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With support from Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator, Darren O’Connor transformed an EV charging concept into a scalable manufacturing business.In 2019, Darren O’Connor was in San Diego, hanging out. Taking a break from a career in the telecom industry that spanned over 25 years.One day, he noticed his neighbor’s plug in car charger. It was… well, a mess. It looked like our rotary phones did back in the 70s and 80s, with a cord that took on a life of its own. Kinked. Coiled. Tangled. Like a bunch of spaghetti lazily flopped onto a plate. It kinda drove him nuts. Leaning on...

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...

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 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 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...

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...

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...

The partnership creates an accessible pathway between Naval technologists and Kitsap’s growing startup ecosystemView original postKEYPORT, Washington (April 17, 2024) —Today, NavalX Pacific NW Tech Bridge and Vibe Coworks announced a formal partnership to enhance collaboration between Naval technologists and the region’s leading private sector innovators, through an agreement with Impact Washington.The unique partnership effectively integrates NavalX Pacific Northwest Tech Bridge resources into the local startup ecosystem present at Vibe Coworks, expanding opportunities for startups, scaleups, small businesses, academic institutions, local governments, and other nontraditional innovators to work with the Department of the Navy more easily.The Pacific Northwest program specializes...

The 2024 cohort is particularly notable for its alignment amongst businesses centered on both the creative and food industries.POULSBO, Washington (March 20, 2024) —Today, Vibe Coworks announced the 14 entrepreneur members of its second Matchstick Lab accelerator cohort, a dedicated five-month program specifically crafted to accelerate the entrepreneurial endeavors of small business owners who are ready to take their ventures to the next level.Key components of the program include: a supportive peer community cohort model; eight-week intensive business plan training program facilitated by BE$T; hands-on workshops on storytelling, public speaking and building strong business credit; personalized mentoring and technical guidance;...

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...

State funds will support projects that strengthen small businesses in rural and urban communities throughout Washington OLYMPIA, WA – The Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) has approved $2 million in small grants to 81 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. Grant awardees include Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDO) or Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESO), Small Business Resiliency Partners (SBRN), community development financial institutions, economic development districts, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit...

Now accepting applications! Matchstick Lab a dynamic, high-touch entrepreneurial hub at Vibe Coworks, especially crafted for startup founders and small business owners from across the West Sound region    Apply now Vibe Coworks and Kitsap Bank announced the launch of Matchstick Lab—a dynamic, high-touch entrepreneurial hub for current and emerging startup founders and small business owners from across the West Sound region.  In partnership with the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), Matchstick Lab kicks off February 15 with a five month-long program specifically crafted to accelerate the entrepreneurial endeavors of small business owners who have...

You are invited to a startup sales workshop for startups!   Jan 18, 2023 11:30am to 1pm  Vibe Coworks, 19225 8th Ave NE - Poulsbo Register Now ABOUT THE SPEAKER Dave Parker is a five-time founder and has been part of more than 15 transactions as founder, operator, board member, and advisor. He splits his time between funding early-stage companies, and helping them exit.  He's a senior partner at Fearless Fund. The fund is focused on investing in women of color founders across the United States in consumer and tech companies. At the other end of...

Vibe Coworks, with Washington Technology Industry Association (WTIA), is hosting the first ever Startup Community Day at Vibe Coworks on Wednesday, November 16 and would really like for you to attend.  Sign Up A stellar agenda is planned, running from 12 - 4pm in the Summit Space, including: Keynote: Positioning and Telling Your Startup Story with Pradnya Desh of Advocat AI Interactive Founder Roundtable Fundraising 101 Workshop + Panel with Troy Niehaus of Bernstein Private Wealth Management, Dave Parker of the Fearless Fund, and Erika Lindholm of Craft3 To wrap up the day, and celebrate Global Entrepreneurship...

Applications for the Entrepreneurship World Cup are now open to entrepreneurs everywhere ready to take their startup to the next level. Founders will compete for a share of US$1M in prizes plus additional investment opportunities and in-kind support.   The prizes are epic - but this is more than a pitch competition. It's a life-changing experience for all applicants, not only the winners. Just for registering, founders will have access to US$1,000 worth of perks and training to get started. LEARN MORE  

Applications now open for the Antares REACH Grant Program Applications are now open for the Antares REACH Grant Program,  one of a number of grant programs undertaken by the Global Entrepreneurship Network, Hello Alice and Antares Capital to provide direct support to entrepreneurs. The Antares REACH Grant Program will provide $20,000 grants to small businesses, with an emphasis on businesses preparing for their next stage of growth; operated by historically underrepresented entrepreneurs; and providing important community services. To be eligible, a business must: Be a for-profit business that is majority (51%) owned and/or operated by...

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...

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...

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/

Dreaming of Starting Your Own Business? BE$T Can Help!           Kitsap Community Resources’ Business Education Support & Training (BE$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.  Next Class Begins April 12.  Tuition is Based on a Sliding Scale & Starts at Only $60! In-Person 8-week classes begin APRIL 12  Evening classes at Kitsap Community Resources in Bremerton     Develop your business concept     Define and...