PORT ORCHARD — Semifinalists in Kitsap Bank’s inaugural edg3 Fund small-business competition have been announced.
The mission of edg3 Fund is to recognize entrepreneurs dedicated to growing their community in three ways: economically, socially or environmentally.
The bank received nearly 70 applications from entrepreneurs throughout Western Washington in industries ranging from food/beverages to tourism to arts, education and agriculture, according to a news release.
The contest’s semifinal judges could not break a tie in scoring the top 15 contestants and ultimately decided to move 16 companies on to the semifinal round.
The companies chosen to participate are:
■ Cape Clere Fishery, Port Townsend
■ Eleven Winery, Bainbridge Island
■ F.R.O.G. Soap, Bremerton
■ Finnriver Cidery, Chimacum
■ Force 10 Sailmaking and Rigging, Nordland
■ GoXpedition, Sequim
■ Monica’s Waterfront Bakery and Cafe, Silverdale
■ Moonlight Farm, Quilcene
■ North Kitsap Metal Recycling LLC, Kingston
■ OlyKraut LLC, Olympia
■ Olympic Organics LLC, Kingston
■ Pawzii Inc., Bremerton
■ Projected Talent Inc., Issaquah
■ Propolis Brewing LLC, Port Townsend
■ The Food Shed, Kingston
■ With Respect, Port Orchard
The next phase of the competition begins Friday, when the public is invited to vote for their favorite company.
Readers can visit www.kitsapbank.com/edg3-fund from Aug. 1-15 to view background information and videos about the 16 semifinal companies and learn how the prize money will be used by each of these companies.
Results of the vote will determine the top five finalists, who will compete in a live competition Sept. 10 at Harborside Conference Center in Bremerton.
There, finalists will present pitches before a live audience and an independent panel of judges, and the winner will receive $20,000.
