The Washington Coast Works business competition is seeking applications from “those with ideas and energy to create or expand a small business that strives toward a triple bottom line: profit, people and place.”

Applications for this year’s competition are due Oct. 15. Applications and instructions can be downloaded at wacoastworks.org/apply.

Up to 15 finalists will be selected to join the growing Coast Works Alliance, participate in intensive training on sustainable entrepreneurship, receive ongoing one-on-one technical assistance, connect to mentors and present their business case statement at a fast-pitch event for a chance to win up to $10,000.

To date, 45 emerging entrepreneurs have participated in the Coast Works competition with a wide range of triple bottom line business ideas including sustainably foraged bog Labrador tea, paper-crete landscaping materials, community food-waste digesters, off-grid ecological learning centers, local food cooperatives, sustainable farming, bio-diesel powered stump grinding, sustainable tiny homes and many more.

The competition shows that businesses can be profitable while caring for the places where they are based and supporting the people who work for them and their communities.

The complete calendar of events leading up to the competition is available at www.wacoastworks.org, or contact Mike Skinner, Washington Coast Works administrator, at 206-235-6029.