In celebration of Earth Day and the company’s sustainability initiatives, Kitsap Bank has announced an innovative way for small businesses to gain visibility, while competing for a much-needed cash infusion.

The bank will be holding a small business competition this year called “edg3 FUND™,” which will award a $20,000 cash prize for a business that is having a positive impact on the community in 3 ways: economically, socially, and environmentally.

“edg3 FUND’s™ mission is to provide funding for entrepreneurs dedicated to growing our community economically, socially, and environmentally,” said Tony George, Kitsap Bank President and Chief Operating Officer. “As a family-owned community bank, we understand the unique challenges faced by small businesses.  One of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs can be a lack of funding, and that is one of the reasons why we created edg3 FUND™.”

The six-week application period will kick off June 2, with public voting on the semifinalists available through social media channels and the Kitsap Bank website. “We think there are a lot of innovative businesses with creative ideas in our local market that we don’t yet know,” George said. “With this competition, we hope to uncover some of these hidden gems, fund a creative, sustainable business idea, and help to take it to the next level.”

Finalists will be selected by public vote to present their pitches at a live event. An independent panel of judges will determine the winner.

For-profit small businesses based in Western Washington that have a positive economic, social, and environmental impact on the communities Kitsap Bank serves are encouraged to apply.

The business needs to have a commitment to their idea and concept, and make the case for how the prize money will be a game-changer for the company. Visit http://www.kitsapbank.com/edg3-fund for more information.