THE CNMI BOOST or Building Optimism, Opportunities, and Stability Together Program under the Office of the Governor has awarded 431 small businesses, fishers, farmers, and ranchers throughout the islands a total of $10.585 million, according to the program.
There were 241 small businesses that received a total of $10.49 million, while 190 fishers, farmers and ranchers were awarded a total of $95,000.
Out of the 4,227 applicants, 1,729 were small businesses, 68 were nonprofit organizations and 2,430 were part of the Fishers, Farmers, Ranchers Program.
Of the 1,729 small businesses, 1,425 were located on Saipan, 204 on Tinian and 100 on Rota.
These small businesses included auto repair, auto rental, home rental, bed and breakfast, construction, boat charter, restaurants, bakeries, cafes, clothing stores, hotels, apartment rentals, and wholesalers.
There were 62 applications from nonprofit organizations on Saipan, four on Tinian and two on Rota.
The BOOST Fishers, Farmers, Ranchers Program had 1,761 applicants on Saipan, 411 on Tinian, and 258 on Rota.
The agricultural initiative, BOOST Fishers, Farmers, Ranchers Program aims to promote food and nutritional security, protect and promote traditional cultural practices, and diversify and revitalize the economy for those engaged in commercial activity.
BOOST funds are extended to fishers, farmers, and ranchers who produce for sale and trade. A BOOST subsistence stimulus of up to $500 is available for applicants who fish, farm, or work on a ranch for personal consumption.
Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, BOOST is financial assistance to businesses and nonprofit organizations in the form of grants and business coaching initiated by the Office of the Governor, the CNMI Department of Commerce, and the CNMI Department of Finance.
A committee composed of representatives from these three entities review the applications, then make recommendations to Gov. Ralph DLG Torres for final approval.
A total of $12 million is available through this program, with no specific allocations for each of the senatorial districts.
For more information, visit https://www.boostcnmi.com/.
