In this episode of In The Den, we sit down with Andrew Bryan from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries Small Business Office to break down one of the most misunderstood resources available to entrepreneurs and small business owners.Whether you’re just starting your business or have been operating for years, chances are you’ve had questions about workers’ compensation, hiring employees, independent contractors, workplace safety, interns, or labor laws. Andrew helps clear up some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding L&I and explains how their Small Business Office is there to educate and support business owners before problems arise.  We also talk about common compliance mistakes, scams that target new business owners, the difference between employees and independent contractors, and why asking questions early can save you time, money, and frustration down the road. Plus, we discuss SIMBA’s partnership with L&I and how organizations like SIMBA help make these resources more accessible to Eastern Washington’s small business community.  If you own a business, plan to hire employees, or simply want to better understand your responsibilities as an employer, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Learn more about Washington State Labor & Industries at lni.wa.govBecome a SIMBA member at spokaneindependent.org/membership

In this episode of In The Den, we sit down with Deb, Julie, and Alex from Global Neighborhood Thrift to talk about the mission behind one of Spokane’s most unique organizations.A lot of people know Global Neighborhood for the thrift store and the incredible vintage finds, but behind the scenes, they’re doing something much bigger. Through workforce development, English language classes, job training, and community support, Global Neighborhood helps refugees and immigrants build new lives right here in Spokane.We talk about how the organization got started, why Spokane has become such an important place for refugee resettlement, and how the thrift store helps support the larger mission. Alex also shares his personal story of coming to Spokane from Ukraine and what it’s been like building a new life and community here.The conversation also dives into the SIMBA connection, Spokane culture, favorite local spots, and why creating welcoming spaces matters now more than ever.Learn more about Global Neighborhood at global-neighborhood.orgBecome a SIMBA member at spokaneindependent.org/membership

In this episode of In the Den, we sit down with Brittany Stodgell and Millie Schnebly, the co-founders of Maker + Made, to talk about what it really takes to build a brand that lasts in today’s fast-moving business world.Founded in 2019 by two best friends, Maker + Made has grown into a full-service creative agency based in downtown Spokane, helping businesses connect with their audience through branding, websites, packaging, content creation, and thoughtful strategy.We talk about what makes Maker + Made different, how they’ve built a strong creative team, and what they’re seeing from business owners trying to do branding on their own with AI tools, Canva, or quick fixes. Brittany and Millie share why a real brand foundation still matters and how businesses can think long-term instead of chasing trends.The conversation also dives into Spokane’s entrepreneurial scene, what local business owners are navigating right now, and why community and collaboration matter so much when building something meaningful. We also talk about their connection with SIMBA and the power of surrounding yourself with the right people.Whether you’re launching your first business, refreshing your brand, or trying to figure out how to stand out in a crowded market, this episode offers honest insight from two founders helping businesses grow the right way.Learn more about Maker + Made at maker–made.comBecome a SIMBA member at spokaneindependent.org/membership

In this episode of In the Den, we sit down with Kasey Davis and Lars Gilberts from Numerica Credit Union to talk about the role community banking plays in supporting small businesses across Spokane and Eastern Washington.Kasey works directly with entrepreneurs and nonprofits as a Business Banking Relationship Officer, helping them access the tools and financing they need to grow. Lars focuses on market development and expanding opportunities for local communities. Together, they bring a perspective that goes far beyond transactions and into true relationship banking.We talk about what makes credit unions different from traditional banks, how Numerica approaches working with startups and growing businesses, and why supporting local entrepreneurs is such an important part of Numerica’s mission. The conversation also explores Numerica’s partnership with SIMBA and how organizations working together can create stronger pathways for small businesses to succeed.Whether you’re launching your first business, growing a nonprofit, or just curious about how local financial institutions support community growth, this episode offers a great look into the relationships and resources helping Spokane’s small business ecosystem thrive.Learn more about Numerica Credit Union at www.numericacu.comBecome a SIMBA member at www.spokaneindependent.org/membership

In this episode of In The Den, I sat down with Renée Cebula, the historian‑turned‑entrepreneur behind Badass Bitters, Badass Barware, and Raising the Bar — three Spokane-born businesses built around cocktail history, education, and hands‑on creativity.Renée doesn’t just make bitters. She teaches people the story behind them — how bitters moved from ancient medicine to the backbone of American cocktail culture. Her DIY kits bring that history to life, giving both bartenders and home mixologists everything they need to craft their own custom batches, all while learning the origins of the flavors they’re working with.We talk about how her background as a historian shaped her work, how Badass Bitters grew from research into a full product line, and why she’s passionate about helping people understand the past through what’s in their glass. We also get into why she joined SIMBA, what she’s hoping to build in Spokane’s small business community, and how local support plays a role in keeping these craft traditions alive.Whether you love cocktails, love history, or just want to try something new in your home bar — Renée’s story is a perfect reminder that learning can be interactive, flavorful, and pretty fun, too.Discover more at badass-bitters.com

In this episode of In The Den, we sit down with Amber Jasmin, CPA and CFO of Jasmin Group — a powerhouse business and accounting consultancy in Spokane helping small businesses, nonprofits, and startups thrive.Amber walks us through the Jasmin Group story, from its Boston roots to its Spokane relaunch. We talk about their commitment to financial transparency, community impact, and how they’ve built a team focused on real solutions — especially for childcare providers, diverse nonprofits, and early-stage entrepreneurs.We’re also joined by Rosie Tientong, a rising accountant with a heart for community and a passion for learning. Together, they give us a look at what it means to build a business around trust, education, and collective growth.🎧 Tune in to hear how Jasmin Group is reshaping Spokane’s business landscape through strategy, mentorship, and purpose-driven work.🔗 Learn more at jasmingroupllc.com🔗 Become a SIMBA member at spokaneindependent.org

In this episode of In The Den, we sit down with the team at Vexing Media — a full-service creative studio based in the heart of Spokane. Known for their work on projects like TEDxSpokane, NASA livestreams, and public health campaigns, Vexing is a powerhouse of video, web, and design, with deep roots in community-centered storytelling.We talk about how they’ve grown from a small web shop to a go-to creative partner for nonprofits, small businesses, and local government. The crew shares their entrepreneurial journey, how they tackle “vexing” client challenges, and why working with SIMBA helped deepen their connection to Spokane’s business community.🎧 Tune in to hear how Vexing Media is shaping Spokane’s creative economy — and how they’re using media to make a real impact.🔗 Learn more at vexingmedia.com🔗 Become a SIMBA member at spokaneindependent.org

In this episode of In The Den, we sit down with Carey Donaldson, the founder of New Beginning Spokane — the only student loan advocacy company in the nation. Carey shares how her path from aspiring educator to entrepreneur led her to create a business that helps people take control of their money and rewrite their financial futures.We talk about how New Beginning Spokane simplifies student loans, builds personalized repayment strategies, advocates for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and pushes for stronger financial education in schools. Carey also shares her entrepreneurial story, how SIMBA supported her journey, and the importance of staying rooted in your mission.🎧 Tune in to hear how Carey is helping others find clarity and confidence when it comes to their finances — and why Spokane is the perfect place to spark a new beginning.🔗 Learn more at nmbspo.com🔗 Become a SIMBA member at spokaneindependent.org

In this episode of In the Den — the collaboration podcast between SIMBA and Spokast — hosts Robin Haynes & Brennon Poynor sits down with Josh Thomas, founder and creative director of Lejit Creative, a full-service branding agency based in Spokane.What started as a middle school moniker has grown into a studio that helps businesses across tech, entertainment, and sports build brands that resonate. With a background in design, illustration, and storytelling, Josh brings a thoughtful and purpose-driven approach to every project he takes on.He shares his journey from designing for fun to leading creative campaigns, what makes a brand identity truly “Lejit,” and how being part of the SIMBA community has helped him grow both professionally and personally.If you care about creativity, clarity, and building something with meaning — this one’s for you.🔗 Learn more at: https://www.lejitcreative.com/

In this episode of In the Den — the collaboration podcast between SIMBA and Spokast — host Brennon & Alexis sit down with David and Helmer, the duo behind Mountain Top Mentality.What began as a travel-focused Instagram account during a cross-country adventure has since grown into a mission-driven lifestyle brand rooted in storytelling, community, and impact. From custom apparel to national park–themed candles, David and Helmer have built a business that reflects their values and gives back to the places that inspire them.They share how their journey led them from Rhode Island to Spokane, what it means to run a small business with purpose, and how the support of the SIMBA community helped shape their path forward. Check out Mountain Top Mentality: https://www.mountaintopmentality.com/Become a SIMBA Member: https://www.spokaneindependent.org/membership