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SBDC staff report growth in Poulsbo consultations as ARPA support sunsets
Summary
Western Washington University's SBDC and its Kitsap Center reported 2023 activity including 160 businesses assisted, expanded bilingual outreach and ARPA-funded outreach that is ending; the center asked local governments to refer businesses and consider continued funding for staffing.
CJ Seitz and Joyce Oswald of the Small Business Development Center told the council the SBDC provided roughly 900 advising hours and worked with 160 businesses across Kitsap County in 2023; about 30% of their clients live in Poulsbo. “We were really able to add capacity with Melissa” through an ARPA grant that is sunsetting, Oswald said.
Presenters outlined services including BIPOC business forums, cybersecurity workshops, and buy-sell and employee-ownership counseling. Councilmembers asked about projected deficits once ARPA funding ends; SBDC leaders said they are seeking county and state support and requested that Poulsbo consider a $10,000 annual contribution in the 2025 budget to maintain service levels.
