SNEDA considers forming alliances

SNEDA is in the early stages of exploring an affiliation with two regional groups that share SNEDA’s mission of providing businesses loans and assistance to help create jobs.

In a little more than a year of operation, SNEDA has worked with more than 100 Spokane businesses. SNEDA hopes to improve upon what it already provides without losing local control by creating an alliance with established lenders. These groups, Cascadia Revolving Fund and Evergreen Community Development, can provide more exposure to financing organizations and investors and an extra level of experience.

Since its inception in the mid-1980s, Cascadia has made nearly 400 loans worth more than $24 million. Like SNEDA, it has been designated as a Community Development Financial Institution by the U.S. Treasury.

Evergreen, which began operations in 1980, is ranked as the fifth largest Certified Development Company in the country by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Giving thanks

SNEDA has much to be thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving 2003. Thanks to our numerous volunteers who have spent countless hours creating and improving our organization. Thanks to our donors who have recognized the need for economic development and pledged resources during uncertain times. And, our thanks to the City of Spokane for its commitment to business and job growth in Spokane’s low-income areas.

Phone Eric Loewe at 444-7633 for information on supporting SNEDA’s work. Contributions to SNEDA are tax deductible.

Get advice on finding and landing government contracts

SNEDA is partnering with Johan Curtiss from the Washington State University Procurement Technical Assistance Center to provide business owners with information on how to position themselves to land government contracts. Curtiss will meet with about 10 Spokane businesses in November. She has met with 23 Spokane companies since July. Companies interested in meeting with Curtiss should contact Angie Huang at 444-7633.

SNEDA offers loans, assistance to businesses

For information on the loan capabilities of SNEDA (up to $25,000 a loan) and its affiliates (up to $250,000), call Nick Landis or Eric Loewe at 444-7633.

Phone Susan Devan, Angie Huang or Jonathan Brunt at 444-7633 for information about other assistance available to businesses in the SNEDA neighborhoods.

"We have prospered in things material, and have been able to work for our own uplifting in things intellectual and spiritual. Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."

-- President Theodore Roosevelt, Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1901

Newsletter edited by Jonathan Brunt