PORT ORCHARD – Kitsap Bank is taking applications for its 2017 edg3 FUND small business competition.

Applications will be accepted through July 28 via the bank’s website: www.kitsapbank.com.

Edge3 FUND is the bank’s annual small business competition recognizing entrepreneurs dedicated to benefiting the local and regional communities economically, socially and environmentally, according to Kitsap Bank event organizers.

Contestants are invited to submit an online application and a two-minute video that describes their business and makes the case for how the $20,000 grand prize will take their business “to the next level,” the organizers said.

After the application period ends, semifinalists will be chosen, with public voting taking place through Kitsap Bank’s website between Sept. 18-29. The public will help select the top five finalists, who will present their pitches at a live event during Global Entrepreneurship Week on Nov. 16 at the Kitsap Conference Center in Bremerton.

An independent panel of judges will determine the winner. For the second consecutive year, the bank will award an additional $5,000 cash prize — the Community edg3 Award. The prize will be awarded to one business selected from the semi-finalist pool that, in the judges’ opinions, best embodies the spirit of community, based on their submitted application and video.