Kitsap Regional Library in Poulsbo is now the newest location of a Small Business Development Center hosted by Western Washington University.
According to organizers Small Business Development Center (SBDC) programs provide a boost to local economies by offering a range of services to help small businesses grow and prosper. SBDC programs offer one-on-one confidential business counseling and training programs. Training covers a wide range of topics including business planning, marketing, technological development, and international trade.
“We’re very excited about this opportunity to apply Western’s strengths to meet the needs of small businesses on the Kitsap Peninsula and beyond,” said Western Washington University President Sabah Randhawa.
“We recognize that the peninsulas remain one of the most under served areas in our state for four-year higher education, not only in terms of access to degree programs, but also the community- and business-enhancing benefits that come with having a university presence and access to faculty expertise.”
Kevin Hoult, who previously worked at SBDC centers in Renton, Mount Vernon and Port Angeles, will serve a temporary six-month appointment at the head of the Kitsap County program. A search for a permanent director is scheduled to begin this summer.
“It’s both an honor and a privilege to come back to Western Washington University to help the SBDC launch this new center in Poulsbo. I’m looking forward to working together with local business and community leaders to make the Kitsap County SBDC a great success,” Hoult said.
Business advising at Kitsap County SBDC will be provided free of charge to Kitsap County small business owners due to support from the City of Poulsbo, Kitsap Credit Union, Kitsap Bank, First Federal, Kitsap Regional Library, the U.S. Small Business Association and Western Washington University.
To learn more about the services available at the Kitsap County SBDC, call the center at: 360-447-8788 or email at kitsapSBDC@wwu.edu
—Ken Park is a reporter with Kitsap News Group. Ken can be reached at kpark@soundpublishing.com.
