Area business organizations receive CARES Act funding to launch Live Local campaign

Several area business organizations recently launched Live Local, a campaign to support local independent businesses during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The Spokane Independent Metro Business Alliance, North Monroe Business District, Inland Northwest Business Alliance, Garland Business District and Spokane Arts launched the campaign last week that promotes buying local through events and education “to build healthy neighborhoods and preserve local economic opportunities,” a news release said. 

“Supporting locally-owned businesses helps us be nimble in addressing unforeseen problems locally,” SIMBA Director Mariah McKay said in a statement. “We created this community-driven campaign so everyone can find their unique way to participate in this resilient lifestyle perspective.”

The Spokane City Council last week awarded the organizations with $300,000 in CARES Act funding that will be used to launch an online local marketplace and business directory. Live Local also will provide free business consulting and support services for businesses adversely affected by the pandemic, among other resources.