(SBDC) — The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at Northern Marianas College successfully wrapped up the fifth cohort of its signature training series, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Project, held from Oct. 20-22, 2025, at the NMC Innovation Incubator Office in Garapan.
This year’s theme, “Fiscal Fitness: Improving Financial Health for Women in Business,” guided participants through a three-day training designed to strengthen their financial knowledge, compliance awareness, and long-term business sustainability. A total of 15 participants successfully completed the full series and received Certificates of Completion during the final evening.
Over three sessions, WEP attendees learned how to master the “three reps of Fiscal Fitness” — Form, Strength, and Flexibility — through practical workshops led by both public and private sector experts. Topics covered included business registration and licensing, recordkeeping and bookkeeping best practices, tax compliance, and adapting to federal policy changes affecting small businesses in the CNMI.
Day 1, themed Form: Strengthening Your Business Foundation, featured John David “JD” A. Reyes, registrar of corporations with the CNMI Department of Commerce, and Daniel Dean T. Alvarez, Jr., director of the CNMI Department of Revenue and Taxation.
For Reyes, the session marked his first collaboration with CNMI SBDC — and one he says is crucial for bridging gaps between agencies and the entrepreneurial community.
“Many new entrepreneurs don’t always know where to begin when starting a business,” Reyes shared. “The Registrar’s Office is often the first step, but we don’t always have the platform or resources to reach out directly. That’s why this partnership with SBDC is so important — it gives us that bridge to connect with the community.”
Attendee Maybelline Cabrera, an aspiring entrepreneur, said the session shifted her mindset entirely. “When I first thought about starting my business, I leaned toward a sole proprietorship because it seemed simpler,” Cabrera said. “But after Day 1, I realized the importance of building a strong foundation from the start. I’m now planning to form an LLC or Corporation to protect myself and set my business up for long-term success.”
Day 2
On Day 2, participants learned to flex their financial strength through the session Muscle Memory: Mastering Best Practices of Financial Record and Bookkeeping, led by David J. Burger, CPA, Managing Partner at Burger Comer & Associates.
Burger, who has worked with CNMI SBDC in several trainings including the VBOC “Boots to Business” program, shared that his goal was to make financial management less intimidating for business owners. “I hoped to impress upon participants the importance of keeping good, solid records — not just for tax compliance, but to maximize their deductions and make smarter financial decisions,” he said. “Working with SBDC gives me a chance to reach people who are new to business ownership. These sessions help reinforce understanding and build real financial confidence.”
Final session
The final session, Compliance Endurance: Navigating Federal Policies and Workforce Regulations, was led by Tina Azarvand, Esq., LL.M., Managing Partner of Azarvand Tax Law, who guided participants through the importance of staying proactive in managing taxes and compliance. “Being proactive is so important when it comes to taxes,” said Azarvand. “By the time a business receives an IRS notice, it’s often too late to prevent issues like tax liens. There are programs and options out there — especially for small businesses facing financial hardship, which is the reality for many in the CNMI right now. It’s not always fun dealing with the IRS, but taking initiative early almost always leads to a better outcome.” As both a legal professional and a woman entrepreneur herself, Azarvand also shared a personal message for aspiring businesswomen, “Be confident in yourself and your abilities,” she said. “People will tell you it’s too early or too risky, but if you’re passionate about what you want to do, then go for it — and prove them wrong.”
Attendees gained valuable insights into how national policy shifts and upcoming tax code proposals may influence operations in the CNMI, equipping them to adapt and stay compliant.
For Sakurako Halstead, owner of Saku Bloom and a first-time WEP attendee, the training series opened her eyes to the broader responsibilities of business ownership in the CNMI. “Through the sessions, I gained a clearer understanding of what it really takes to open and operate a business here in the Marianas,” Halstead shared. “There are a lot of compliance steps to take, but there are also many resources to help you stay on track.” She added that WEP strengthened her confidence and broadened her perspective as a business owner. “From keeping your books in order to understanding the laws that affect your operations, WEP sparked a new awareness in me to pay closer attention to all aspects of running a business.”
Now in its fifth year, the Women’s Entrepreneurship Project continues to be one of CNMI SBDC’s most impactful initiatives, consistently fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation among the Commonwealth’s women entrepreneurs. “Every cohort brings something new — new perspectives, new ambitions, and new collaborations,” said Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero Kintol, CNMI SBDC network director. “Over the past five years, WEP has grown into more than a training program. It’s become a network of empowered women who are financially stronger, more informed, and ready to lead. Seeing the community continue to value and support this effort motivates us to bring it back year after year.”
Existing or future SBDC clients may call the Lead Center office at (670) 237-6888 for more registration information or email cnmisbdc@marianas.edu/.
The CNMI SBDC encourages those interested in keeping up-to-date with upcoming events follow @cnmisbdc on Instagram or CNMI Small Business Development Center Network on Facebook.
