Sixteen small businesses have been selected as semi-finalists in Kitsap Bank’s edg3 Fund (rhymes with hedge fund) competition, including one Silverdale and two Bremerton businesses.

Pawzii, Inc. and F.R.O.G. Soap were the businesses selected in Bremerton. The Silverdale business selected was Monica’s Waterfront Bakery and Café.

“The mission of edg3 Fund is to recognize entrepreneurs dedicated to growing their community economically, socially or environmentally. The inaugural competition drew nearly 70 applications from entrepreneurs throughout Western Washington in industries ranging from food/beverage and tourism to arts, education and agriculture,” according to Kitsap Economic Development Alliance’s website.

“We are excited to have received applications from a number of very promising companies,” stated bank president and chief operations officer Tony George on the site. “All of these innovative and hardworking business people are doing great things to promote a sustainable community, and we were honored that they invested their time and effort to join our contest.”

Through Aug. 15, the public is invited to vote for their favorite company at www.kitsapbank.com/edg3-fund. The website will have background information and videos about the 16 semi-final companies, and the online voting will determine five finalists.

The final round of edg3 Fund will be Wednesday, Sept. 10 at Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton, where the finalists will make presentations before a live audience and an independent panel of judges. The winner of the $20,000 prize will be announced that night.