By Brett Bishop, Economic Development Associate at the EDC
On Monday, September 14, 2026, I attended "Beyond Buy Local: Could A Local Investment Network Work in Kitsap?", an event presented by Matchstick Lab and the Washington State Microenterprise Association, and hosted by Vibe Coworks in Poulsbo, Washington. EDC Team Jefferson Co-Founder and LION member Bill Wise spoke alongside Patrick Law of the Methow Investment Network to a room of 50 local business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and civic advocates about the power of Local Investment Networks (LINs) like LION. Anthony Gromko, Director of WSU Snohomish County Extension, moderated the discussion.
The presentation focused on how direct, relationship-based local investment can build a thriving and resilient community, and gave the audience an informational look at how LINs work in practice. This model began in Jefferson County -- the first Local Investing Opportunities Network was founded in Port Townsend in 2006, and it has since been replicated in communities across the country.
Bill shared his experience supporting affordable housing efforts through LION and spoke to the importance of investing in a community simply because it benefits the community. He pointed to the model's effectiveness through several success stories, including Finn River Cidery. I also spoke, highlighting the role Economic Development Councils like EDC Team Jefferson play in supporting businesses and entrepreneurs alongside networks like LION.
After the formal presentation, the room opened up to a broader conversation, where Bill and Patrick shared their on-the-ground perspectives on the regional challenges facing LINs. Patrick spoke to the difficulties of operating in a small, remote area, while Bill was candid about the growing challenge of recruiting new LION members. Both pointed to a shared statewide challenge: promoting LINs and connecting businesses to the resources already available to them.
Despite those challenges, the discussion showcased growing enthusiasm in Kitsap County for adopting its own Local Investment Network model. A few attendees came from as far as Port Angeles. We are hopeful that Kitsap County will soon build its own network, joining the working model that LION members across Jefferson County continue to provide for neighboring communities.
To learn more about how Local Investment Networks work, and to see how LION fits alongside other networks across the state, like ThINk in Thurston County, visit WSU Extension's Local Investment Networks project page.