News from KEDA

A Global Soccer Moment Is Coming in 2026—Is Your Business Ready?

Monday, January 05, 2026

Ready for 2026? Join Us at the Ready Kitsap: Business & Tourism SummitBig opportunities are on the horizon for Kitsap County—and local businesses that prepare now will be best positioned to thrive.KEDA is proud to sponsor the Ready Kitsap: Business & Tourism Summit, a one-day event designed to help businesses understand what’s coming in 2026 and take practical steps today to scale, staff, and succeed.Taking place on Thursday, January 15 at the Kitsap Conference Center, this summit brings together regional leaders, industry experts, and business support organizations to share insights on economic growth, workforce readiness, marketing, financial preparedness, and tourism-driven...

WorkSource Seeks Small Businesses for Funding Opportunity

Thursday, November 13, 2025

WorkSource Kitsap and WorkSource Clallam in partnership with Olympic Workforce Development Council is excited to announce the return of our Small Business grants. The grant supports Black, Latine, Tribal, Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander small businesses in Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties through the Commerce Reinvestment Program Initiative. Two small businesses will be selected to receive $6,500 grant each. Eligibility Criteria:• Small Business (fewer than 50 employees).• Priority is given to workforce development activities for self-attested Black, Latine, Tribal, Asian, Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander business owners.• Business must be licensed in Clallam, Jefferson, or Kitsap County• The proposed project must be an asset purchase that...

FALL FORUM: Kickstart Kitsap - Turning Tourism into Opportunity

Monday, October 06, 2025

Next summer, over 750,000 visitors are expected to flood the Puget Sound region as Seattle hosts matches for the 2026 global soccer tournament. For Kitsap businesses, this isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement.Kickstart Kitsap: From Pop-Ups to Profit, is happening 1-5:30 October 30 at the Kitsap Conference Center, is your chance to get ahead of the curve. Whether you’re a small business owner, entrepreneur, or community leader, this forum offers actionable insights on how to harness the tourism wave and turn visibility into long-term value. LEARN MORE ABOUT BREMERTON POP-UPSREGISTER NOW FOR LOWEST PRICE! Why This MattersSeattle’s hosting duties will bring...

Commerce partners with Grow America to launch Revenue-Based Financing Fund

Monday, May 19, 2025

The new partnership is supported by the U.S. Department of Treasury through the Washington State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Department of Commerce just launched the Revenue-Based Financing Fund (RBF) loan program for small business. This much-anticipated program is aimed at increasing access to capital for small businesses in Washington state, particularly those that have been historically underserved or underbanked.“This is one of the most innovative loan programs we've ever launched,” said Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn. “It's not a typical business loan. It's a Pay-As-You-Earn loan that works with the reality of running a small...

Listening Session with Senator Murray’s Office

Monday, April 21, 2025

Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) is holding an important virtual listening session with Senator Patty Murray’s Office on May 7, 2025, from 11:00 AM–12:00 PM PST.Federal actions that are impacting small businesses have become more frequent and more challenging (deportation actions, freezing federal funds, lost contracts, pending tariffs, etc.). These actions have had a severe impact on many sectors of our economy, the nonprofit partners we work with and especially the small businesses they serve.We encourage you to take this opportunity to inform Senator Murray's staff about how these decisions are playing out for small businesses in your communities and...

FY26 Community Project Funding Webinar

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Rep. Emily Randall's office is sharing information on FY26 Community Project Funding. Download this guidebook which includes information about the accounts that were available to request funding from in FY25, the eligibility criteria for these accounts, required information from our office and the committee, as well as frequently asked questions and staff contact information. INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR:In addition, on Friday, March 21st at 10 am PT, our office will be hosting a webinar to discuss the appropriations process, Community Project Funding, and other federal grant opportunities. RSVP to attend the webinar here. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me or Rep. Randall’s Legislative...

News Release: KEDA Secures $80k WSMA Grant Support Small Business Growth in Kitsap

Friday, February 28, 2025

Kitsap Economic Development Alliance Awarded Grant to Support Small Businesses and EntrepreneursKitsap County, WA - Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) has been awarded an $80,000 grant from the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) to support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Kitsap County. As one of 46 organizations selected statewide, KEDA will use this funding to expand the reach of the Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator, ensuring local business owners have access to the resources they need to grow and succeed.Now in its third year, the Micro Business Accelerator is doubling in size, welcoming 24 early-stage small business owners. The program...

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...

Kitsap Credit Union receives $900,000 CDFI grant to support rural women-owned businesses

Friday, February 07, 2025

Bremerton, WA (February 6, 2025) | Kitsap Credit Union is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $900,000 Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) grant to support rural women-owned businesses.As a designated CDFI, Kitsap Credit Union is excited to expand its efforts to provide low-income women borrowers, particularly those with limited credit history, access to loan products and business education. This initiative will empower women across the Olympic Peninsula to launch, sustain, or restart businesses, helping them build assets, create jobs, and foster sustainable enterprises.The CDFI Fund, administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, invests federal funds in mission-driven...

Kitsap County & Bremerton selected as FIFA World Cup Fan Zone!

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

KITSAP COUNTY, Wash.–Bremerton & Kitsap County are excited to announce our selection to be an official Fan Zone for FIFA World Cup 2026™. We look forward to supporting soccer fans and athletes associated with this event, while showcasing our amazing communities on the world stage. The Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) announced today that they will be partnering with nine locations across the state who will host fan zones, in addition to the Seattle Fan Celebration hosted at the Seattle Center. “The World Cup brings the entire world together around their love of soccer and their country...

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...

Small Businesses: The Backbone of Kitsap's Economy and a Catalyst for Innovation

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Joe Morrison, Executive Director, KEDA Small business is big business–both in the US and in Kitsap.According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), small business employs just under half of all private sector employees in our nation (46%). In Kitsap, the number is even higher: Here small businesses employ 61% of our private sector, or about 37,000 of our 60,000 private sector workers, per census data. What a “small business” is covers a wide range of firms, from microbusinesses with five or fewer employees, to much larger firms with hundreds. Condensing SBA guidance, we can define small businesses as independently-owned companies with 500...

Small Business Grants to support small businesses owned by Black, Latino, and Tribal individuals in Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties

Wednesday, August 07, 2024

$5000-$10,000 awards to eligible businesses The Olympic Workforce Development Council (OWDC) is proud to sponsor a new Small Business Grant with our Commerce Reinvestment Fund Initiative through WorkSource Kitsap and WorkSource Clallam. The Commerce Reinvestment Fund (CRF) initiative aims to support small businesses owned by Black, Latino, and Tribal individuals in Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties by providing grants between $5,000 and $10,000. These grants are designed to bolster your business and workforce through various means, including providing your current employees with short-term certifications, reskilling, or upskill training, and equipment for your business and other eligible assets to facilitate business growth...

Washington Biz Fair is Back!

Wednesday, August 07, 2024

Biz Fair is a free, annual event for current and aspiring small business owners to learn about the programs, resources, and technical assistance available to help start and grow a small business. Biz Fair is the longest running all government and non-profit-run small business fair in Washington State. Biz Fair attendees have the opportunity to learn about valuable, no-cost, small business resources in the Exhibitor Resource Hall and attend educational seminars led by industry experts on a variety of topics including business planning, regulatory guidance, funding opportunities, and business management skills.The event is a grass-roots collaboration of state and federal agencies,...

Public Works Outreach Event Resources Now Available!

Monday, April 29, 2024

Meet the Agenciesowering Kitsap Businesses for Government Contracting Success!Empowering Kitsap Businesses for Government Contracting Success!Last week, in collaboration with Washington APEX, we hosted a valuable session bringing together contracting officers from Bremerton, Port Orchard, Central Kitsap Fire District, Kitsap Public Utility District, and Mason County. The focus was on demystifying municipal contracting processes and highlighting key opportunities for local businesses.Key Highlights:Insights into municipal contracting proceduresIdentifying contracting opportunitiesNetworking with resource providers inc: MRSC, NAVFAC NW, NAVSEA, APEX, SBDC and WSDOTQ&A session with experienced contracting officersExplore the event's valuable resources, including presentation slides and a compilation of frequently asked questions related to...

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...

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...

Join us May 17th for the 2023 BIPOC Business Forum!

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Join us May 17th at the Marvin Williams Center to be inspired, share your experiences, connect with resources and enjoy networking with fellow business owners and entrepreneurs! Complimentary appetizers, networking and resource fair begin at 5:30 and program gets underway at 6pm. There is no fee to attend this event. May 17th 5:30-8pm Marvin Williams Center, 725 Park Avenue, Bremerton Sign up What to expect Featured Presentation - Building a Business of Value with business coach, mentor and consultant Will Waverly Listening Sessions - What is going well for your business? Obstacles? What...

SBA Seattle District Launches New Readiness Training April 12 to Illuminate Pathway to Federal Small Business Certification

Thursday, April 06, 2023

Part of SBA Focus to Expand Equitable Access to Government Contracting Opportunities for Small Businesses in Collaboration with Local Government, Support Organizations Register Now SEATTLE – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Seattle District – which serves Washington state and northern Idaho – will launch a new readiness training April 12 to connect local small business with opportunities to grow their business through contracts with the federal government. The new training is part of the agency’s priority to advance equity in contracting. In recent months, the SBA Seattle District is strengthening partnerships with federal and local agencies...

Now Open: Washington Hospitality Grants: One-time grants to eligible restaurants, hotels, motels, and other small hospitality businesses

Monday, March 20, 2023

Begin your application for a Washington Hospitality Grant! Restaurants, bars, caterers, food trucks, bakeries, lodging businesses and other small hospitality organizations are eligible to apply for a one-time grant award. Use the application checklist to guide you through the application process and APPLY NOW. Download flyer WA Hospitality Grants Program: Lodging Focus March 23, 2023 1:00 pm This informational webinar will focus on the Lodging Establishments funding set aside. The webinar will cover program details, eligibility requirements, and application questions. Q&A will be addressed by the panel and presenter...

MBDA has allocated $200,000 to provide direct business resiliency grants that help minority and/or woman-owned businesses “achieve more.”

Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Washington MBDA Business Center - ACHIEVE MORE GRANT Background The Washington Minority Business Development Agency Business Center (WA MBDA) has been serving the Washington State business community since 2016. One of the recurring needs we observed, and the community expressed to us, are barriers to accessing capital. WA MBDA has allocated $200,000 to provide direct business resiliency grants that help minority and/or woman-owned businesses “achieve more.” Recipients of the Achieve More Grant (AMG) can use the funds for infrastructure improvements, employee training, and business equipment. Deadline for businesses to apply for the Achieve More Grant is...

Kitsap SBDC is expanding! Position open for an additional Certified Business Advisor

Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Certified Business Advisor (Kitsap County) The Small Business Development Center Certified Business Advisor provides one-on-one counseling / technical assistance to business owners on financial analysis, financing, business plans, marketing, personnel issues, management and other business issues at Western Washington University's Small Business Development Center (SBDC). This position provides technical assistance to specialized markets, including rural entrepreneurs, startup businesses and second stage businesses. The CBA is expected to implement business outreach program independently and autonomously; make decisions as to client mix, marketing outreach efforts, client counseling, schedule and direction of specialty area; assess client needs and determine best...

New Grant Opportunity! Growing Greater Businesses Program

Thursday, January 12, 2023

20 Central Kitsap small businesses will be eligible for a grant of up to $10,000 each, which will be used to help grow their businesses. The Growing Greater Businesses Program is a small business assistance program serving Silverdale and Central Kitsap County. The Greater Kitsap Chamber (hereafter referred to as the Chamber) will provide financial assistance through grants and other entrepreneurship opportunities for up to 20 businesses. Support will include a series of educational workshops for small businesses that have experienced a loss of business income or activity or have been economically disadvantaged during the COVID-19 pandemic...

Don’t Go into 2023 Without Considering These Small Business Trends

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

By U.S. Small Business Administration on November 18, 2022 With 2023 just around the corner, you need solutions that account for the latest industry insights. The SBA can help you find them. It’s difficult to understate all the changes the business landscape has seen in the past few years, and yet entrepreneurs have responded with incredible adaptability. Perhaps that is one of the biggest reasons small business owners are optimistic about the future. In fact, 66% expect revenue increases and more than half plan to expand their business in 2023...

New Year, New Business! B.E.$.T. Business Basics eight-week class begin Jan 11

Friday, December 23, 2022

Help make your business dream a reality with the B.E.$.T. Business Basics class. With BE$T's eight-week program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of business and discuss the ins and outs of your business with successful entrepreneurs from Kitsap County. Our Business Basics Program empowers aspiring entrepreneurs with 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...

Alliance Northwest - Early Bird Attendee Discount in Effect until Jan 15

Thursday, December 15, 2022

THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2023 In-person event held at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center supported by SWAPCARD virtual Platform For over 30 years, Alliance Northwest has been one of the largest business-to-government events in the Northwest, featuring subject matter experts and opportunities to connect buyers and sellers in the public marketplace. The event is back IN PERSON this year and moving to the Greater Tacoma Convention Center! We are also keeping a virtual component to give even more resources and access to enhance the business-to-government interaction. EARLY BIRD ATTENDEE DISCOUNT IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1/15/2023 Select the...

News Release: KEDA Honored for Digital Media During the IEDC Annual Conference

Wednesday, September 21, 2022

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, September 21, 2022 For more information, contact: Theresa Mangrum The International Economic Development Council Recognizes Kitsap Economic Development Alliance for Excellence in Economic Development WASHINGTON, D.C. – The International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the world's largest professional association for economic developers, has selected Kitsap Economic Development Alliance as a recipient of its 2022 Excellence Awards. During the IEDC Annual Conference, the awards honor organizations for exemplary economic development marketing campaigns, projects, and programs. Kitsap Economic Development Alliance was selected as the Silver Recipient for the Digital...

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...

Grants up to $5 million to non-profit organizations assisting underserved entrepreneurs & small businesses

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Grants from $34.5-mllion Small Business Innovation Fund will support special programs to spur small business recovery, startup and growth OLYMPIA, WA – Non-profit organizations with a history of assisting Washington state small businesses are invited to apply for grants up to $5 million each from the new Small Business Innovation Fund. The Washington State Department of Commerce is seeking to fund proposals that will offer community-based programs and services tailored for the specific needs of BIPOC entrepreneurs, women-owned small businesses, and businesses located in underserved, low-income and rural areas. The deadline to submit proposals to Commerce is...

Shop Local & support small businesses

Friday, August 12, 2022

It's National Farmers Market Week! Fresh fruits and vegetables, dairy products, baked goods, and handmade crafts: America’s farmers markets are certainly all of these things. But they’re also much more than meets the eye. Farmers markets nourish our communities by creating jobs, connecting producers directly with consumers, and cultivating strong local, regional, and national food systems. According to the most recent National Farmers Market Managers survey, there are more than 8,000 farmers markets across the U.S. — and their impact can’t be overstated. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that farmers markets contribute $9 billion to the...

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...

Important info on new Commerce Grants - Prepare Now!

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Working Washington Grants: Round 5 program and Convention Center Grants program Detailed information regarding program guidelines, eligibility, FAQs for Working Washington 5 amd programs and contact information for the Technical Support Center for questions will be available mid-July. The anticipated launch of the application portal is currently set for mid-August (exact dates will be updated mid-July). Please refer to https://commercegrants.com for the most up-to-date information. 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...

"Ready for Business" Small Business Grant Program

Friday, June 17, 2022

APPLY TODAY The application period for the third round of the Ready for Business Fund is now open and will close on Sunday, June 26, 2022. The Ready for Business Fund was established to help level the playing field for communities that have been historically marginalized. Priority will be given to small businesses within the communities that historically have less impact to resources through entrepreneurship and are impacted by systemic barriers, including those owned by LGBTQ+ people; Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; and women, as well as businesses located in rural areas. Businesses who...

$5000 Grants via American Express Backing Small Program

Friday, June 17, 2022

Inclusive Backing - Small Businesses The Inclusive Backing program builds on American Express' ongoing "Backing Small" initiative to provide economically vulnerable small businesses with financial support and other resources to address their critical needs and challenges. These $5,000 grants can be used for anything from physical improvements to the business space to meet relevant reopening requirements brought on by COVID-19 to payroll and other operating expenses. The fourth grant cycle is open to eligible small business owners who identify as Native or Indigenous, Hispanic or Latinx, LGBTQ+ or as immigrants, refugees or forcibly displaced. As small...

Coming Soon - Working Washington Grants: Round 5

Friday, June 17, 2022

Emergency Grants | Washington State Department of Commerce (commercegrants.com) The Washington State Legislature has allocated a new round of grant funding for small businesses affected by the pandemic. $70 million was appropriated by the legislature for the next round of Working Washington Grants: Round 5, with $45 million of the appropriation directed to eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations in the arts, heritage, and science sectors, including those that operate live entertainment venues. $25 million will be directed at most other sectors, including hospitality, fitness and personal services. Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria, with additional...

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!

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...

Rising Above: Darryl Riley’s Mission to Empower Kitsap’s Black Communities

Thursday, August 29, 2024

A Journey of Survival and TransformationDarryl Riley's story is one of survival, resilience, and transformation. Growing up in poverty on Chicago's West Side, Darryl faced challenges that many Black males in America know all too well. Despite a difficult childhood in a broken home and the harsh realities of life in a marginalized community, Darryl worked hard in school, hoping to rise above his circumstances. However, a wrongful felony conviction at just 16 years old disrupted his dreams and thrust him into a cycle of incarceration and struggle.Darryl's life took a significant turn during the War on Drugs in the...

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