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Home My WebLink About1 - Original Submission_ Bremerton Funding Request and SBDC OverviewWestern Washington University SBDC Re: Funding Request for Kitsap County April 26, 2021 Dear Mayor Wheeler, As the Director of Western Washington University’s Small Business Development Centers, it has been my privilege to lead our efforts in restoring our vital services to Kitsap County. As the largest city in Kitsap, the community looks to Bremerton for visionary leadership in economic development. In support of that goal, the Kitsap SBDC helps businesses become more sustainable and resilient. Revolving-door businesses tend to weaken rather than strengthen community revitalization efforts. Bremerton's three-year support at $10,000 per year - out of a local, annual funding requirement of $60,000 - would cement the City's regional partnership with not only the Kitsap SBDC but with Western Washington University, the State SBDC network, and the U.S. Small Business Administration. Most importantly, it will keep this service sustainable for all small businesses in Bremerton. The City will be able to track their investment through quarterly and annual reports documenting the impact. Western Washington University’s funding match relationship with the SBA means that each local dollar invested in this proven program will bring an immediate Federal dollar to the community, instantly doubling the financial impact of your investment. Over the long term, for each local dollar invested WWU SBDC partners will see a $22 dollar return in capital infusion, job growth, sales, export and tax revenue growth. A partnership with the WWU SBDC will make sure that new and legacy businesses alike will have the tools and resources needed to become a resilient part of this region’s dynamic growth. Thank you for considering this proposal to solidify the Kitsap SBDC an important part of the Bremerton business community. Sincerely, CJ Seitz, Director Small Business Development Centers Western Washington University Hours by Sector Establishments Served by Sector Client Topics Bremerton Impact Summary DocuSign Envelope ID: 6BA61C21-5107-4B8C-BE96-47F4EF858DE6 Western Washington University SBDC Kitsap County Overview Kitsap Outcomes and Impacts 2020 2019 Businesses Counseled 145 60 Counseling and Support Hours 586 272 New Business Starts 3 4 Jobs Created 13 15 New Investments / Relief Funds $2.1 MM $6.0 K The SBDC Returns to Kitsap County A Small Business Development Center (SBDC), hosted by Western Washington University and located at the Kitsap Regional Library, went live on June 3, 2019 and celebrated with a grand opening that August. A joint effort of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the City of Poulsbo, Kitsap Credit Union, Kitsap Bank, First Federal Bank, Kitsap Regional Library and host institution Western Washington University; the new Kitsap SBDC was ready to serve the County when the pandemic struck. National Resources Delivered Locally WWU's Kitsap County SBDC is part of the most comprehensive small-business alliance in the United States, with more than 1,000 active SBDC programs across the country. SBDCs provide a strong boost to local economies by offering a range of services to help small businesses grow and prosper. They offer one-on-one confidential business advising, training programs, access to capital, support for international trade and much more. Entrepreneurs can realize the dream of a successful business, find a competitive edge and innovate in the global marketplace. Services for the Business Community Businesses in every sector turn to the SBDC for: •Strategic planning, innovation and pivots •Financial resources and access to capital •Human resources management •Marketing, web and social media support •Buying and selling local businesses WWU SBDC Director CJ Seitz Program Specialist Heather Theny Marketing Associate Mariam Kamel Your WWU Kitsap SBDC Team Certified Business Advisor Jaime Forsyth Certified Business Advisor Kathy Bastow Community Feedback "The Kitsap SBDC has been such a great resource for launching our eatery in the middle of a pandemic." Sherly Pantouw-Jones, Amolë Restaurant "Western's Kitsap SBDC has been instrumental in keeping me afloat financially during the COVID pandemic. They are truly amazing!" Laura Moynihan, Digital Helpmates "The Kitsap SBDC has been quite helpful in lining me up with loans and grants. Very kind and helpful from all parties I worked with." Chris Harrison, Harrison Footwear The WWU Kitsap Center was quick to respond, a valued source of moral and practical business support during an exceptionally challenging time." Alanna Imbach, Vibe Coworks "Here in Kitsap, KEDA and the SBDC are in touch near- constantly. During the pandemic, the SBDC has been the community's #1 resource for SBA programs."  Joe Morrison, Executive Director, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance DocuSign Envelope ID: 6BA61C21-5107-4B8C-BE96-47F4EF858DE6