Matchstick Lab Small Business Accelerator Showcase

Meet the businesses building what's next in Kitsap
About this Event

There's a lot that goes into building a business, and most of it happens behind the scenes.

On Friday, November 6, we're bringing some of that work into the spotlight.

Join Matchstick Lab as we celebrate the entrepreneurs participating in our Micro Business Accelerator. They'll share a little about their businesses, what they've learned along the way, and the goals they're working toward over the next 90 days.

This isn't a pitch competition. There are no judges or prizes. It's an opportunity to meet some of Kitsap's hardworking entrepreneurs, hear their stories, and find ways to support the businesses they're building.

And because good things happen when people connect, we'll roll right into Vibe Coworks' First Friday Happy Hour afterward.

Friday, November 6 | 2:30–6:00 PM
Vibe Coworks, Poulsbo
2:30–4:00 PM | Micro Business Accelerator Showcase

Hear directly from our participating entrepreneurs, celebrate their progress, and learn how you might be able to help them take their next steps.

4:00–6:00 PM | First Friday Happy Hour

Stick around for drinks, conversation, and a chance to meet the people behind the businesses.

Everyone is welcome. Whether you're a fellow entrepreneur, a potential customer, a mentor, a community partner, or simply someone who likes seeing local businesses succeed, we'd love to have you in the room.

Free to attend. Please register so we know you're coming.

The Matchstick Lab Micro Business Accelerator is presented by Matchstick Lab in partnership with the Kitsap Economic Development Alliance, with funding support from the Wells Fargo Foundation.

Who Should Attend

• 2026 Micro Business Accelerator participants: This is your chance to share what you've been working on, celebrate your progress, and connect with people who can help you move forward.
• Entrepreneurs and business owners: Meet fellow founders, exchange ideas, and build relationships with others navigating the ups and downs of running a business.
• Mentors, investors, and business professionals: Get to know local entrepreneurs, hear what they're working toward, and discover where your experience or connections might make a difference.
• Community members and local business supporters: Discover businesses you might not know about yet, meet the people behind them, and find new ways to shop local and support Kitsap entrepreneurs.

You don't need to own a business to attend. Everyone is welcome!

is igniting Kitsap's collective imagination, one entrepreneur at a time.
Matchstick Lab collaborates with regional, national, and international partners to deliver education, investment, and storytelling resources that unlock the full potential of Kitsap’s entrepreneurs and celebrate the region’s distinct heritage, talent and ingenuity.

Thanks to fiscal sponsorship through the Kitsap Community Foundation, Matchstick Lab operates as a 501(c)(3), ensuring accessibility and support for startups, small businesses, and social enterprises. Learn more at matchsticklab.co.

Nov 6: Showcase

🕑: 02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Doors Open to the Public

Info: Friends, family, and community members are welcome to join us as we cheer on this cohort’s founders. Grab a seat before the Pitch Showcase begins at 2:30pm.

🕑: 02:40 PM
Meet the Businesses

Info: Hear directly from local entrepreneurs about what they’re building and where they’re headed next.

Presenters will take the stage to share where their business is today, what they’ve learned, changed or tested, their next 90-day move—and where the people in the room might be able to help.

No judges, prizes, or Shark Tank. This is a chance to tell the community what you’re building, where you’re headed and how they might help.

🕑: 03:45 PM - 04:00 PM
Celebrate + Connect

Info: Close out the Accelerator by celebrating how far you’ve come, and the people who helped make it possible.

We’ll recognize the cohort, mentors and partners, capture the moment together, and officially wrap up the 2026 Micro Business Accelerator.

🕑: 04:00 PM - 06:00 PM
First Friday Happy Hour

Info: Stick around and celebrate.

Vibe First Friday is open to the whole community, so grab a drink, meet some new people and keep the connections going. Accelerator participants get their first drink on us; appetizers are provided, courtesy of Crabtree Kitchen + Bar.