As a proud partner in Washington State’s Small Business Resiliency Network (SBRN), the Carl Maxey Center offers no-cost, culturally responsive support for Black-owned and underserved small businesses and nonprofits in Spokane County and surrounding areas.

Our SBRN services are tailored to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges, build capacity, and access essential capital. We provide:

Business Support & Technical Assistance

• One-on-one business coaching and advising (startups, scaling, restructuring)

• Help with business plan development, financial modeling, cash flow analysis

• Marketing strategy, branding, digital presence, and e-commerce support

• Navigating licensing, permitting, compliance, and other regulatory requirements

• Capacity building for bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, and financial systems

Resource Navigation & Grant/Loan Access

• Assistance in finding and applying for grants, loans, and state/federal funding

• Support in completing applications, interpreting terms, preparing documentation

• Connection to credit-building loan programs (e.g., “Small Business Resiliency Loans”) 

• Referrals to partner organizations, technical assistance providers, and capital networks

Culturally & Linguistically Relevant Services

• Support from staff and partners who understand community-specific needs and barriers

• Translation assistance and culturally aligned communication

• Trust-based outreach to historically underserved communities 

Community Engagement & Networking

• Business expos, meetups, and community events showcasing local entrepreneurs 

• Peer networking, mentorship, and collaborative opportunities

• Promote visibility and access for businesses in underserved areas

Ongoing Monitoring & Growth Support

• Track progress, outcomes, and follow-up support

• Adjust plans as needed and help sustain growth

• Advocacy and feedback to inform policy and resource allocation for small business support in the region 

We’re here for you. Let us know how we can help.

Fill out the form below and one of our business professionals will be in touch as soon as possible: