(CNMI SBDC) — The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at Northern Marianas College is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual event, Christmas in July — a festive summertime marketplace bringing together small business vendors and local shoppers across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
What began as a single-island celebration in 2023 on Tinian has quickly grown into a tri-island tradition. Following the success of last year’s expanded rollout, Christmas in July is back again this summer to spotlight the creativity, resilience, and hustle of our homegrown entrepreneurs.
This year’s events will take place at the following locations:
Rota – July 11
5:30 p.m.-9 p.m.
Sinapalo Children’s Park
Tinian – July 25
5p.m.-9 p.m.
Tinian Fiesta Grounds
Saipan – July 25
5 p.m.-8 p.m.
NMC As Terlaje Campus
More than just a vendor fair, Christmas in July was created to give CNMI’s small business owners — particularly those who operate online or from home — a valuable in-person platform to showcase their products, interact directly with customers, and build brand awareness ahead of the year-end holiday shopping season.
“Many of our entrepreneurs are creatives, crafters, and freelancers who don’t have the benefit of a physical storefront,” said Roman Tudela, CNMI SBDC marketing manager. “This event offers them a pop-up shop experience while giving the community a chance to shop early for the holidays.”
Attendees can look forward to a vibrant mix of gift-ready products, handmade goods, food vendors, and holiday-themed surprises — all set against a backdrop of palm trees and island lights.
Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, network director for the CNMI SBDC, encourages clients to sign up to become a vendor once the registration period opens adding, “Christmas in July offers a unique opportunity to highlight the vital role small businesses play in our communities. By supporting local entrepreneurs during this mid-year celebration, we not only boost the local economy, but also reinforce the values of resilience, innovation, and community connection that define the holiday spirit of the season,” she said.
For vendor inquiries or event details, contact your nearest SBDC center or follow @cnmisbdc on Facebook and Instagram. You can also contact the CNMI SBDC Network at (670) 237-6888, via email at cnmisbdc@marianas.edu or visit cnmisbdc.com/.
Federally funded
The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network and its programs are 100% funded by a $777,777 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.
The CNMI SBDC Network promotes a business-friendly economic infrastructure in the community, builds entrepreneurial capacity and financial literacy within that community, and provides current and nascent small businesses with the technical assistance, counseling, training, and support they need to innovate, adapt, and grow.
