Starting a new business can be a daunting task, and many people give up the dream after being overwhelmed with all the startup aspects. Costs are another major challenge, especially for anyone who needs to do research or hire consultants.
   But for business startups in the Kitsap area — and for all the other growing businesses looking for resources and advice –the task got a little easier, thanks to a new assistance center.
   The Kitsap Business Assistance Center, located in the Norm Dicks

Miles

Government Center in downtown Bremerton, offers free counseling to entrepreneurs on aspects ranging from financial to marketing, along with other resources. It’s a Small Business Development Center, which opened in December and held its grand opening celebrations in January.
   The center will work together with other groups providing similar services, such as SCORE, which uses volunteer retired business owners to provide free business counseling.
   The goal is to promote economic development, said Wendy Miles, director of customized training and special programs at Olympic College, the lead agency for the project.
   Funding comes from private and government entities. Sharon Zerr, who co-owned a marketing company in Port Orchard for 12 years and has served as the executive director of the Silverdale Chamber of Commerce, was hired as the full-time business development specialist. “Her true passion is helping entrepreneurs,” Miles said.
   “It’s a remarkable service that we can offer to a person starting a business, because usually they don’t have finances for the services they need,” Miles said. Existing business owners can also take advantage of the center, she said. Anybody interested can get started by calling the KBAC to set up a meeting with a business development specialist, and they can return for counseling as often as needed. A list of resources is available as well, and low-cost seminars will be introduced later on.
   A similar center existed in Bremerton and several parties have been trying to get it reopened. The timing is important, Miles said. “We think we’re coming back into Bremerton and Kitsap County at a critical time. We’re filling a void,” she said.
An advisory council will be created to make sure the center stays on course and meets the area’s changing needs. The Kitsap Business Assistance Center may be reached at 360-307-4220.