Projected Talent, Inc. of Issaquah, is one of 16 semi-finalists in a small business competition begun by Kitsap Bank. The edg3 Fund competition is to recognize entrepreneurs dedicated to growing their community in three ways: economically, socially, or environmentally.

The next phase of the competition begins Friday Aug. 1, when the public is invited to vote for their favorite company. Readers can go to www.kitsapbank.com/edg3-fund from Aug. 1-15 to view background information and videos about the 16 semi-final companies, and learn how the prize money will be a game-changer for each of these companies. Results of the vote will determine the top five finalists that will compete in a live competition on Wednesday, Sept. 10. There, the finalists will present their pitches before a live audience and an independent panel of judges. The winner will come away with $20,000.