(CNMI SBDC) — The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at Northern Marianas College and the CNMI Women’s Association are proud to present a key training session as part of the Fourth Cohort of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Project, focusing on the CNMI State Small Business Credit Initiative 2.0. This program, launched by the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority in partnership with Bank of Guam, is a $57 million initiative designed to strengthen access to capital for local small businesses, driving economic growth in the CNMI.
The SSBCI 2.0 program offers financial support through a variety of loan and credit initiatives that aim to empower businesses by providing the necessary capital to expand. This collaboration between CEDA and Bank of Guam brings critical resources directly to the hands of CNMI entrepreneurs, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of accessing commercial loans, lines of credit, and other financial tools.
In Day 2 of the four-day training series, Marie Coleman, loan manager at CEDA, will discuss how entrepreneurs can leverage their loan programs to fuel their businesses’ growth, while Marcie Tomokane, vice president and CNMI regional manager for Bank of Guam, will outline the role they play in this partnership, helping businesses connect with vital financing opportunities.
This session holds particular significance for women entrepreneurs in the CNMI, as it offers guidance on utilizing financial resources that directly address common challenges faced by small businesses — access to capital. By supporting the Women’s Entrepreneurship Project, both CEDA and Bank of Guam are committed to fostering a stronger, more inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, network director of the CNMI SBDC, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, “The SSBCI 2.0 program brings unprecedented opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the CNMI. Through this collaboration with CEDA and Bank of Guam, we’re not only providing access to vital financial resources, but also empowering women to lead in business development and economic growth. Our goal is to equip them with the tools they need to seize these opportunities, ensuring they become key players in shaping the future of our local economy.”
Session details
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: NMC As Terlaje Campus, Olympio T. Borja Memorial Library
Topic: Exploring CNMI SSBCI 2.0
Presented by: Marie Coleman, loan manager at CEDA; and Marcie Tomokane, vice president and CNMI regional manager for Bank of Guam, Saipan
Register here: https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019167
Attendees must be a registered CNMI SBDC client, and interested individuals are able to register via phone or email. Certificates of Completion will be awarded to those who attend all four sessions. Participants who miss one session may still attend, but will not receive a certificate.
For more information, visit www.cnmisbdc.com or contact us at (670) 237-6888 / cnmisbdc@marianas.edu. Follow us on social media for the latest updates: Instagram @cnmisbdc and Facebook at CNMI Small Business Development Center Network.