CREATING THE FUTURE TODAY
Thank you for your continued investment in Believe Spokane and in the future of our community. Significant progress is being made thanks to collaborative efforts.
Are we living in a different Spokane than ten years ago? Unequivocally, yes. Like the river running through downtown, the lakes surrounding our core, and the mountains towering above, Spokane is a place that can’t stand still. This constant movement shapes our work at Greater Spokane Incorporated as we steward what’s good, expand on what’s working, and innovate toward future opportunities—all while honoring the backbone of our region’s values.
In the areas of economic development, education, and talent, we embrace this kind of movement. Last quarter we shared insights on the Believe Spokane goals, and we’re pleased to provide new metrics and progress in these critical areas. Your support makes these advancements possible, and we’re grateful to move forward together, shaping Spokane’s future with purpose and momentum.
Alisha Benson CEO
Greater Spokane Inc.
THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN THE SPOKANE REGION
DIAMOND
PLATINUM
GOLD
BECU
GARCO CONSTRUCTION
MULTICARE
NUMERICA CREDIT UNION
PEARSON PACKAGING
PREMERA BLUE CROSS
SILVER
COMMUNITY COLLEGES OF SPOKANE
DAA NORTHWEST
DH
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY
MCKINSTRY
ROSAUERS SUPERMARKETS
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
URM STORES
WAGSTAFF
WSU SPOKANE
BRONZE
ALLIANT
BOUTEN CONSTRUCTION
CANOPY CREDIT UNION
CENTRAL PREMIX / INLAND ASPHALT
CHAS HEALTH
FRESH VUE
GESA CREDIT UNION
INLAND IMAGING
KAISER ALUMINUM
NUVODIA
PARAMETRIX
WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY
FRIENDS
BAKER CONSTRUCTION
BROADWAY TRUCK STOPS
EIDE BAILLY
MOSS ADAMS
WENDLE FORD
SUPPORTERS SNAP
SUSAN STACEY
EDUCATION & TALENT
Business AfterSchool Career pathway experiences
Events in 2024 11 Attendees in 2024 340
Attendees in Q3 at the Emergency Room at Sacred Heart 35
Connecting students and companies to establish regional partnerships
Impact
Events consistently deliver engaging, educational experiences, aligning with our goal to connect and inform attendees across various sectors.
The Internship Network For businesses and students
Students and Businesses Attended in 2023 and 2024 to date 91
Evolution from Student to Employee Event – Aimed at preparing students for the transition into the workforce. APR 2024
The Internship Network - April 2024
EDUCATION & TALENT
Connecting students and companies to establish regional partnerships
Providing workforce upskill training support for underserved businesses and individuals to enhance economic mobility, reduce inequality and ensure all members of our community benefit from regional growth.
Collaborative Meeting: Hosted with Eastern Washington University and Career Path Services.
Purpose: Brought together agencies and support providers focused on serving refugees and immigrants.
Attendance: 30 attendees from 16 different organizations.
Goal: Align community efforts to better support refugees and immigrants, recognizing their valuable contributions to Spokane’s community and economy.
Developing data-driven childcare solutions to ensure adequate childcare options, reduce strain on working parents, and help businesses retain talent.
July: Joined the AWB-led Childcare Study Tour in Canada with elected officials, regulators, advocates, and providers, gaining valuable insights into childcare practices to integrate into our initiatives.
September: Participated in a convening hosted by the Gates Foundation and Ballmer Fund in Seattle, collaborating with childcare advocates, providers, and business organizations to explore sustainable childcare solutions.
Locally: Actively involved in the Priority Spokane group, working on actionable solutions to address specific childcare challenges within our community.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Driving Regional Growth: Key Economic Development Highlights
Tech Hub & Good Jobs Challenge
• Hosted the Undersecretary of Commerce (EDA), positioning our region for future opportunities.
• Encouraged to apply for the Good Jobs Challenge and partnered with Lakeside Companies and CdA EDC to submit the application.
CHIPS (Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors) & Science Act Support
• Supported a local company’s application for the CHIPS & Science Act, requiring matching state and local funds.
• Estimated investment: The expansion would bring $260 million in investment and create 60 high-paying jobs, averaging over $100,000 annually.
Project Lightning: Tech Data Center
• Collaborating with a leading tech company to develop a data center in the Hillyard area.
• Estimated nearly $1 billion in investment, working with Avista on power needs and development incentives.
Advanced Manufacturing Facility
• Partnering with S3R3 to support a Pacific Northwest company considering Spokane for an advanced manufacturing facility.
• Competing with Portland and Seattle for this $100 million investment, which could create 90 new jobs.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Support of underrepresented businesses
Spokane Inclusive Business Catalyst 2024 Accomplishments The Business Accelerator Program Cohorts
two with AHANA, one with Aim & Build Consulting and Development, and one with Women’s Business Center (SNAP)
4 Businesses Graduated 31 with $155,000 cash match from the businesses that were assisted Class Hours
Grant Dollars Awarded $155,000
Impact: 17% average employee growth and 70% average revenue growth in year one. Cohort one reporting an average $167,000 revenue increase.
Q3
Cohort Testimonial “I just wanted to say thank you for the GSI $5k grant. I took that and used some of my own funds to pivot and opened a K-beauty Retail Store inside my salon. Long story short I had a big room where I dumped so much money in to create a pay it forward system to help students but it was not successful and it was sitting there depreciating and collecting dust since March this year when I first opened. With the GSI $5k fund, I was able to invest in inventory for K-beauty products and we did a big launch on 9/28/24. I am just extremely thankful and appreciate the opportunity and just wanted you to know how much of a positive impact that it has been for me.”
APEX Program Expansion
Secured additional grant funding to hire a part-time Junior Counselor, enabling expanded preliminary intake and outreach in underrepresented communities.
- Khuyen Siharath, Self-care Spa and Lounge
Grant Writing Services Expansion
Received funding from Washington State Department of Commerce to enhance grant-writing services across Spokane and surrounding rural counties.
Phase 1 Outcomes:
1. Spokane County Grant Writer: Engaged with 6 entities, identified 127 funding opportunities across federal, state, local, and foundation sources.
2. Rural Counties Grant Writer: Collaborated with 4 Associate Development Organizations, 16 organizations, addressing 37 projects with 49 unique funding opportunities, strengthening rural economic growth.
MISSION
We lead transformative business and community initiatives to build a robust regional economy.
VISION
A vibrant Spokane region where businesses and communities thrive.
VALUES Collaboration
We are inclusive and welcome diverse perspectives that reflect the aspirations of our community.
Innovation
We are resourceful and creative and strive for intentional progress in all that we do.
Respect
We foster mutually respectful relationships between members, our partners and the community.
Thank you for investing in the Spokane region. For more information, contact Lisa Poplawski Lewis | (509) 321-3619 | lplewis@greaterspokane.org