Special Report

RiverBank leads Spokane County in SBA lending

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Two years after developing its Small Business Administration lending department, RiverBank Holding Co., the parent company of Spokane-based RiverBank, has become the county’s top SBA lender. The increase in SBA lending comes as the community bank establishes a director of fintech position, reinforcing its founding principles of relationship banking and technology.

Small business loans boost bank earnings in Q3

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Rising small business loan demand is bolstering some Inland Northwest banks in the third quarter, but persistent inflation, high interest rates, and trade tariffs are depressing agricultural and commercial borrowing.

Fulcrum Financial gears up for growth

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Fueled by a 20% revenue increase and workforce expansion plans, Spokane-based Fulcrum Financial Group LLC is launching its next growth phase under new leadership following the retirement of founder Sarah Carlson.

Diversify business risk with retirement planning

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Part of planning and managing business risk is not putting all your eggs in one basket. Saving for retirement independent of the value of your business is one way you can begin diversifying and safeguarding yourself from business risk.

The hidden risks of banking on a business sale

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 03:00:00 -0500

Many business owners spend decades building a company while setting aside too little for retirement. Their backup plan sounds reasonable: “Someday, I’ll sell the business and retire on the proceeds.” But as that “someday” approaches, the plan can collide with reality.

INW medical spas embrace wellness boom

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Driven by booming demand for weight loss medications, medical spas across the Inland Northwest are rapidly expanding beyond traditional cosmetic procedures into full-service wellness and metabolic health centers. For many operators, offering these treatments supports clinic growth and provides a financial boost amid rising operational costs.

HSSA grant fuels biotech expansion in Spokane

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Seattle-based biotechnology company Orlance Inc. is expanding its vaccine research and development operations into Spokane County through a $250,000 grant from the Health Sciences and Services Authority of Spokane County, bringing new jobs and plans for clinical trials to the region.

SFCC program adapts to meet workforce demand

Thu, 22 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Spokane Falls Community College’s Orthotic and Prosthetic Technology program — one of only four certified training courses in the nation — has doubled its cohort size in three years to help address a nationwide technician shortage.

Prairie Medical Campus construction is underway

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Work starts on $32M Frequency apartment complex

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Construction is currently underway on The Frequency, a $32 million senior apartment complex at 4980 S. Regal, on Spokane's South Hill.

Commercial muralist builds brand identity, value

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Riveting Paint & Pearl owner Desire McGinn approaches murals less like commissioned fine art and more like a skilled trade, working directly with business owners, contractors, and design firms to turn walls and other surfaces into extensions of a client's brand.

McKinstry Co. launches 'Building What Matters'

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Contractor and energy-efficiency systems manufacturer McKinstry Co. has launched a new podcast, “Building What Matters,” featuring conversations with leaders who decide how schools, hospitals, and major infrastructure projects are built in communities across the Pacific Northwest.

Whipple Consulting Engineers expands offerings

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Driven by recurring requests from custom homebuilders and small developers, Spokane Valley-based Whipple Consulting Engineers Inc. has expanded its offerings in an effort to keep costs manageable for smaller projects.

North Spokane Nordstrom Rack eyes October opening

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A new Nordstrom Rack store is expected to open Oct. 15 in North Spokane. The discount fashion retailer will operate in a revamped 31,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Big Lots at the Northpointe Plaza, at 9612 N. Newport Highway.

Around Town: Oct. 8

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Immersive Studio CDA opens in Coeur d'Alene

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A new visualization and creative experience space designed as a resource for builders, architects, homebuyers, and other creators now is open in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Former McKinley School property listed for $3M

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Six months after updated plans were submitted to redevelop the former McKinley School in Spokane's East Central neighborhood, the historic property is being put up for sale.

New gym is underway at Christian Center School

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Construction is underway on a $9 million multicourt gymnasium at Christian Center School in Hayden.

Kilgore Tec expands its distribution, workforce

Thu, 08 Oct 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Kilgore Tec Products Inc. is expanding its distribution territory and plans to grow its Spokane Valley workforce by about 40% as the building-envelope contractor targets 100% sales growth over the next five years.

March 2027 opening slated for Vineyard Park

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A March 2027 opening is now slated for a new five-story senior living community, dubbed Vineyard Park North Spokane, at 7609 N. Division, bringing 128 new units to Spokane's North Side.

Riverview Retirement secures accreditation

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Riverview Retirement Community has earned accreditation for its RiverCare home health division, expanding services to meet a surge in seniors who are choosing to age in place rather than move to a facility.

Selling your business and retaining real estate

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

For many business owners, owning the property where they conduct business provides operational stability for the business and financial diversification and tax benefits for the owner. When it comes time to sell the business, a prospective buyer may want to purchase that real estate along with the business itself.

What happens when a company owner can't work?

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

A coordinated relationship between a CPA and a qualified insurance and financial adviser can become extremely valuable. The CPA helps the client build and grow the business. The adviser helps the client protect income, continuity, and the retirement strategy that business is supposed to support.

Passing the torch: Who will own the business next?

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Across our region, businesses are changing hands. While 350,000 U.S. baby boomers attempt to sell their businesses annually, the Inland Northwest alone holds a pool of 49,000 baby boomer-owned businesses facing transition. However, local and national success rates hover between 20% and 30%. When viable businesses simply close, long-time community legacies can disappear with them.

The Medicare surcharge nobody sees coming

Thu, 24 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Most people picture Medicare as roughly the same deal for everyone. You turn 65, you sign up, and the premiums come out of your Social Security check. For a lot of retirees that is exactly how it works. But above a certain income, Medicare quietly adds a surcharge on top of your Part B and Part D premiums.

2026 Rising Stars: Kristopher Pockell

ericab@spokanejournal.com — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Kristopher Pockell is a software engineering manager at Liberty Lake-based OpenEye by day and the co-founder of Spokane Valley-based Elixir Sauce Co. by night.

Special Report: 2026 Rising Stars

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

The Journal of Business is proud to present the 2026 class of Rising Stars, recognizing 10 individuals as emerging leaders in their respective industries.

2026 Rising Stars: Tyler Kavanaugh

dylanh@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

2026 has been a year of building for architect Tyler Kavanaugh, who has been promoted to associate at Spokane-based ALSC Architects PS and named president of the American Institute of Architects Spokane chapter for 2027.

2026 Rising Stars: Rose Honey

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Rose Honey is an educator, linguaphile, visual artist, and designer who teaches studio art and graphic design at West Valley High School.

2026 Rising Stars: Peter Mahoney

karinae@spokanejournal.com — Thu, 10 Sep 2026 03:00:00 -0400

Peter Mahoney, a member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, is the wellness services director for Plummer, Idaho-based Marimn Health, where his department manages two facilities: the Marimn Health Wellness Center and the Marimn Health Coeur Center.