| The answer to that question is the focus of the recently formed Kitsap Business Resource Consortium. Spearheaded by WSU Extension and Olympic College, the group was recently awarded a $24,000 Community Development Block Grant. The planning grant will focus on building the consortium, coordinating services with current offerings and perceived needs, and setting the table for entrepreneurial efforts in Kitsap County.
The consortium will also work to educate member organizations on unique and distinguishing offerings, market member organization products and services to the business community and explore additional funding sources for member agencies.
The Kitsap Economic Development Council (KEDC) is one of several organizations that form the consortium. Members provide varying services and products, but all have the mission of helping business. Several months ago, many of the consortium members gathered at the KEDC offices to share how each organization assists business. The lunch session was informative and enjoyable, and the consortium will hold similar sessions in the coming months. The outcome will be increased referrals among consortium members and increased assistance to Kitsap businesses.
The work of the consortium begins now with ongoing assessment as it builds on the framework being created by the Kitsap 20/20 Economic Prosperity project currently underway (Kitsap 20/20 is a project led by the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council, with active participation from the KEDC and many Kitsap business and opinion leaders).
A listing of the consortium provides a partial listing of where a Kitsap business can go for assistance: Kitsap EDC, Kitsap Business Assistance Center, WSU Extension, Olympic College, Bainbridge Island Chamber of Commerce, Bremerton Area Chamber of Commerce, Port Orchard Chamber of Commerce, Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce, Silverdale Chamber of Commerce, Kitsap County Community Development Corporation, Port of Bremerton, Pacific Northwest International Trade Alliance, SCORE and Washington CASH. Additional resources for assistance include Kitsap Regional Library, Washington WorkSource, SoundWorks Jobline and West Sound Technology Professionals Association.
Each agency provides its own menu specific goals accomplished with varying products and services to the business community. A primary purpose of the consortium is to further define those goals and market the various products and services available to the business community. Additionally, the consortium will work to get the information to those individuals interested in starting a business.
Your suggestions for additional members of the consortium are welcome. Contact Kathy Cocus at the KEDC, (360)377-0180) with the organization name and contact information.
Following is a quick overview of some of the products and services provided by consortium members. Please note this is not a complete list. One of the initial and ongoing tasks will be to compile such a list and determine where there may be overlaps and needs.
- No fee business counseling
- No fee business plan assessment
- Demographic data research
- Confidential property/space search
- Employment assistance — search, screening, training
- Networking opportunities
- Referrals to technical and professional assistance
- Introductions to other resource partners (regional and state)
- Gap financing
- Business classes
- Marketing assistance
- Directory listings (print and online)
- International trade information and assistance
- Peer counseling
- Micro credit
Links to business resources are found on the KEDC website (www.kitsapedc.org) — just click on “assistance” in the side menu. As the consortium moves forward in the coming months, there will be increased awareness on where a business can go for assistance and ultimately more successful Kitsap businesses. |
