Campfire Coffee of Tacoma edged out seven other worthy competitors in Kitsap Bank’s seventh annual edg3 FUND small business competition, taking home the grand prize of $25,000. Edg3 FUND (pronounced edge fund) was created to recognize small businesses that are not only working hard to make a profit, but are also having a positive impact on the community.  This year, Kitsap Bank received numerous applications from entrepreneurs throughout Western Washington in industries ranging from technology and health products/services to environmental services, food/beverages and agriculture.  After much deliberation, the pool of applicants was narrowed to eight finalists. During the month of October, the finalists made their pitches virtually before a judges panel of experts from business and finance. The competing businesses were rated based on their commitment to the triple bottom line—entrepreneurs dedicated to growing their community economically, socially, and environmentally. Each presenter was challenged to make the case for how the $25,000 grand prize will be a game-changer for their company.

“We are gratified that so many quality companies participated in edg3 FUND,” remarked Tony George, Kitsap Bank’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “We want to congratulate them all for the contributions they are making to their industries and communities, especially during this challenging year for many small businesses. We expect great things from Campfire Coffee, and are pleased to provide them the ‘edg3’ they need to take their business to the next level.”

Campfire Coffee

Campfire Coffee, owned by Quincy and Whitni Henry, is the only coffee roaster in the nation honoring the age old tradition of roasting coffee over an open campfire flame; bringing the world of specialty coffee to their local community. In August of 2020, they expanded from an online selling platform to opening a coffee shop in downtown Tacoma; handcrafting specialty drinks using their campfire roasted beans. Campfire Coffee also seeks to not only bring further accessibility to uniquely roasted coffee but they also have a strong social mission. Understanding the needs of their community and the barriers youth have in accessing outdoor recreation; Campfire Coffee has partnered with numerous local non-profit organizations to raise funds for kids and families to have access to outdoor education programs. They are hoping to one day be able to launch their own outdoor program for families and youth in their community.   

Innovation Award

Sylling’s Elderberry (Port Orchard and Poulsbo) received the Innovation Award and a $10,000 cash prize.  The Innovation Award goes to one business selected from the pool of finalists that, in the judges’ opinions, demonstrated creativity, innovation and resiliency; when faced with challenges, the business was able to adapt and overcome obstacles.

Sylling’s Elderberry

Founded by Nate and Lindsey Sylling; Sylling’s Elderberry creates an elderberry syrup using simple, organic ingredients with no artificial preservatives; having an ancient history of supporting the immune system, maintaining whole body health, and having anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. Requests for their elderberry syrup spiked in 2020 causing Sylling’s Elderberry to find solutions to meet the new demand of their product. Sylling’s created a doorstep drop off service, and also produced Do-It-Yourself brewing kits for those who prefer to make their own syrup, have special dietary restrictions or want to choose an alternative sweetener for their syrup. When faced with supply chain disruptions, they worked with other producers to establish the nationwide Elderberry Trade Association; allowing members across the country to obtain quality elderberries in larger cost efficient quantities. 

Community edg3 Award

Amma’s Umma (Port Angeles) received the Community edg3 Award and a $5,000 cash prize.  The Community edg3 Award goes to one business selected from the group of finalists that, in the judges’ opinions, best embodies the spirit of community.  

Amma’s Umma

Amma's Umma, meaning “A Mother’s Kiss” in India, is an intentionally sourced lifestyle boutique located in the town of Port Angeles. Owner Chelsea Winfield, spent three years in India, where she discovered most children living in orphanages have a family; the key to these families reuniting often times was access to a dignified, living wage job. By starting an intentionally sourced boutique Amma’s Umma helps create and sustain these jobs, which in turn bring children home from the orphanages. Amma’s Umma believes every action can have a global, life giving ripple and when clients shop at Amma’s they are helping in their mission and belief that every child deserves 'a mother's kiss' and are giving to a cause that makes it become a reality.

Public Favorite Award

Campfire Coffee was the winner of the Public Favorite Award and a $5,000 cash prize.  The Public Favorite Award goes to the business that received the highest number of votes in the online public vote that ran from October 26^th – November 6^th. Voters viewed background information and videos about each of the eight finalists on Kitsap Bank’s website, casting their vote for their favorite finalist.

The edg3 FUND finalists represented diverse industries and backgrounds from throughout the Puget Sound region.  Each of the other five finalists who will receive $1,000 cash prize are:

Aquagga Inc.                                                       University Place, WA

Camp N Car                                                        Port Townsend, WA

Five12 Apparel                                                   Sumner, WA

Street Eats Bremerton                                         Bremerton, WA

Unity Skate Shop                                                Port Orchard, WA

edg3 FUND

edg3 FUND was introduced in 2014 by Kitsap Bank’s Green Team to commemorate Earth Day, and has continued as an annual event held during Global Entrepreneurship Week.  The competition covers all of Kitsap Bank’s market area in Western Washington, and is open to entrepreneurs who are committed to a triple bottom line business model. Since its inception, Kitsap Bank has awarded over $200,000 in cash prizes to entrepreneurs throughout Western Washington.

Kitsap Bank

Established August 8, 1908, Kitsap Bank is headquartered in Port Orchard, WA, operating 18 locations throughout Western Washington. With over $1.5 billion in assets, the Bank provides a full range of financial services to commercial and individual clients. Kitsap Bank has been named a Preferred Lender by the U.S. Small Business Administration, and a Corporate Philanthropist by the Puget Sound Business Journal. Kitsap Bank was awarded the 2019 National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion, as part of the Corporations for Communities Award Program and received the Manufacturing Award for Innovation by the Association of Washington Businesses for the edg3 FUND Small Business Competition. Kitsap Bank’s Edg3 FUND was also recognized by the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines in 2015 with their Strong Communities Award.  Kitsap Bank is ranked the 15^th largest bank based in the State of Washington and is the sixth largest women-owned business, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal. The Bank was named Family-Owned Business of the Year in 2015 by Seattle Business magazine and has a 5 Star rating from BauerFinancial Inc. For more information, visit kitsapbank.com and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. 

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