On Aug. 19, officials from the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) visited Kitsap County and toured local firms. The purpose of the tour, dubbed “SBA Goes To Town,” was to promote and expand business development through loans made by local banks in conjunction with the SBA.

The SBA officials led by Conrad Lee, Regional Administrator, included officials from both the SBA Regional office and the Seattle District office. They were joined by Congressman Jay Inslee, a long-time supporter of the SBA Loan Program, and Kitsap County Commissioners Jan Angel, Chris Endresen and Patty Lent.

A diverse group of local businesses were toured, including Safe Boats, located at the Olympic View Industrial Park. Safe Boats recently won two lucrative contracts totaling over $30 million to build it’s virtually unsinkable boats for the U.S. military.

As part of the SBA’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, the agency reminded business owners that resources ranging from loan guarantees to small business counseling and advice regarding international trade are available through the SBA’s various programs.

Kitsap Bank was chosen to host this event as a result of being the number one SBA Community Bank Lender during the past two years, with a department dedicated exclusively to SBA Lending.

For more information about SBA lending opportunities, contact Scott Harvey, Senior Vice President of the Kitsap Bank SBA Loan Department at 800-656-2297.