Cohort III

The 2025 Micro Business Accelerator cohort is specifically created to support startup founders and small business owners who are ready to take their business plan to the next level, dial in their public speaking and pitch skills, and navigate all of the milestones that come with launching, growing, and scaling successful ventures.

New for 2025, we are thrilled to offer two small group cohorts this year, and will be providing events and training opportunities in both Poulsbo and Bremerton, making it easier than ever to attend the required sessions.

By the end of the 13-week program, you’ll be armed with a rock-solid business plan, key marketing assets, and a village of peers and expert advisors who will continue to rally around you with support, resources and connections as you launch and scale your business.

Who Should Apply? YOU.

This program will be a good fit if you are a current or aspiring founder or small business owner in Kitsap who:

• employs fewer than 5 employees
• is deeply committed to working on their business
• is hungry for a mutually supportive peer entrepreneur community and are eager to uphold the Give First philosophy
• doesn’t yet have a business plan, OR have a business plan that is ready to be dialed up a notch (or ten)
• can commit—really commit—to actively participating in 80% or more of the program dates 

There are no limitations on business type, stage, revenue or geography.

A maximum of 24 current or aspiring startup founders and small business owners will be admitted to Cohort III. Individuals who applied to previous cohorts and were not offered a seat are warmly welcomed to re-apply.

Entrepreneurs who have historically been excluded from business ownership opportunities and resources, including those who identify as Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), people with disabilities, veterans, women, LGBTQ+ people, and returning citizens are especially encouraged to apply.

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Cost

Zero. Zilch. Nada!

Thanks to grant funding, the Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator is free to apply for, free to participate in, and there is no equity exchanged.

The program has been made possible thanks to funding provided by the Washington State Microenterprise Association (WSMA), through a grant from the Washington State Department of Commerce secured by the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance.

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Time Commitment

Cohort members are expected to attend 80% or more of the key program dates outlined below.

Generally, you should expect to commit a minimum of 5 hours per week for the duration of the program, which includes individual work that you are doing on your business throughout the week at times of your choosing, as well as the scheduled training classes, workshops, and mentoring sessions.

In-person classes and workshops take place in both Bremerton and Poulsbo this year, making it easier than ever for you to attend close to home.

If you cannot commit to the time outline above in this season of life, please wait to apply to the program until your schedule has evolved so that we can offer a seat to others who are at a point where they can commit the time.

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Key Dates

FEBRUARY 11	APPLICATIONS OPEN	Online
FEBRUARY 26	Credit Smarts for Business Owners Workshop	9AM – 12PM BREMERTON Rice Fergus Miller
FEBRUARY 28	APPLICATION PERIOD CLOSES	Online
MARCH 6	Pricing with Confidence: Strategies to Maximize Revenue Without Losing Customers	11:30AM – 1PM BREMERTON Rice Fergus Miller
MARCH 14	COHORT II ANNOUNCED	Online
MARCH 18	Cohort III Welcome + Onboarding Luncheon	11AM – 1PM POULSBO Vibe Coworks
MARCH 21 – MAY 16	BE$T Business Training Classes	Weekly*, Fridays 10AM – 12PM I BREMERTON OR 2:30 – 4:30PM I POULSBO *No class 4/11
MARCH 25	Tell Your Business Story Like It Matters Workshop	9AM – 12PM POULSBO Vibe Coworks
APRIL 3	Tax Season Survival: What Every Micro Business Needs to Know	11:30AM – 1PM POULSBO Vibe Coworks
APRIL 22	Building Business Value Through Strategic Branding	9AM – 12PM BREMERTON Rice Fergus Miller
MAY 1	The Resilient Entrepreneur: Building Mental Toughness and Avoiding Burnout	11:30AM – 1PM BREMERTON Rice Fergus Miller
MAY 15	Show Me the Money: Funding & Financial Strategies for Small Business Owners	11:30AM – 1PM POULSBO Vibe Coworks
JUNE 5	Impostor Syndrome No More: Cultivating Confidence in Your Expertise	11:30AM – 1PM POULSBO Vibe Coworks
JUNE 6	GRADUATION NIGHT	5 – 7PM POULSBO Vibe Coworks

Thank You To Our 2025 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.