News from KEDA

KEDA’s James Davis Earns Prestigious Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) Designation

Monday, April 20, 2026

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is proud to celebrate a major professional milestone for one of its own. James Davis, Economic Development Manager at KEDA, has earned the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), one of the most respected credentials in the field of economic development.The CEcD designation is a globally recognized mark of excellence, awarded to professionals who demonstrate a high level of expertise, experience, and commitment to the profession. Candidates must meet rigorous standards, including passing a comprehensive exam that covers key areas such as business retention and expansion, real estate...

Celebrating KEDA’s 2026 Economic Champions

Monday, April 13, 2026

Honoring leadership that has shaped Kitsap County’s economic strength—past, present, and future.The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) is proud to recognize three outstanding leaders as our 2026 Economic Champions—individuals whose dedication and vision have made a lasting impact on Kitsap County.These awards were presented during KEDA’s Annual Meeting & Economic Forecast on April 2, hosted at the stunning Clearwater Casino Resort, where community and business leaders gathered to reflect on the region’s progress and look ahead to its economic future.This year, we are especially honored to recognize John Powers, KEDA’s Executive Director from 2011 to 2020, whose leadership helped shape...

North Kitsap United: Investing in Community, Economy, and Quality of Life

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

ECONOMIC ADVANTAGE OF RECREATIONAL FACILITY INVESTMENT IN NORTH KITSAPKEDA has prepared a economic activity analysis of the updated North Kitsap United proposal for the Kingston Stakeholders Group. This proposed recreation campus in North Kitsap has the potential to generate more than $100 million in economic activity while addressing critical community needs like childcare, youth sports facilities, and access to health and wellness programs.A Significant Economic OpportunityAnalysis from the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance estimates the project could generate more than $100 million in economic activity. This includes approximately $60 million in construction-related impact and $40 million in wages and job creation...

New Navy Lease Opportunity for Kitsap Properties

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

A significant new federal leasing opportunity tied to the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) is now open — and it has direct implications for Kitsap County property owners, developers, and contractors.The Department of the Navy (DoN), on behalf of Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Northwest, has issued a Solicitation for Offers (SFO N4425526RP00018) to lease warehouse space near Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS) in Bremerton. This opportunity supports long-term shipyard operations and modernization efforts under SIOP, one of the Navy’s largest multi-year infrastructure initiatives. Offers due: March 20, 2026 at 12:00 PMWhat the Navy Is Looking ForUnder this solicitation,...

Deadline extended: Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Program Round 2 RFA

Monday, December 15, 2025

Deadline extended: Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Program Round 2 RFA Application deadline extended to Dec. 30, 2025Commerce has extended the Washington Electric Vehicle Charging Program Round 2 RFA application deadline to Dec. 30. Washington remains under a statewide emergency declaration and many communities continue to respond to ongoing flooding and other related emergencies. Many potential applicants may not be able to complete applications. WAEVCP 2 will award at least $19.4 million for EV charger installation. It is funded by Washington’s Climate Commitment Act and authorized in the 2025-2027 capital budget. Request for Applications DocumentsFull RFA documentExhibits A-H in Word and PDF formatsQuestions and answersGrant...

$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...

Kitsap Industrial Readiness Summit - Resources

Thursday, August 21, 2025

KEDA's 2025 Kitsap Industrial Readiness Summit Slide DecksThis annual event is the premier opportunity to hear directly about the Navy’s multi-billion-dollar investment in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard & Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF). Through the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP), four aging naval shipyards—including ours—will be reconfigured, modernized, and optimized into state-of-the-art facilities ready to serve our Nation for decades to come.You’ll hear timely updates and insights from Navy leadership, industry experts, and local partners, including:NBK Slides• Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Briefing – The Navy’s preferred alternative, plus Q&A• SIOP: The National Picture – Lessons Shipyard modernization efforts across the country Industrial...

KEDA Annual Meeting presentation videos and slide decks now available!

Monday, April 07, 2025

KEDA’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Economic Forecast Luncheon was a great successKEDA’s 2025 Annual Meeting & Economic Forecast Luncheon on March 26th at the beautiful Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort & Conference Center brought together 280 business and community leaders to explore the key factors shaping Kitsap’s economic future. Scroll down to view event videos and slide decksThis event, a cornerstone of KEDA’s mission to drive economic vitality in Kitsap, was made possible thanks to the support of our generous sponsors and engaged community partners. Keynote Address: "Navigating Uncertainty: Effective Economic Development in Complex Times" by Dr. Dell Gines, Chief Innovation Officer...

Kitsap Industrial Land, Buildings and Infrastructure Survey (DRAFT for Comment)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

NEW! KEDA's Draft Kitsap Industrial Land, Buildings and Infrastructure SurveyThis survey is the product of over six months of work, dozens of interviews, and data analysis to inform the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance's investors and jurisdictions about what might be realistic when it comes to increasing industrial opportunity and capacity in Kitsap, along with related growth and wealth creation. Important notes for those interested in this work: Read at least the Executive Summary and if you have capacity and interest, then the Full Report. The Executive Summary does a great job of capturing the takeaways from the comprehensive larger Full Report which...

Kitsap County Streamlines Permitting Process with New Tools and Strategies

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Kitsap County Community Development News Release: Navigating the permitting process can be complicated and overwhelming. That’s why Kitsap County’s Department of Community Development is taking significant steps to make it more efficient, transparent, and user-friendly.“In Kitsap, we are evaluating our work through a lens of continuous process improvement,” said Christine Rolfes, Chair of the Kitsap County Board of Commissioners. “We are committed to fulfilling our stewardship responsibilities to the people, communities, lands, and waterways of our community in the most effective and forward-thinking way possible.”It’s About Serving Our CommunityIn 2023, the department conducted a community survey to gather feedback on the...

Slides are up! Check out the great content presented at our 2024 Fall Forum!

Friday, November 01, 2024

KEDA's 2024 Fall Forum slide decks available:Our Fall Forum was an incredible day dedicated to celebrating and empowering small businesses in Kitsap! For those who joined us — and those who couldn’t — we’re excited to share the slide decks from the event. VIEW PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS. LATEST UPDATES HEREOur keynote speaker, Leo Flor, Chief Legacy Officer for Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026, kicked things off by energizing the crowd with a dynamic presentation. Leo dove into Seattle’s preparations and the anticipated economic impact of hosting the tournament, with an estimated 750,000 visitors flocking to the region. You can see his...

ScaleUp Business Training - New Cohort starts Sept 17, 18 & 19

Wednesday, August 07, 2024

The path to seven figures begins here! ScaleUp Business Training was designed to help established businesses increase profitability, build capacity, and spur growth.Do you feel like you have no time outside of working in your business?Are you spending too much time on low profit activities?Have high maintenance clients taken over your schedule?Are you thinking of selling your business?Need help interpreting your fiscal drivers?This powerful program will give you the tools necessary to take your time back, break through the profit plateau, create new sources of revenue, and help you to work on your business rather than in your business!ScaleUp is a...

$2 million available now for eligible communities

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Community Development Block Grant General Purpose grants for eligible communitiesThe Washington State Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program has $2 million in General Purpose grant funding currently available for low- and moderate-income communities. An additional $11 million in funding is anticipated later this year.Commerce is accepting applications on an ongoing basis through 2024. Applications submitted for CDBG General Purpose grants will be considered for currently available funding and for the funding expected later this year. Eligibility General Purpose grants are intended for HUD’s non-entitlement cities, towns and counties in Washington state and help support capital development of: Public facilities, such...

Erin Leedham honored with Kitsap Economic Champion award at KEDA 2024 Annual Meeting & Economic Forecast Event

Wednesday, April 03, 2024

The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) recently convened its highly anticipated 2024 Annual Meeting & Economic Forecast at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort. Attended by over 250 stakeholders, the event served as a platform for unveiling KEDA's ambitious 5-year strategic plan, electing new board officers, and recognizing outstanding contributions to the region's economic landscape.Highlights included an economic forecast by Western Washington University economists, Hart Hodges and James McCafferty, who codirector the Center for Economic and Business Research. Captain John Hale's, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Kitsap presented on The State of the Base, and KEDA Executive Director, Joe Morrison led...

Slide Decks Now Available! KEDA 2024 Annual Meeting & Economic Forecast

Thursday, March 28, 2024

Thank you to everyone who came out to the KEDA 2024 Annual Meeting & Economic Forecast Luncheon! Please take a moment to complete this BRIEF SURVEY and let us know how we did! event survey Slide decks are available now, event video and photos coming soon! Please join us in thanking our presenters and sponsors, Port Madison Enterprises and Puget Sound Energy, for making this event possible.Special thanks to Hart Hodges & James McCafferty, co-directors WWU Center for Economic & Business Research for an informative and concise economic forecast presentation!CAPT. John Hale, Commanding Officer of Naval Base Kitsap for his presentation “State of the...

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...

2023: Strategic Planning paving the way for Kitsap's thriving economic future

Thursday, January 25, 2024

In a year that marked KEDA’s 40th anniversary as Washington State’s primary economic development organization for Kitsap County, we celebrate the resilience and progress of the past four decades, while focusing on the future, and prioritizing the needs of Kitsap County to ensure economic vitality for all its residents.Throughout 2023, KEDA's work concentrated on business outreach, catalyzing growth, fostering innovation, and cultivating an inclusive economic landscape. Our journey began with eight strategic planning sessions involving over 60 leaders and stakeholders from Kitsap County. Their valuable insights and perspectives served as the cornerstone for crafting KEDA's inaugural five-year regional economic strategy,...

Resources now available - Fall BIPOC Business Forum

Thursday, October 26, 2023

Thank you to everyone who came out last night for our Fall BIPOC Business Forum! EVENT RESOURCES: View slide deck here Resource ListFeatured speaker Jenefeness Franke of Fiscal Finesse was AMAZING and really connected with the audience. Click here to view additional photosPlease join us in thanking the experts who participated in the Business Lending Panel: facilitated by Janie Sacco, SBA Outreach and Marketing Specialist; @Walter Acuña , Chase Business Banking Entrepreneurs Program; Bill Fogarty, Kitsap Credit Union, VP Business Services & Commercial Lending; Laura Gómez, Business Impact NW, Loan Officer; Stephanie Lachman, Craft3, Business Lender, VP, and Meranda Montgomery, US Bank,...

ScaleUp No-Cost Business Training - New Cohort Begins in October - Apply now

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

ScaleUp is a 9-week training program designed to help established businesses increase profitability, build capacity, and spur growth.ScaleUp is advanced business training for companies that have moved BEYOND startup and launch. ScaleUp is about building capacity, increasing profitability, and automating business systems. This program will show you how to position your businessfor investment and ready you for that moment.The training:Nine week live sessions with peer roundtable discussions. Self paced online learning modulesStudy Hall mentorship with ScaleUp TrainersAccess to the ScaleUp Alumni NetworkN o Cost to the business!ScaleUp is provided to Washington State small businesses at no charge thanks to the Washington...

Happening now! Early Bird discounts for KEDA Annual Meeting & Economic Forecast

Monday, February 27, 2023

KEDA's Board of Directors invites you to join us March 30th from 11:30am- 1:00pm for our Annual Meeting and Economic Forecast Luncheon at the Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort & Conference Center. 11:30am - 1:00pm | Lunch service begins at 11am Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort & Conference Center REGISTER NOW Featuring economists Hart Hodges and James McCafferty, co-directors of the Western Washington University Center for Economic & Business Research who will present an economic forecast. Other highlights include: • Matchstick Labs Microbusiness Accelerator Cohort Spotlight • KEDA's 2022 Annual Report & 2023 Economic Strategy •...

Skookum Community Outreach Networking Event

Friday, February 10, 2023

Skookum will be hosting a Community Outreach Networking Event on March 2, 2023, at Skookum's Home Office, as we did in October of 2022. Our desire is to bring together local organizations, non-profit agencies, and any organizations that help support individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to host these local networking events quarterly so we can come together, share ideas, and connect with like-minded individuals in our community. The agenda for our March 2 nd event is a 30-minute training on Workplace Mental Health Accommodations, presented by Vocational Supervisor Jon Jones, followed by an hour of professional networking...

Cyber Security Awareness Workshop: Security Measures to Keep Your Business Safe and Secure

Tuesday, November 01, 2022

Date: 11/8/2022 Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (PST) Status: Open - 42 places remaining Registration Deadline: 11/8/2022 1:00 PM (PST) Fee: No Fee Register Now Point of Contact: Joyce Oswald (360) 650-7232 Location: 1000 Olympic College Way NW, Poulsbo WA 98370-7198 This event is brought to you by Western Washington University on the Peninsulas and the Kitsap Small Business Development Center Keeping information safe and secure is challenging for businesses of all sizes. While big companies make headlines, small businesses make attractive targets for cybercriminals. Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be intimidating or overwhelming, it’s...

Inflation & Workforce, Kitsap's Future, Innovation and more on tap for KEDA Fall Forum

Thursday, October 06, 2022

Join us October 20th, from 1-5pm at the Kitsap Conference Center for a look at the opportunities & challenges shaping Kitsap's future economy. Get your tickets now Registration closes October 11th. KITSAP'S ECONOMY; Opportunities, Challenges & the Future KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Martin Karl Vanags, Martin Karl Consulting Martin Karl Vanags is an economic development professional of thirty-five years. He has worked in a wide range of roles in economic development, community development, city management and entrepreneurship. After years working in Illinois, Indiana and New York State, Vanags is leading efforts to lead economic developers through the...

Early bird registration for KEDA Fall Forum ends October 2nd.

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Join us October 20th, from 1-5pm, live and in person at the Kitsap Conference Center, for a look at the opportunities & challenges shaping Kitsap's future economy. The forum will cover top of mind issues facing Kitsap's economy, including; inflation, workforce and inclusive hiring, and Kitsap's startup economy. Attendees will also be introduced to KEDA's newest initiative, WAV-C, Washington Autonous Vehicle Cluster. Featuring nationally known speaker Martin Karl Vanags, of Martin Karl Consulting, who is an expert in best practices for business attraction, business retention, entrepreneurship, resilient communities, circular economies.He will share his perspective on the future of Kitsap's economy,...

WWU SBDC Welcomes New Business Advisor

Wednesday, August 31, 2022

Western Washington University's Kitsap Small Business Development Center has welcomed Joyce Oswald to their local advisors. Joyce has shown tremendous talent and dedication in providing valuable insights concerning business plans, financial statements, and proposals. Joyce most recently worked as a professor of business at Tacoma Community College. Joyce brings a Bachelor's in International Business with a Master's in Career and Technical Education and has worked in the fields of accounting, management, and academia. As a long-time Silverdale resident, Joyce brings a special gift with over three decades of service to business owners and entrepreneurs who...

Aviation online open house - learn about potential expansion of Bremerton National Airport

Wednesday, August 17, 2022

The Washington State Legislature Commercial Aviation Coordinating Commission (CACC) welcomes your participation in an Online Open House. The CACC was created to address concerns that Washington’s airports, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, will soon reach capacity. The CACC’s charge is to provide a recommendation by June 15, 2023, for a single preferred location to help meet the forecast demand for commercial passenger service, air cargo, and general aviation. You can learn more about the capacity problem on our website. The goal of the online open house is to hear from community members about options for greenfield sites that could...

KEDA Economic Development Manager: Position Posting

Monday, June 27, 2022

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Full-Time Position • $80k - $87.50k Apply to Position Responsible for all business retention, expansion and client-facing activity of the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance. This includes working with employers to understand the challenges and opportunities enabling growth and retention outcomes, managing a variety of economic development programs and metrics, and administering KEDA’s Procurement and Technical Assistance Subcenter (“PTAC”), our government contracting program. Ensures all of KEDA’s work achieves stated quantifiable goals with high quality, reporting on such to internal and external stakeholders regularly. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Business Development. Responsible for...

Open Now! Festival & Events Grants

Wednesday, June 08, 2022

The Washington Department of Commerce, in collaboration with the Washington Festivals and Events Association (WFEA) and ArtsWA, is administering a $3.5 million grant program to provide festivals, events and celebrations across the state with relief disruptions caused by COVID. This grant program supports “legacy-level” community events, festivals, civic and holiday celebrations, cultural and heritage events, music festivals, and street and arts fairs in communities with populations of 100,000 or less. Funding supports the 2022 calendar year. Applications will be accepted until Friday, July 1 at 5:00 p.m. Click here to apply Grants are designed...

COUNTY KICKS OFF COMP PLAN UPDATE, ASKS FOR PUBLIC INPUT

Wednesday, June 01, 2022

Kitsap County wants to hear from you as it prepares for it's 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update To better establish direction for future land use, environmental standards, housing, transportation and services, Kitsap County wants to hear from you as it prepares for it's 2024 Comprehensive Plan Update. Submit your ideas and proposals to code amendments between June 6 and Aug. 18. Proposals will be reviewed for potential inclusion by Dec. 31, 2024. View the County's Comp Plan Storyboard What is the Comprehensive Plan A Comprehensive Plan (plan) is a 20-year...

Are you ready to T.H.R.I.V.E? Applications due May 31st

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

T.H.R.I.V.E. IS FREE six-month intensive business training for small business entrepreneurs and executives to help them get unstuck and take their business to the next level With your invaluable connection and involvement in supporting small businesses in your community, I would love your assistance to help us spread the word and recommend small companies that you think would benefit from this program. The T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined advanced training series is open to small business owners and executives who: Have annual revenues of at least $250,000 Have been in...

Kitsap Economic Champions honored at KEDA 2022 Annual Meeting & Economic Preview Event

Thursday, April 07, 2022

KEDA ANNUAL MEETING AWARDS RECOGNIZES KITSAP ECONOMIC CHAMPIONS SILVERDALE, WA -- The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (“KEDA”) held a virtual annual meeting on March 30th, presenting its 2021 Annual Report, 2022 priorities and plan, electing officers and voting on new and renewing directors to the KEDA board. Featured speaker and housing economist, Skylar Olsen, Tomo Economics, and Western Washington University economists, Hart Hodges and James McCafferty, presented economic data and offered insights on the direction of the economy. KEDA's 2022 ECONOMIC CHAMPIONS Awarding Economic Champion honors is...

Creative Academy! New program from Startup Washington

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Turn your passion into a livelihood! Washington State Department of Commerce Startup Washington just announced the launch the new Creatives Academy. The academy is a series of free, on-demand lessons that cover a wide swath of business skills, designed to teach those in the creative sector how to turn their passion into a livelihood. Twelve sessions to help them create a sustainable, profitable business, from pricing and negotiation to intellectual property and going global. http://mystartup365.com/training/creatives-academy/

Program Manager & Business Development positions posted for Kitsap WAV-C Grant Program

Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Ready to build something amazing for the future economy? Here's a rare forward-facing opportunity to dream and build something entrepreneurial -- fully funded. The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (“KEDA”) is looking for a creative, connected and entrepreneurially-minded team to take our economic development moonshot: Help us launch the Washington Autonomous Vehicle Cluster, a program funded for two years by the Washington Department of Commerce Innovation Cluster Accelerator Program (“ICAP”). Apply to be our WAV-C Program Manager role or Business Development and Growth Lead at https://kitsap-economic-development-alliance.breezy.hr/ In this role we’re looking for you to lead in innovation, engage broadly,...

Sign up now for KEDA's 2022 Virtual Annual Meeting & Economic Preview

Thursday, February 17, 2022

KEDA's ANNUAL MEETING March 30th, 9:30-11:30 am Sign up at https://kitsapeda.me/2022 REGISTER NOW NO FEE, VIRTUAL EVENT Keynote Speaker: Skylar Olsen, Tomo Networks Senior Director & Principal Economist at the $70-million backed fintech and home buying startup Tomo, & former senior principal economist at Zillow Group, Olsen will break down the red hot housing market, rising interest rates and its ripple effects on the regional economy. Housing | Inflation | Cost of Living | Global Instability and more. Also learn about: Statewide initiatives, business assistance, economic challenges KEDA's Focus Areas...

2022 Is Just Around the Corner! Circle these dates on your calendar!

Thursday, December 16, 2021

Silverdale Center Community Workshop This Week

Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Silverdale Center Plan: Community Workshop #2: Exploring Plan ConceptsWednesday, August 20th5.30PM to 7.30PMKitsap County invites participation at a community workshop to participate in an exciting planning and design concepts for Silverdale Center’s future. Together, we’ll explore ideas to improve connectivity, enhance public amenities like parks and gathering spaces, expand housing options, grow local business opportunities, and much more. Your input matters – we look forward to seeing you there!AgendaWelcome & PurposeRecap: What We Heard from You (Workshop 1)Project Updates – Design ConceptsOpen House - Interactive ActivityReport Back & Closing Project website: Silverdale Center PlanCentral Kitsap Fire & Rescue5300 NW Newberry Hill RdSilverdale, WA 98383

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