By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE CNMI Small Business Development Center Network opened its 2026 Industry Day on Tuesday, highlighting federal contracting opportunities and strengthening connections between local entrepreneurs and military procurement officials.
Welcoming attendees, CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine Deleon Guerrero said the event marks the start of Industry Week.
“On behalf of the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network and Northern Marianas College, we are excited to see everyone gathered here today,” she said. “Your presence reflects a shared commitment to growth, collaboration, and opportunity — values that are at the heart of what we do at the SBDC.”
This year’s speakers include Pacific Air Forces Small Business Program Director Ailie Souriolle; Brian Mentel, director of business operations for the 766th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron in Hawai‘i; and Christine Manglona, director of business operations for the 36th Contracting Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, among others.
Deleon Guerrero thanked the presenters for their continued engagement with the CNMI business community.
“Your presence demonstrates your commitment to serving the people of the CNMI and your willingness to go above and beyond to provide support for our small businesses,” she said. “Thank you sincerely for your service.”
She said Industry Day is designed to “bring people together across sectors, break down barriers to information, and create meaningful connections,” whether for small business owners seeking new markets, startups looking for guidance, or industry partners hoping to collaborate with innovative firms.
“At the SBDC, our mission is simple and powerful — to help small businesses start, grow, and succeed,” she said. “We do this by providing confidential advising — with a strong emphasis on confidentiality — practical training, and connections to the resources that matter most.”
According to Deleon Guerrero, the CNMI SBDC Network has delivered 140 training events to date, reaching nearly 1,500 clients. Of those clients, 497 have received federal contracting training in preparation for events like Industry Day. The network has also counseled 350 unique clients, providing more than 1,400 hours of advising across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
She encouraged participants to take full advantage of the sessions and networking opportunities.
“Some of the most valuable outcomes of Industry Day often come from conversations during breaks or connections made after presentations,” she said.
Deleon Guerrero also thanked the event’s partners and supporters, including Pacific Air Forces in Honolulu, Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas, the NMI News Service, Marianas Press, Marianas Variety, Next Level Media, and Northern Marianas College.
“Your collaboration and support are essential to strengthening our small business ecosystem in the Commonwealth,” she said. “Thank you for being part of a community that believes in the power of small business.”
Industry Day was held on Tinian at Bar-K-Diner in San Jose on Wednesday, and on Rota at Puesto Grill Annex in Songsong on Thursday.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
