Category: SBDC

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CNMI SBDC provides HUBZone Certification Training

More small business owners in the CNMI are now knowledgeable about securing federal contracts thanks to a HUBZone certification training course conducted by the CNMI Small Business Development Center at the Northern Marianas College.

HUBZone is a program administered by the US Small Business Association that helps small businesses in historically underutilized business zones secure federal contracts. HUBZone certified businesses also get a 10 percent price evaluation preference in full and open contract competitions.

HUBZones are located all over the United States and its territories such as the CNMI, Guam, American Samoa, and Puerto Rico. Currently, there are 14 HUBZone certified businesses in the CNMI.

The training, which was conducted by Guam Small Business Administration Branch Manager Kenneth Lujan, focused on the application process and the eligibility requirements for the program. 

Participant Vincent Aldan of Marianas Building Inspection and Consulting Services said that the training was very informative.

“The hubzone training helped me in understanding the process in being able to provide services to the federal and local governments,” Aldan said.  “I hope to become HUBZone certified as it will give my business the competitive edge when it comes to federal contracts for projects that fall within my industry.”

To register for free one-on-one counseling by the CNMI SBDC, please register at marianas.ecenterdirect.com, email mercilynn.palec@marianas.edu or call (670) 237-6888.  

The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network (CNMI SBDCN) is hosted by the Northern Marianas College. CNMI SBDCN is partially funded by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). All opinions, conclusions or recommendations expressed are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Requests for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with at least two weeks advance notice. For arrangements, please contact CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine Deleon Guerrero at P.O.Box 501250 Saipan, MP 96950, Tel: (670) 237-6888, or email nadine.deleonguerrero@marianas.edu. Services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis. 

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CNMI SBDC to host Small Business Night at NMC

Shop local and shop small this holiday season! Individuals who are looking for gifts to buy for the upcoming holiday season are invited to visit the CNMI Small Business Development Center’s Small Business Night at the Northern Marianas College on Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm. 

Thursday’s event will feature local entrepreneurs and their products and services: 

  • Find curated holiday gift sets by Islandry670, Chiku Chiku, Neni Girl Nails, Bonitu Basula, Candle J Saipan, and LP Beautyy.
  • The event will also feature amazing home decor by E&R Enterprises, Seasoned with Hafa Adai, and Cherrymoon Co.
  • Build up an appetite for food products to be sold by: Tyler’s Gelatte Stone, La Mesa Kusina, El Bishu, Chagi Norf Kitchen, Saipan Snaps, LLC., and Camille’s Cookies and Crumbles. 
  • Get ready for the holiday season with clothing by Masisu Athletics and Mijana Official. 
  • The holiday season would not be complete without family photos. Book a session with Samantha Salamon Photography or book Bobole’s Novelties & Rentals for your next holiday party. 

The event will take place at the NMC Mango Terrace (located in the center of NMC’s campus). For each purchase made, patrons will receive one free ticket for a chance to win amazing raffle prizes donated by the vendors. 

Interested small businesses may contact mercilynn.palec@marianas.edu for vendor information or call (670) 237-6888.

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CNMI SBDCN facilitates training at 2nd annual Set SAIL Conference

The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at the Northern Marianas College was invited to facilitate training during a breakout session at the 2nd Annual Set SAIL Conference held on April 13, 2023 at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan. The breakout session was titled Side Hustle without the Hassle: CNMI SBDCN Programs & Services. Facilitating the training were CNMI SBDC Associate Network Director, Mercilynn K. Palec, and CNMI SBDCN Marketing Manager/Outreach Specialist, Roman Tudela. 

The Set SAIL (Students, Advocacy, Inclusion, and Leadership) Conference is a student leadership event hosted by the Northern Marianas College Office of Student Activities and Leadership.

The CNMI SBDCN pivoted this outreach opportunity to demonstrate the attainability of pursuing higher education at the Northern Marianas College in conjunction with starting a small business with support from the CNMI SBDCN. With 32 participants in the training, Associate Network Director Mercilynn K. Palec conducted a training session with interested students to become clients in order to receive CNMI SBDCN services.  

This is one of many outreach efforts to inform current and potential new small business owners of the CNMI of the services available at the CNMI SBDCN. 

Disclaimer: The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network (CNMI SBDCN) comprises the CNMI SBDC lead center located in Saipan, the Rota SBDC, and Tinian SBDC. CNMI SBDCN is partially funded by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Northern Marianas College. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Requests for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with at least two weeks advance notice. For arrangements, please contact your local SBDC at P.O.Box 501250 Saipan, MP 96950, Tel: (670) 237-6888, or email charmaine.hofschneider@marianas.edu. Services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.

2023