Kitsap Bank has announced the five finalists in the fourth annual edg3 FUND Small Business Competition. These companies, chosen in part by a public vote, will move on to compete in the final phase of the competition, edg3 FUND Live, on Thursday, November 16th at 5:30pm at the Kitsap Conference Center at Harborside in Bremerton. There, the finalists will present their pitches before a live audience and an independent panel of judges; and the winner will be awarded with $20,000.

"We were very impressed with the caliber of businesses represented in our semifinalist grouping," stated Tony George, Kitsap Bank President/COO. "Their commitment to bettering their communities is truly inspirational."

The following companies were selected as finalists for the edg3 FUND Live competition:

• Bushel & Barrel Ciderhouse, Poulsbo, WA
• Home Made Cafe, Port Orchard, WA
• Morel Compass Mushrooms & Company, Port Angeles, WA
• Set & Drift Shellfish, Port Ludlow, WA
• SpringRain Farm & Orchard, Chimacum, WA        

The public is encouraged to attend edge3 FUND Live on November 16th and support their favorite finalist. Tickets are available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3098014.

Who will get the edg3? 

Kitsap Bank once again, will give an additional $5,000 cash prize, the Community edg3 Award, for this year's competition. The $5,000 prize will be awarded to one business selected from the semifinalist pool that, in the judges' opinions, best embodies the spirit of community, based upon their submitted application and video. The award will be presented at the edg3 FUND Live event.

The mission of edg3 FUND (rhymes with hedge fund) is to recognize entrepreneurs dedicated to growing their community in three ways: economically, socially, and environmentally. The bank received numerous applications from entrepreneurs throughout Western Washington representing industries ranging from food/beverages and tourism to arts, technology and agriculture. 

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Established August 8, 1908, Kitsap Bank is headquartered in Port Orchard, WA, operating 20 locations throughout Western Washington. With over $1 billion in assets, the Bank provides a full range of financial services to commercial and individual clients. Kitsap Bank has been named a Preferred Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and a Corporate Philanthropist by the Puget Sound Business Journal. Kitsap Bank is ranked the 10th largest bank based in the State of Washington and is the second largest women-owned business, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal. The Bank was named Family Owned Business of the Year in 2015 by Seattle Business magazine and has a 5 Star rating from BauerFinancial Inc. For more information, visit www.kitsapbank.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.