Bremerton’s Revitalization has been a hot news item over the past year or two. And for good reason – we have seen tremendous change in the downtown corridor thanks to the new Kitsap Conference Center, the Bremerton Transportation Center, the Norm Dicks Government Center, the Navy parking garage, etc. You will recognize these other significant projects on the table: expansion of the Port of Bremerton Marina, two new condominium buildings, the Port Washington Trail boardwalk, Harborside Park near the ferry dock and shipyard, the new Kitsap Credit Union building, and others.

Why do I tell you this? There are myriad business opportunities just waiting for the right timing. Starting with this month’s column, you will see periodic interviews with Kitsap’s municipal and county government, and industry leaders who are making a difference – and as a result are laying the groundwork for entrepreneurs. It has been said that what is good for Bremerton is good for the County.

Our first interview takes a look at the Port of Bremerton Marina Expansion project – one of the cornerstone projects in Kitsap’s development. I interviewed Port of Bremerton Commissioner Bill Mahan to learn more.

Miles: “Commissioner Mahan, what is the timeline and cost for this project?”

Mahan: “We start with a bid in April for the breakwater that will protect the harbor. Our target completion for the breakwater and the marina is late 2007, with a total cost of $22M.”

Miles: “How many slips will there be, and will you distinguish visitor slips from permanent and live-aboards?”

Mahan: “There will be 350 slips: 250 permanent moorage, and 100 for day boaters.”

Miles: “What kinds of services would these different boaters need?”

Mahan: “Specialty services like boat supply stores, boat maintenance and repair specialists will be needed. And, all of the tourist elements will be in demand: hotels, coffee shops, restaurants, book stores, specialty stores, museums, and entertainment venues. Boaters are also attracted to festival events like our Blackberry Festival, and with the new marina we could create events that appeal to or are targeted at boaters.”

Miles: “I understand you are trying to make a connection for boaters to the condominiums that are also under construction. Why is that important?”
Mahan: “There’s a demographic that is attracted to the combination of a condominium and boat slip at the same location. As developers, if we leverage each other’s mission we can minimize the demand on parking and enhance each other’s salability. It’s important we understand our customer base and respond to them.”

Miles: “Commissioner, do you have revenue projections for the new marina?”

Mahan: “Yes, we anticipate annual revenues of $2 million for the community.”
Wow! If you are looking for that window of opportunity to launch a business, this may just be it. Although some of the needs are specific to boaters, most appeal to a variety of demographics. In the next 22 months, we can expect to see numerous businesses popping up to support demands created by the new marina and condominiums in downtown Bremerton. If you need help in starting your new business, or re-energizing an existing one, give us a call – we can help you become successful while contributing to this historical change in Bremerton!

(Editor’s Note: Wendy Miles, Director of Customized Training and Military Education at Olympic College, oversees the operation of the Kitsap Business Assistance Center (KBAC). For partnership opportunities, contact her at 360-475-7786. For business counseling needs call the KBAC at 360-307-4220.).