Kitsap Bank has announced 16 semi-finalists in their 2017 edg3 FUND small business competition. The mission of edg3 FUND (rhymes with hedge fund; the 3 is silent) 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 in industries ranging from food/beverages, to technology, recreation, agriculture and more.

"We are excited to have received applications from a number of very promising companies," stated Tony George, Kitsap Bank's President/COO. "All of these innovative and hardworking business people are doing great things to promote a sustainable community, and we were honored that they invested their time and effort to join our contest." The top 16 companies will now move on to the semi-final round, which includes a public vote. The companies selected are:

• Bushel & Barrel Ciderhouse, Poulsbo
• Cascade Hygiene, Bremerton
• Grounded, LLC, Bremerton
• Home Made Cafe, Port Orchard
• Kayak Brinnon, Brinnon
• KnifeForkSpoon, Gig Harbor
• Little Gray Farms Escargots, Quilcene
• Longship Marine, Poulsbo
• Morel Compass Mushrooms and Company, Port Angeles
• Mystery Bay Sails and Canvas, Nordland
• Office Xpats LLC, Bainbridge Island
• Saboteur Bakery Inc., Bremerton
• Set and Drift Shellfish, Port Ludlow
• Slippery Pig Brewery LLC, Poulsbo
• SpringRain Farm & Orchard, Chimacum
• Vinder, Inc., Port Townsend 

The next phase of the competition begins Monday, September 18 when the public is invited to vote for their favorite company. Those wishing to vote can go to the  edg3 FUND page from September 18 to 29 to view background information and videos about the 16 semi-final companies, and learn how the $20,000 prize money will be a game-changer for each of these businesses. Results of this vote will help determine the top five finalists, who will compete in a live competition on Thursday, November 16 at Harborside Conference Center in Bremerton. There, the finalists will present their pitches before a live audience and an independent panel of judges; and the winner will come away with $20,000.

Also, the bank will once again be awarding an additional $5,000 cash prize, the Community edg3 Award. The $5,000 prize will be awarded to one business selected from the semi-finalist pool that, in the judges' opinions, best embodies the spirit of community, based upon their submitted application and video. 

Who will get the edg3?

---

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 customers. Kitsap Bank has been named a Preferred Lender by the U. S. Small Business Administration, a Corporate Philanthropist by the Puget Sound Business Journal, and has received a 5-Star rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation's leading independent bank rating firm.