THE CNMI Women’s Association has launched its “Women Entrepreneurs Project,” aimed at empowering local women to pursue business ownership.
The project provides entrepreneurial workshops, resources, tools, and business networking support to promote “Leadership through Business Ownership,” in line with CWA’s mission to empower women for leadership as guardians of the CNMI’s assets, both tangible and intangible, including political, economic, and social leadership.
Twenty women have registered to be the first cohort of the WEP training sessions.
CWA said it looks forward to helping to sustain and grow this group in the long-term, especially in close collaboration and partnership with a key entity like the Northern Marianas College-Small Business Development Center.
CWA said it anticipates working in partnership with government agencies, such as the Commonwealth Development Authority and the Department of Commerce as well as banking institutions in the next few weeks and beyond as the entrepreneurship program develops itself long-term.
The first cohort will undergo training in financing, marketing, growing a small business, and completing their respective business plans.
Mercilynn Palec, interim director, NMC-Small Business Development Center, conducted the first day of training. The women entrepreneurs-in-training introduced themselves, their business ideas, and their current business operations. Then they brainstormed and drafted business plans, and planned their next steps.
“The experience was incredibly positive. It was an exciting moment when all the women and the speakers were all engaged. I loved every second. Meeting others with the same goals as mine was amazing,” said Valentina Rivera, a business owner and WEP Cohort 1 participant.
CWA acting administrator and WEP program assistant Dorina Iginoef said the first training day was exciting.
Also joining the first day of training was CWA founder and board treasurer, former Rep. Felicidad Ogumoro.
“CWA strives to help our women succeed in whatever they do. Our ‘Women Entrepreneurs Project’ is meant to allow our women become self-sufficient and self-sustaining,” she said.
CWA said it is excited to stand strong and support island women in moving forward.
CWA will encourage women to participate in rebuilding the islands by creating a local economy that fills the islands’ needs, in hopes of creating more profitable and sustainable small businesses.
The WEP training takes place every Wednesday from June 8 to July 6 at the CWA Women’s Center on Capital Hill.
These are the remaining sessions:
– “How to Finance Your Business” by CDA’s Marie Coleman and Commerce’s Jesse Taisague, June 15.
– “Marketing Your Business,” June 22.
– “Growing Your Business,” June 29.
– Business plan presentation by each participant, July 6.
Participants will also jump-start their business journey with counseling and mentorship along the way.
The CNMI Women’s Association is a federally recognized tax exempt 501(c)3 non-profit Organization established in 2011 and is governed by a seven-member board of directors.
The WEP is funded through a two-year grant under the American Rescue Plan Act and the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds Program, through the CNMI Office of the Governor and the Department of Finance.
Donors that would like to support the CWA’s mission or women who are interested in becoming a CWA member are encouraged to contact the nonprofit organization at (670) 233-8978, via email at cnmiwomen@gmail.com or via Facebook.
Some of the 20 registered CNMI Women’s Association-Women Entrepreneurs Project participants pose for a photo on the first day of training with, from left, Dorina Iginoef, CWA acting administrator, Roxanne Diaz, a consultant working with CWA on the project, and Mercilynn Palec from Northern Marianas College-Small Business Development Center, in red standing, back row, 2nd right.
CNMI Women’s Association founder Felicidad Ogumoro talks about the importance of women owning their own business to be self-sustaining and self-sufficient.
