2025 Micro Business Accelerator Celebrates Impact and Growth in Kitsap

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Matchstick Lab
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Matchstick Lab’s third accelerator cohort graduates with sharpened strategies, meaningful peer connections, and deeper confidence.

POULSBO, Washington — Matchstick Lab celebrated the graduation of its largest-ever Micro Business Accelerator cohort on Friday, June 6, capping off a 13-week program that supported more than 150 local businesses and entrepreneurs across Kitsap County. 

Held at Vibe Coworks in Poulsbo, the End of Program Celebration and Pitch Competition drew a full house of community leaders, funders, and supporters—underscoring the growing momentum behind Kitsap’s founder-led economy.

The event marked the conclusion of the 2025 accelerator, Matchstick Lab’s third annual cohort and its most geographically diverse to date. Over the course of the program, 301 individuals engaged in hands-on training, mentorship, and storytelling experiences designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs strengthen their ventures and connect with a supportive community of peers.

Matchstick Lab Executive Director, Alanna Imbach noted:

“This year’s cohort proved yet again that meaningful growth happens when entrepreneurs are seen, supported, and surrounded by peers who truly get it.”

“This Accelerator isn’t about handing down answers—it’s about creating space for business owners to build, refine, and rise together. That’s what makes this community so powerful.”

Program Highlights + Impact

Now in its third year, the 2025 program was the largest and most geographically diverse to date, serving over 150 local businesses and 301 total attendees across all events. Participants came from as far south as Belfair, and as far north as Hansville, stretching from Port Orchard to Bainbridge, Silverdale to Port Ludlow. Industries represented in this year’s cohort included professional services, early childhood education, wellness, retail, food, and product design.

Over the course of the program, participants engaged in a suite of offerings including:

  • Eight business training sessions delivered in partnership with Kitsap Community Resources’ BE$T Program
  • Storytelling and branding workshops, including one-on-one marketing asset development
  • Monthly public Lightning Talks and Free First Fridays open working sessions
  • Headshot sessions and promotional videos, produced to elevate visibility for each entrepreneur
  • Personalized mentorship and cohort connection-building

The 2025 program offering also reflected Matchstick Lab’s commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship in Kitsap, with 53 women, 25 BIPOC founders, 15 veteran-owned businesses, 9 LGBTQ+, and 5 entrepreneurs with lived experience in the justice system served.

Participant Experience + Community Support

The program created lasting personal and professional impact, with cohort members citing confidence-building, finding a peer community, and hands-on strategy refinement as key takeaways.

“Starting a business can feel incredibly lonely,” shared one cohort member. “But over
the past few months, the support that I received from this cohort has given me the
confidence I really needed to move forward with my business plans and bring my
venture to life.”

The 2025 program was offered at no cost to participants thanks to grant funding from the Washington State Department of Commerce administered through Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA) and secured by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA). Additional support was provided by Kitsap Bank, Rice Fergus Miller, Vibe Coworks and other community partners.

KEDA Economic Development Manager, James Davis commented:

“The Kitsap Economic Development Alliance is proud to support the Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator because we’ve seen the results: businesses growing, networks forming, and entrepreneurs stepping into leadership across Kitsap.”

“KEDA is committed to bringing resources into Kitsap and ensuring that they land in the hands of trusted local partners. Three years on, we’re proud to have secured the primary source of funding that powers this program, and to play a role in helping to shape the strategy behind educating new businesses—enabling Matchstick Lab to focus on what they do best: supporting entrepreneurs from the ground up.”

Meet the 2025 Cohort

The 2025 Micro Business Accelerator cohort brought together 24 entrepreneurs from across Kitsap, representing a wide range of industries, backgrounds, and stages of business. These founders exemplify the creativity, resilience, and community-driven spirit powering the region’s micro business economy:

These business owners not only gained critical tools and resources through the accelerator—they also forged lasting connections that will continue to shape the region’s entrepreneurial future.

To learn more or view highlights from the 2025 program, visit matchsticklab.co.

Photos by Debbie Gilman Photography

2025 MATCHSTICK LAB FUNDERS + PARTNERS

Executed by Matchstick Lab, the 2025 Micro Business Accelerator is generously funded by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA) with funding provided by the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA), thanks to a grant made by the Washington State Department of Commerce.

Additional community partners include: Greater Kitsap Chamber, Kitsap Community Resources Business Education Support & Training (BE$T), Kitsap Bank, Rice Fergus Miller, Kitsap Small Business Development Center, Spark Commons, and Vibe Coworks.