Spokane has emerged as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurs and small business owners, offering a wealth of resources to support business growth and innovation. Whether you’re launching a startup or expanding an existing enterprise, the city provides numerous programs and organizations dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial success.
Spokane Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Network (SEEN)
SEEN is a collaborative initiative by Catholic Charities Eastern Washington and Gonzaga University, designed to empower low-income families in Spokane to plan, launch, and grow their own small businesses. The program offers a structured, year-long curriculum that includes mentorship from experienced business owners and support from student consultants. SEEN actively recruits aspiring entrepreneurs, mentors, and program sponsors to participate in its cohorts.
Ignite Northwest
Ignite Northwest focuses on funding, mentoring, and accelerating rapidly growing companies in the Spokane region. With a proprietary network of experienced mentors, Ignite matches qualified entrepreneurs with industry leaders to provide constructive feedback and guidance. Since its inception, Ignite has facilitated significant investments in local companies, contributing to the region’s economic vitality.
Spokane Public Library’s Business Lab
The Spokane Public Library offers a comprehensive Business Lab, serving as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs seeking information and support. The lab provides access to extensive business reference collections, market research tools, and one-on-one consultations with the library’s business librarian. These resources are invaluable for developing business plans, conducting industry analysis, and understanding market demographics.
Spokane Community College’s Start Up Academy
Spokane Community College (SCC) offers the Start Up Academy and Launch Lab at the Avista Center, providing multiple pathways for entrepreneurial education. The curriculum is designed to move beyond theory, guiding students through the process of creating a business from the ground up. Programs include a two-quarter business experience, non-academic citations, boot camps, and workshops, all aimed at equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with practical skills and knowledge.
Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance (SIMBA)
SIMBA offers personalized business consultations to independent and local businesses in Eastern Washington. Since 2020, SIMBA has provided one-on-one support and group training to over 1,000 unique businesses and entrepreneurs, with a focus on BIPOC-, women-, veteran-, LGBTQIA2S+, and immigrant/refugee-owned enterprises. Their business assistance team helps navigate various needs from startup to sustainability.
Latinos en Spokane’s Empréndete Program
Latinos en Spokane’s Empréndete Program provides affordable rental options for small business owners to test ideas, showcase products, and reach new customers. The program includes a street-food incubator initiative, offering pop-up vendor equipment rentals and access to a commercial kitchen, directly supporting entrepreneurs in the startup process.
Spokane’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is rich with resources designed to support and empower local businesses. By leveraging these programs and organizations, entrepreneurs can access the tools, mentorship, and community support necessary to thrive in today’s competitive market.