For most businesses on a calendar year budget, it's probably time to start thinking about the 2026 budget. What are the big goals for next year? What market conditions are you expecting to deal with? And among the myriad other questions that go into the budgeting process, here's one that often gets overlooked: How much does technology really figure into your budget?
Category: Opinion
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Overcoming Obstacles
Promise me, you won’t put me in a home.”
This one is difficult to hear. The jam-packed with guilt and the weight of it is so heavy because as you notice your loved one struggling with every day tasks, you are right there with them. To unpack this statement, start with not promising anything. Be reassuring that you will always care for and about them; that their comfort is your high priority.
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The Ecosystem Edge: Insights for Builders, Backers, and Believers
Everywhere I look in Kitsap right now, I see sparks.
I see them in the eyes of a first-time founder refining her wireframes late into the night, and in conversations between seasoned business owners sharing insights over coffee. I see them on white board walls at Vibe Coworks, in underwater test environments with Navy Lab Keyport, on our farms, and on neighborhood blocks being transformed by bold ideas.
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The September Effect: Volatility, Opportunity, and Staying the Course
If the stock market had a favorite horror movie, I’m convinced it would be The September Effect. Year after year, this month has a habit of showing up with more mood swings than a teenager who just lost Wi-Fi. Historically, it’s been one of the rockier months for investors.
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Brand vs. Demand: Striking the Right Balance in Your Marketing Mix
When marketing budgets tighten, many businesses fall into an either/or mindset: Should we focus on building brand awareness or generating leads?
The answer isn’t one or the other — it’s both.
Think of brand marketing as laying the foundation of your house, while demand generation is turning on the open sign. One gives your business staying power. The other drives immediate action. Without a solid foundation, those quick wins don’t last. And without activity, your brand sits unnoticed.
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The Mid-Year Money Check-In
It’s August in Kitsap County—aka the few glorious weeks when nobody asks about the weather and we all remember why we live here. But while you’re savoring those sunny weekends (or pretending to enjoy yardwork), it’s also a perfect time for a financial check-up. Think of it as your fiscal sunscreen: a little prevention now saves a lot of pain later.
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10 Essential Tips for First-Time Home Buyers in Kitsap County
Kitsap County remains a bustling market in mid-2025, with the median sale price near $600,000 and homes selling within 11–30 days. Buyers—especially first-timers—need strategic planning anchored in finance, market knowledge, and lender partnerships. Here are ten actionable tips to guide your dream-home journey.
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The Unsung Heroes of Caregiving
Caregivers are the backbone of our society, selflessly dedicating themselves to the well-being of loved ones. They often put others' needs ahead of themselves, sacrificing time, energy, and emotional resources. It's essential to recognize the importance of caregivers and the toll caregiving takes on their physical, emotional, and mental health. Caregivers need care too.
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Cybersecurity for Growing Businesses
Running a business means managing countless visible risks daily. You can see when equipment needs maintenance, hear when something's not running right, and feel when workplace dynamics are off. Digital risks can often be out of sight and out of mind. While you can't stand over employees' shoulders, you can build IT security controls that protect your specific systems, accounts, and data.
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ForWARD Thinking
Welcome to the August edition of Kitsap Business, where we spotlight the makers, movers, and mission-driven entrepreneurs who are shaping the character—and the future—of our region. This month’s stories remind us that the best businesses aren’t just profitable—they’re personal. They’re rooted in heritage, built with intention, and anchored in community.