(CNMI SBDC) — Over 80 attendees filled the venue during the recent Mentor-Protégé Program Workshop, hosted by NIPOA Standard and Global Resource Solutions, on behalf of the U.S. Air Force Office of Small Business Programs, and in partnership with the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at Northern Marianas College. The event welcomed business owners, federal agency representatives, and industry leaders for a day of powerful learning, connections and contracting insights.
The workshop provided in-depth guidance to local businesses on navigating and succeeding in the Department of Defense contracting space, with an emphasis on the powerful opportunities available through the Mentor-Protégé Program.
The full-day event featured an impressive lineup of speakers and sessions:
• David Sikora, Acquisition Program Manager for the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs, delivered the opening overview of the Mentor-Protégé Program.
• Gautam Mehndiratta, CEO of INFOTEK, presented actionable tips on accelerating cash flow through invoicing strategies.
• Ailie Souriolle, Director of the Pacific Air Forces Small Business Program, delivered the keynote on how to do business with PACAF.
• Mary Moriarty, President of NIPOA, presented on contracting lessons learned.
The Small Business Resources Panel featured Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, CNMI SBDC Network Director, and Charles Sills, President of the American Defense Alliance. They discussed the multiple no-cost resources to assist with aligning your business to become procurement-ready.
The event culminated in an open Q&A and a networking lunch, where participants actively connected with presenters, mentors, and fellow small business peers. Energy and interest remained high throughout the day as attendees walked away equipped with strategies, contact points, and confidence to pursue federal opportunities.
The CNMI SBDC at Northern Marianas College proudly supported the event as part of its ongoing mission to empower local businesses through education, mentorship, and access to government opportunities.
“We were thrilled to witness such strong interest and enthusiasm from our local entrepreneurs and experienced business owners,” said Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, CNMI SBDC Network Director. “It’s clear that our business community is eager to grow and take advantage of federal opportunities that were once out of reach.”
The CNMI SBDC Network thanks all partners, speakers, and participants who contributed to the success of this event. “Together, we are building a stronger, more contract-ready CNMI business ecosystem.”
For more information, contact the CNMI SBDC Lead Center at (670) 237-6888 or email cnmisbdc@marianas.edu/. Follow @cnmisbdc on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.cnmisbdc.com for the latest updates and events.
