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The US Economy is Resilient. Risks Abound.

Thursday, April 09, 2026

Originally published in the Kitsap Sun, this article was updated with information from KEDA’s Annual Meeting and Economic Forecast on April 9. Joe Morrison, KEDA Executive Director morrison@kitsapeda.orgMy new favorite pastime is filling up my gas tank whenever it’s half full. That and monitoring prices per gallon like I never have before.Warning Signs Are Hard to Ignore Related, on Tuesday Goldman Sachs increased their probability of the US entering a recession this year to 30 percent. That same day Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s Analytics, said his firm’s model now forecasts recession risk at 49 percent, “pointing to stagnant retail sales,...

$19.4 million available for installation of electric vehicle charging stations across Washington

Monday, October 06, 2025

Commerce is making more than $19 million available to increase electric vehicle charging in Washington. There is at least $19.4 million available in Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Program Round 2 (WAEVCP 2). WAECVP helps fund infrastructure that supports Level 2 chargers and direct current fast chargers for public use clean transportation in communities across Washington.Who can applyPublic agencies, tribal entities, retail electric utilities, nonprofits, and private entities. Private entities have additional requirements to apply, described in the RFA documents. Not all entities are eligible for all funding categories. Request for Applications DocumentsFull RFA documentExhibits A-H in Word and PDF formatsQuestions and...

KEDA secures $80k WSMA grant to help small businesses & entrepreneurs grow their businesses

Thursday, February 20, 2025

KEDA is thrilled to announce that our application to the 2025 Washington State Microbusiness Accelerator grant program has been approved!  The Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) has approved $2 million in small grants to 46 nonprofit organizations to help business owners strengthen their business skills, innovate and access financing to create jobs and grow local economies in every region of the state.  This program is funded through the Washington State Department of Commerce. This funding supports the return of  Matchstick Labs  2025 Microbusiness Accelerator! The program is specifically crafted to accelerate the entrepreneurial endeavors of small business owners who have powerful new...

Expanded 2025 Micro Business Accelerator Now Open for Kitsap Entrepreneurs

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

The 2025 accelerator will double its reach, supporting 24 entrepreneurs with enhanced mentorship, training, and resources in both Bremerton and Poulsbo.POULSBO, Washington—Kitsap’s small business entrepreneurs have a new opportunity to grow their ventures with the launch of Cohort III of the Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator, which has significantly expanded for 2025.Executed by Matchstick Lab, in partnership with Kitsap Bank, Kitsap Community Resources BE$T Program, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), Rice Fergus Miller, Spark Commons, and Vibe Coworks, the no-cost, 13-week program provides hands-on mentorship, expert-led workshops, and an unmatched network of peers and community business leaders.Now in its third...

Washington's Workforce Job Quality Survey

Monday, December 23, 2024

Workforce shortages are a pressing issue for Washington employers! Employers, workers and all community members are encouraged to share their thoughts on Washington’s workforce system through a new survey.The survey is part of the Washington Workforce Training & Education Board’s community outreach as the state’s next workforce plan is created. The plan, Talent and Prosperity for All, is being developed now and will guide investments of roughly $1.3 billion in state and federal dollars that serve nearly 500,000 Washingtonians. Many Washington employers face a serious shortage of skilled workers, and workers need family-wage jobs that offer stability and opportunities to advance.TAKE THE...

West Sound Tech Renovation Advances, Awaits Further State Funding

Monday, December 23, 2024

The transformation of West Sound Technical Skills Center in Bremerton is visibly underway, with the first phase of a multi-year renovation project progressing steadily. Onlookers can see the 125-foot yellow crane carefully maneuvering steel beams to construct a new, two-story, 50,000-square-foot building on the southeast corner of the campus. This ambitious effort is on track for completion by September 2025, just in time for the 2025-26 school year.Andersen Construction and Bassetti Architects are spearheading the project, working diligently to meet the tight timeline despite the challenges of winter weather. "They're out there four days a week, 10 hours a day,"...

Iggy’s Alive & Cultured Shines During National Entrepreneurship Month

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Fermentation, Community, and a Commitment to Sustainability in Kitsap CountyNational Entrepreneurship Month celebrates innovation, resilience, and the transformative power of small businesses in our communities. In Kitsap County, one local gem exemplifies these values: Iggy’s Alive & Cultured, a fermentation house founded in 2012 by Ilgvar “Iggy” Daga on Bainbridge Island. Now led by owner Paul McClellan, Iggy’s thrives on a mission to foster resilient cultures through its artisanal fermented beverages and foods. As Iggy’s celebrates its 12th year, its journey offers valuable insights into the power of community-centered entrepreneurship and sustainable practices. Rooted in People-Centered ValuesIggy’s has become more than...

Grant writing assistance program helps entities access clean energy IIJA funding

Friday, October 18, 2024

Federal Funds Grant Writing Assistance Program (FFGWAP)Washington is launching a program to support access to Federal Funds grant writing assistance for communities across the State. In response to the unprecedented clean energy funding available via the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Washington Department of Commerce, in partnership with Hagerty Consulting, is launching the Federal Funds Grant Writing Assistance Program (FFGWAP).The FFGWAP is designed for Washington community-based organizations, local government agencies, ports, housing authorities, tribes, businesses, and others eligible to receive Federal funds to prepare and submit grant applications, and to help Washington meet...

Kitsap High School students participate in Maritime High School

Friday, September 27, 2024

Read full story on Kitsap Sun;  Northwest Maritime high school students could be a new hope for WSF workforce deficitIn a new program, Washington State Ferries is aiming to remedy its shortage of maritime workers by training high schoolers.About a dozen 12th graders enrolled in Northwest Maritime and Highline Public School’s Maritime High School boarded a ferry leaving the Coleman Dock in Seattle on Wednesday. For the rest of the day, their second day of “Classroom on the Water,” the students would travel across Puget Sound, absorbing vessel operation skills and knowledge with hands-on learning and instruction from various instructors...

Poulsbo furniture firm adds warehouse, technologies

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Watson Unveils New Expansion and Manufacturing Improvements for 2024 Watson Furniture Group, the industry leader in function-first design and respectful manufacturing, has completed a multi-million-dollar business expansion and process enhancement that includes a 10,000-square-foot warehouse addition, and new precision tooling on the factory floor.According to Watson President CK McKenzie, these upgrades will improve capacity, reduce waste, and safeguard the supply chain, without compromising the refinement and reliability that Watson customers have come to expect from their best-in-class lines of office furniture.“While the market is slower, we’re taking the time to invest in more space, equipment, and employee training,” McKenzie said. “We’re...

Puget Sound Energy issues RFP for non-wires alternatives in Kitsap County

Thursday, February 22, 2024

PSE investigating non-wires alternatives to help meet transmission capacity needs in Kitsap County  BELLEVUE, Wash. (Feb. 9, 2024) – Today, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) issued a request for proposals (RFP) for non-wires alternatives to an electric transmission system capacity need in Kitsap County, Washington.  PSE intends to explore a variety of solution options to its capacity need to ensure continued and reliable service for customers in the county. Non-wires solutions may include energy storage systems (ESS) and local CETA (Clean Energy Transformation Act)-eligible renewable or non-emitting energy resources that meet PSE’s energy and capacity needs.  Through this RFP, PSE is making progress toward...

Apply now for 2024 Microbusiness Accelerator! Closes Feb 28th

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

KEDA is thrilled to announce that our application to the 2024 Washington State Microbusiness Accelerator grant program has been approved! This funding supports the return of  Matchstick Labs  2024 Microbusiness Accelerator! The program is specifically crafted to accelerate the entrepreneurial endeavors of small business owners who have powerful new business ideas.  Turn-around time for grant applications is very brief  with applications being accepted now through February 28th. The program is open to all current and aspiring business owners and will be divided into three key parts: Microbusiness Accelerator Cohort: THROUGH THE PROGRAM, ENTREPRENEURS BENEFIT FROM:•    highly personalized technical assistance•    one-on-one and small group business coaching•    access to...

Skookum and Skils’kin announce intent to merge to enhance job creation for people with disabilities

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Bremerton, WA and Spokane, WA — Skookum and Skils'kin are excited to announce their intention to merge, effective July 1, 2024. This strategic move aims to unite the strengths and resources of both organizations, significantly enhancing their ability to create job opportunities for people with disabilities. Jeff Dolven, Skookum CEO, stated, "This merger represents our shared commitment to maximizing our impact in the community. By combining our resources, we will address the evolving challenges in disability employment more effectively and ensure a more comprehensive delivery of our services while adhering to our core values and missions." Skookum is a leader in...

Second Stage Companies: Knock Down Your Brick Walls

Thursday, November 02, 2023

SIG Informational Session — Knock Down Your Brick WallsCEO's and business-owners, are you facing brick walls while trying to scale your company? Like many second-stage business owners, you may be noticing systems that once served you well aren’t working anymore — or that you need new skills and information to continue to grow profitably. SIG addresses issues that impact your growth, whether they are internal problems or outside the walls of your company. The Edward Lowe Foundation hosts a SIG (Systems for Integrated Growth) informational webinar ( also known as Thrive!)  for second stage businesses.This transformative  seminar is an exclusive event,...

Business Educations Support & Training summer class is starting on August 1.

Friday, July 07, 2023

Kitsap Community Resources’ Business Education Support & Training (BE$T) Program provides business training and a network of supportive community services to enterprising individuals to gain self- sufficiency through small business ownership.  This 8-week Business Basics Program gives you the tools to launch and expand a new business or grow your existing business.     Develop your business concept     Define and understand your target customer base     Learn about money management and break-even point analysis     Study cash flow, pricing, taxes and financial statements     Learn how to set up operations including legal structure...

Deadline extended for applications to Clean Energy Fund Grid Modernization

Friday, April 14, 2023

Clean Energy Fund grid modernization grant applications due Thursday, May 4    Based on feedback from applicants during the pre-application conference and received through the Q&A emails, the Department of Commerce has amended this grant solicitation. View amended Request for Applications (PDF) Find all related documents on our Clean Energy Fund Grid Modernization grants webpage. Applicants will now have a total of 45 days to complete the Phase One Application. The new deadline is 12 noon Pacific Time, Thursday, May 4, 2023. The application period for the Phase Two full application will also be...

KT adding 10 more buses to growing electric fleet

Monday, April 10, 2023

See post in Kitsap Daily News  Kitsap Transit’s electric bus fleet is set to increase substantially after its board moved to authorize an $11.4 million purchase of 10 new battery-powered buses. The board voted April 4 to approve the purchase, which continues to align with the organization’s mission to transition its fleet further from the use of natural gas. “This will bring our battery-electric fleet up to a total of thirty buses, which is what we had envisioned at this point,” KT executive director John Clauson said. Half of the new additions are set to be utilized...

Clean Energy Fund has up to $10.67 million available for grid modernization projects

Monday, March 20, 2023

Request for Applications  DEADLINE: Phase One applications due by 12:00 p.m. April 20, 2023 The Clean Energy Fund Grid Modernization program has supported electrical utilities across the state in the challenges of integrating renewable energy technologies and building a more sustainable and resilient power grid. Now in its fifth iteration, this program has expanded eligibility to include: •    federally recognized tribes •    community organizations •    local governments •    public and private electrical utilities This RFA will prioritize benefits to communities with high environmental or energy burden, tribes, smaller utilities and partnerships. To encourage...

Congress substantially increases funding for Puget Sound recovery

Friday, December 23, 2022

  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 23, 2022 MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Hyde, 360.819.3045, kevin.hyde@psp.wa.gov  OLYMPIA — Congress passed a funding bill that will provide $54 million in fiscal year 2023 for the Environmental Protection Agency’s Puget Sound Geographic Program, a $19 million increase over the previous fiscal year and nearly double the amount from as recently as three years ago. The Puget Sound Geographic Program helps funds implementation of the Puget Sound Action Agenda, the long-term plan for Puget Sound recovery developed by the Puget Sound Partnership. “This historic increase in funding for the Puget Sound...

AWB launches new Business Toolkit Series

Thursday, October 06, 2022

AWB Launches new Business Toolkit Series A new three-course training session from AWB will help busy professionals learn the essentials on building an effective team, resolving conflict and overcoming unconscious bias in the workplace. The Business Toolkit Series classes, to be held over the coming months virtually, are designed for those interested in leadership and skills development. All training courses are instructor-led and are eligible for continuing education credits through CEU and SHRM. Register today, as only six spots remain. Click below to register and learn more.  •    Oct. 19: Overcoming Unconscious Bias...

Biz Opps: WA State RFP - Green Roof & Rooftop Agrivoltaic Potential assessment

Thursday, October 06, 2022

Request for Proposals: Green Roof and Rooftop Agrivoltaic Potential: Assessment for Washington The Washington State Department of Commerce is soliciting proposals from firms interested in participating in a project to explore the potential for “green roofs” in select Washington urban areas. Work will focus on new non-residential buildings over 10,000 square feet. Background The legislature appropriated funds to Commerce to conduct a cost-benefit analysis (CBA) on the use of green roof systems and agrivoltaics over the next 20 years. A green roof is a layer of contained vegetation which sits over a waterproofing system, installed on...

Plan now for BizFair 2022

Friday, August 12, 2022

Mark your calendars for BizFair! Join SBA on Saturday, Sept 24 for the 26th Annual Washington State BizFair, hosted by SCORE. Each fall, the small business ecosystem in WA comes together to put on BizFair, the longest running all government and non-profit run free small business fair in Washington State. It is an opportunity for thousands of current and aspiring small business owners to: Be inspired by a keynote speaker that has successfully traversed the small business path and shares their story of perseverance. Last year it was Joe Fugere of Tutta Bella sharing his...

Biz Opps: 2023-2025 Green Transportation Capital Grant program

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

WSDOT is pleased to announce the notice of funding opportunity for the 2023-2025 Green Transportation Capital Grant.  Green Transportation Capital grants provide funding to transit agencies for cost-effective capital projects that reduce the carbon intensity of the Washington transportation system. This grant is supported by state funding through RCW 47.66.120 .  WSDOT anticipates a minimum of $12 million and up to $50 million in state funding for Green Transportation Capital Grants in the 2023-2025 biennium. The Legislature will determine the funding level in the 2022-2023 legislative session.  Please see the notice of funding opportunity for more details...

DES introduces green purchasing strategies and tools for governments

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

DES introduces green purchasing strategies and tools to help protect Washington’s environment, employees and citizens Department of Enterprise Services (DES) published a Green Purchasing Guide that helps state agencies and other public entities in Washington contract for and purchase goods and services that minimize workplace hazards, conserve energy and water, protect natural resources and reduce waste. The guide includes an overview of our state green purchasing regulations, checklists for identifying green products and boilerplate language for state contracts that incorporate green products and services.  Examples of green purchases by state government include:   Cleaning...

Dreaming of Starting Your Own Business? BE$T workshops start soon!

Tuesday, August 02, 2022

BE$T- Dream of Starting Your Own Business? Have a Business that Needs a Boost? Kitsap Community Resources’ Business Education Support & Training (BE$T) Program is committed to providing the business training and network of supportive community services to enterprising individuals to gain self- sufficiency through small business ownership.  Our 8-week Business Basics Program gives you the tools to launch and expand a new business or grow your existing business. Develop your business concept Define and understand your target customer base Learn about money management and break-even point analysis Study cash flow, pricing, taxes and financial...

ScaleUp Business Training - Your Business is Ready. Are You?

Thursday, July 28, 2022

This advanced business training for companies that have moved BEYOND startup and launch.   Starts Wednesday August 24th |  Register Here   ScaleUp is about building capacity, increasing profitability, and automating business systems. This program will show you how to position your business for investment and ready you for that moment.   Imagine your business as passive income through systemization Working ON your business, NOT in it Doubling or tripling revenues Increasing shareholder distributions Securing investors and investment Having an exit strategy that ensures MAXIMUM value when you sell   Our trainers come with years of experience...

Prepare Now for New Washington State Grants Open Aug 17th

Monday, July 18, 2022

Working Washington 5 & Convention Center Grants Open August 17th   Important notice to grant applicants! The federal government recently changed its requirements for businesses and organizations receiving federal funds in the form of grants. It no longer uses the DUNS (Data Universal Number System) and has shifted to a new system known as the UEI (Unique Entity Identifier). As of April 2022, recipients of grants using federal funds are required to have a UEI, which replaces the DUNS Number. If you don’t have one yet, you may want to apply now. You may apply...

Biz Opps: IARPA researchers want immersive, 3D imagery for training and simulation

Monday, June 27, 2022

The project seeks software and applications to enhance the intelligence community’s surveillance images. View original post Intelligence community researchers want to make it easier for operators, law enforcement, and rescue personnel to scope out difficult terrain before setting out on a mission, according to a new solicitation.  An Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity broad agency announcement, which was issued in partnership with the Department of Interior, calls for the development of software systems “that can create photorealistic, navigable site models using a highly limited corpus of imagery” taken from the ground, traffic cameras, unmanned aerial...

Biz Opps, Training and more from Washington PTAC

Wednesday, May 18, 2022

Click here to view the latest newsletter from Washington PTAC including news, bid opportunities, & events!   And be sure to visit KEDA's Government Contracting page for resources, local events, and biz opps!

City of Bainbridge Island Public Hearing on Stormwater Management

Thursday, May 12, 2022

City plans to hold Public Hearing for adoption of the 2019 Stormwater Management Manual of Western Washington on June 14th, 2022   The City of Bainbridge Island is preparing to adopt the Washington State Department of Ecology 2019 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (SWMMWW) to continue to support the City’s Comprehensive Plan policies and goals, uphold the Clean Water Act and meet State and Federal requirements for controlling runoff from new development, redevelopment, and construction sites to reduce pollutants in stormwater runoff. Bainbridge Island Municipal Code 15.20, Surface Water and Stormwater Management currently adopts the 2012 Stormwater...

NextCycle Washington accelerator program offers technical support and funding pathways to support circular innovation

Thursday, February 03, 2022

  NextCycle Washington: An inclusive accelerator for business models that prevents waste and improves reuse, recycling, and use of recycled materials. NextCycle Washington is an accelerator that focuses on providing technical support and funding pathways for business models that prevent waste and improve reuse, recycling, and use of recycled materials. We welcome stakeholders and partners with lived experience from frontline communities - those most likely to be impacted by climate change and the shift to a more circular economy - to attend, ask questions, and provide feedback to help refine NextCycle Washington prior to public launch in...