2018 marked Kitsap Bank's fifth year with its edg3 FUND small business competition, established to provide funding for entrepreneurs dedicated to growing their community economically, socially and environmentally. After a public vote and private judging helped narrow the field of applicants, five finalists vied for the $20,000 grand prize in front of a live audience and a panel of independent judges.
The judges ultimately selected return applicant, Sequim Bee Farm, for the $20,000 prize. Owned by Meg and Buddy Depew, Sequim Bee Farm is a small, award-winning apiary located in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains. Their mission is to provide exceptional honey, raw and natural, to nourish the community, lighten lives with their beeswax candles, and to educate everyone about the honeybee, while protecting and caring for these necessary pollinators.
For the third time, Kitsap Bank awarded the Community edg3 Award, a $5,000 prize given to one edg3 FUND Semifinalist whose company best embodies the spirit of community. Dragonfly Cinema of Port Orchard, a community landmark and film-lovers paradise, was selected as the winner.