(NMC) — Bank of Hawaii, in partnership with the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at Northern Marianas College, recognized five small businesses during the Bank of Hawaii Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant award ceremony.
At the event were BOH officials West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, BOH Vice President/Branch Manager-Saipan Rose Sumor, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD, NMC Vice President of Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec, and the grant recipients.
“We’ve been in partnership with the CNMI SBDC for quite some time and the amount of businesses we see applying are each unique and equally passionate in serving the community,” Sakazaki said. “And to see prior recipients reach new successes and accolades is why we continue to do this partnership. The CNMI is our home, and the businesses that we serve are our family and friends — so that’s why we do what we do.”
NMC President Deleon Guerrero was inspired by the power of small business and community collaboration.
“Visionary businesses like Herman’s Bakery, MS Villagomez, and Joeten all started as a small business and then went big — and that’s what these five recipients remind me of,” Deleon Guerrero said, “And with the commitment from Bank of Hawaii while embodying the college’s Proa spirit, we’re not just embracing today’s economy, but for tomorrow’s as well.”
The BOH Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant — I Kinometi Para I Kumunidåt I Islå-ta — was created to revitalize and uplift small businesses by providing funding, support, and recognition to those who demonstrate resilience, innovation, and service to their communities.
Each recipient was picked by the Bank of Hawaii and will receive direct financial support to invest in key areas such as equipment, inventory, marketing, and capacity-building—giving them a stronger foundation to grow and thrive.
Bank of Hawaii awarded grants to CNMI businesses Ancient Compost, Magof Professional Services, Niao’s Poké Deli, Marianas Churisos Company, LLC, and Pacific Psychiatric Care.
Ancient Compost, owned by Solomon Castro and Jolene Muna, is a family-driven business dedicated to sustainability and building a zero-waste community. Currently operating from home, the business aims to expand its operations to better serve the islands and inspire eco-friendly living.
Magof Professional Services, owned by Adelpha Magofna, is a woman-owned business of Northern Marianas descent that provides paralegal support, process serving, mobile notary and courier services. With expertise in legal support and a strong commitment to the community, the company serves as a trusted partner for navigating complex legal and administrative needs.
Magofna said she plans to use the grant to upgrade her home workstation and purchase tools, such as a portable scanner, for her notary services. The remaining funds will go toward marketing her business to connect with more clients and other businesses that can benefit from the services she provides.
“I also hope to give back to the community by offering my notary services for free to students pursuing higher education,” Magofna said.
Niao’s Poké Deli, owned by Vanessa Dancoe, offers fresh, flavorful poke dishes in Saipan that combine local ingredients with bold, creative twists. Known for its vibrant flavors and island hospitality, the deli has become a go-to spot for both locals and visitors.
“Our business was built from the heart — it’s not about making money, but about giving back to the community by offering healthy, wholesome, and nutritious food,” Dancoe said. “This grant will help us grow and continue being a quick, easy stop for the community. We currently employ students under different government and non-profit programs, this will help us ensure that we can retain our employees because we deeply value and care for the people who make our business possible.”
Marianas Churisos Company, LLC, founded by William Torres, Stephen Sablan, Dave Guerrero, Inas Hocog, and Ed Hofschneider, produces the CNMI’s only locally made craft sausages using island-inspired flavors and traditional techniques. With a mission to strengthen food security and support local businesses, the company is also expanding into smoked meats and beef jerky.
“This grant gives us the lift we need to expand our operations, from hosting pop-ups and catering events to building our brand through marketing and small community fundraisers,” Torres said. “Eventually, we even hope to get a mobile setup so we can bring our products directly to the people.”
Pacific Psychiatric Care, owned by Monica Morgan Lee and John Lee, provides compassionate and confidential mental health services for patients of all ages in Saipan. Led by a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, the clinic offers personalized treatment to help individuals navigate life’s challenges and improve overall well-being.
The businesses represent a range of industries, including environmental, professional, food manufacturing, healthcare, and food service- each one selected for its commitment to growth and community impact.
“This initiative shows what’s possible when corporate partners and community institutions come together to support our local businesses,” CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol said. “These five recipients represent the heart of entrepreneurship in the CNMI, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and impact.”
As the 2025 recipients begin their next chapter, CNMI SBDC remains committed to providing free advising, training, and access to resources to entrepreneurs across the Marianas. This grant is just one of many ways the network continues to empower local businesses and create a more resilient, sustainable economy for the islands.
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.
The CNMI SBDC Network and its programs are 100% funded by a $777,777.00 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the U.S.
Bank of Hawaii, in partnership with the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at Northern Marianas College, recently awarded five small businesses as part of the BOH Small Business Revitalization and Development Grant — I Kinometi Para I Kumunidåt I Islå-ta program. In photo are CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine DLG Kintol, NMC Vice President for Administration and Advancement Frankie Eliptico, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Ed.D., Bank of Hawaii West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, Bank of Hawaii vice president and Saipan branch manager Rose Sumor, CNMI SBDC Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec, CNMI SBDC Marketing Manager Roman Tudela, CNMI SBDC Administrative Office Manager Cassandra Deleon Guerrero, grant recipients Ancient Compost, Magof Professional Services, Niao’s Poké Deli, Marianas Churisos Company LLC and Pacific Psychiatric Care.
Michael Sakazaki, BOH West Pacific market president delivers the opening remarks.
Bank of Hawaii Vice President/Branch Manager Rose Sumor welcomes attendees.
Grant recipient Vanessa Dancoe, center, of Niao’s Poke Deli with CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine DLG Kintol, NMC Vice President Frankie Eliptico, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Bank of Hawaii West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, BoH Vice President/Branch Manager Rose Sumor and Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec of CNMI SBDC.
Grant recipient Solomon Castro, center, of Taotaomona Surf Tribe dba Ancient Compost LLC with CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine DLG Kintol, NMC Vice President Frankie Eliptico, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Bank of Hawaii West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, BoH Vice President/Branch Manager Rose Sumor and Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec of CNMI SBDC.
Grant recipient Adelpha Magofna of Magof Professional Services with CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine DLG Kintol, NMC Vice President Frankie Eliptico, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Bank of Hawaii West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, BoH Vice President/Branch Manager Rose Sumor and Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec of CNMI SBDC.
Grant recipients Bill Torres, Inas Hocog, Ed Hofschneider and Stephen Sablan of Marianas Churisos Company with CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine DLG Kintol, NMC Vice President Frankie Eliptico, NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, Bank of Hawaii West Pacific Market President Michael Sakazaki, BoH Vice President/Branch Manager Rose Sumor and Associate Network Director Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec of CNMI SBDC.
NMC President Galvin Deleon Guerrero, EdD speaks with the 2025 Bank of Hawaii Revitalization Grant recipients.
