Why Supporting Local Matters More Than Ever in Kitsap County
Small businesses are the heart of Kitsap County—especially here in Bremerton. From the family-owned cafés sprinkled across Manette to the makers, service providers, and storefronts that hold this community together, local businesses create the character our city is known for.
But after any period of financial uncertainty—like a government shutdown or even the threat of one—those small businesses feel the impact fast. Bremerton is a Navy town, and when federal workers, military families, and contractors experience delays or disruptions, it affects how the whole community spends, shops, and stays afloat.
The good news? This community shows up for one another. And right now, continuing that support matters more than ever.
Small businesses aren’t just “places to shop.” They’re the people who sponsor youth sports teams, show up at community events, donate to fundraisers, and remember your coffee order. They give jobs to local families. They build the culture of our neighborhoods. And they’re often run by people who live just down the street.
When you spend money locally, that dollar circulates in Kitsap. It pays employees, covers rent, supports other local vendors, and strengthens the overall economy. It helps ensure that the small shops and services you love are still here tomorrow, next season, and next year.
And you don’t need to spend big to make a difference. Here are simple, impactful ways to support Bremerton’s small businesses right now:
Grab your morning latte from a locally owned coffee shop
Share a social media post from a business you love
Book with a local service provider instead of a national chain
Choose handmade gifts from Kitsap makers this season
Leave a positive review—yes, it matters
Refer a friend when someone asks for recommendations
These small actions create real stability, especially in seasons when families tighten their budgets.
As someone who works in a local, service-based industry myself, I see firsthand how much trust matters. Just like a local home expert helps people navigate the Kitsap housing market, local businesses help keep our city connected, resilient, and thriving.
Bremerton’s identity is built on people who show up—military families, long-time residents, transplants discovering the charm of the Pacific Northwest, and entrepreneurs taking a chance in a waterfront town with heart. Supporting each other is part of who we are.
So as we shift into the winter season and prepare for a new year, I hope you’ll join me in doubling down on shopping small, choosing local, and lifting up the businesses that make Kitsap feel like home.
Because when local businesses thrive, our community does too.
Your Kitsap Real Estate Guide,
Rachel Harris, REALTOR®
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