At a packed Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton last week, Kitsap Bank selected Pawzii, Inc. as the winner of a $20,000 cash prize in the bank’s first edg3 FUND competition.

Pawzii was determined the winner by an independent panel of judges, after all five finalists made their live pitch in front of an audience. Businesses were rated based on their commitment to their business along with how the prize money will be a game-changer for the company. The edg3 FUND finalists represented diverse industries and backgrounds, reaching from the Olympic Peninsula to the state capitol. The group of five was chosen by public vote from 16 semi-finalists.

The other four finalists included: Monica’s Waterfront Bakery & Café in Silverdale, Moonlight Farm in Quilcene, OlyKraut in Olympia and With Respect in Port Orchard.

“We are extremely pleased that Pawzii has won the $20,000 prize,” said Tony George, Kitsap Bank’s president and chief operating officer.

“They are innovative and truly focused on making a difference in the community in a socially and environmentally responsible way. We expect great things from Pawzii and are honored to provide them the ‘edg3’ they need to take their business to the next level in our inaugural year of the competition.”

Pawzii, Inc., an online pet licensing product, is focused on redefining how pet owners adopt, license, and protect their pets. Based out of Seattle, they work closely with local municipalities to make it simple to license your pet online, which is the safest protection against losing your pet.

Currently, Pawzii is assisting the Kitsap Humane Society, Seattle Animal Shelter, Regional Animal Services of King County and Pierce County sell pet licenses online. With the $20,000, Pawzii plans to develop additional technology and scale the business to a wider audience. The company also plans to become a certified B Corporation, a newer type of corporation that utilizes the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.

The mission of edg3 FUND (rhymes with hedge fund) is to recognize entrepreneurs dedicated to growing their community in three ways: economically, socially or environmentally.

Kitsap Bank received nearly 70 applications from entrepreneurs throughout Western Washington representing industries ranging from food/beverages and tourism to arts, education and agriculture.

Established August 8, 1908, Kitsap Bank is headquartered in Port Orchard, operating 20 locations throughout Western Washington. With over $900 million in assets, the bank provides a full range of financial services to commercial and individual customers. Kitsap Bank has been named a Preferred Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration, a Corporate Philanthropist by the Puget Sound Business Journal, and received a 5-Star rating by BauerFinancial, Inc., a bank-rating firm.