POULSBO — Local businesses will be in the spotlight Sept. 30 as the Greater Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce hosts the first local business exposition.

The event, which will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sons of Norway lodge, is being sponsored by Viking Bank and the North Kitsap Herald. Admission is free.

“Our goal is promote exposure to the business community,” said Chamber Executive Director Stuart Leidner, adding that with the rapidly expanding business community in the North End, it is important to maintain awareness of local businesses. “We’re trying to get local businesses out in front of the public.”

Many of the businesses attending the event will be service-related ventures, which are often lost in the glare of other stores that have store fronts or different ways of maintaining visibility, he said.

“Some people may have heard of one or two of them, and this is an opportunity to remind people to shop local,” Leidner said.

That public awareness effort is one of the primary reasons the Herald is sponsoring the event, said Herald Publisher Donna Etchey, who is also the chamber’s vice president.

“We want to encourage the public to continue to support and use local businesses,” Etchey said.

The 42 vendors planned for the event represent a cross section of businesses throughout the community, Leidner said.

The reception to the idea has been excellent as the chamber had to turn away many interested parties because space for the event went so quickly, he said.

Having two of its members step up to sponsor the event has also played a key role in its anticipated success, he added.

“It’s helped us allow more of our members to participate, who might not have been able to otherwise,” Leidner said.

Even though her family’s business will not be participating in the event, Councilwoman Kimberlee Crowder said she is glad to see the chamber taking the lead in promoting local businesses.

“I think it is a very important tool, because it goes beyond networking,” Crowder said.

The event will allow businesses to match themselves with potential customers in addition to networking with other businesses, she said.

“I’m looking forward to it. It’s a step in the right direction,” Crowder said.

Another plus for the event is its location in the heart of Little Norway at the Sons lodge, Leidner said.

“It is in the heart of the city, which we want everyone to continue to support,” he said.

With the first event garnering a great deal of support, Leidner said plans are already being made for future business expos.

“This is something that we hope to continue in the future, and we hope it will continue to grow and get better,” Leidner said.