic development agencies or government agencies.
Washington States' Small Business Liaison Team (SBLT) is taking action to make it easier to do business in Washington State - the vision is to make Washington the best place to do business.
With all the uncertainty around us, it's more important than ever to support our local economy. The vision of Live Local INW is to help Spokanites and people around the Inland Northwest engage more deeply and meaningfully with their community by choosing local businesses, circulating more wealth locally, and making our entire community stronger and more resilient. Learn more!
Reach out to local business and economic development professionals who are available to help businesses grow using the SizeUp Inland NW tool. Learn more!
Running a business is not for the faint of heart. In the beginning, there's a temptation to do it all yourself. But as your company grows, you may discover it's impossible to be everywhere at the same time. Even though you're growing you feel like you're losing control. The Department of Commerce is there to help and has partnered with the Edward Lowe Foundation to offer Thrive! Learn more!
The Hispanic Business/Professional Association (HBPA) provides business consultations, solutions and technical assistance to Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. We walk them through the process of obtaining the correct licenses, requirements, certifications, and insurances to be able to operate a business in the State of Washington. HBPA offers financial assistance for start-up license and permit requirements. Aside from the technical assistance to legitimize their business, we also connect them to a large network of businesses and professionals, with the intention of promoting their business while also having access to other resources they themselves may need. Serving the community since 1997. Learn more!
Planning & Economic Development Department
Economic Development Team
509.625.6500
incentives@spokanecity.org
