CNMI SBDC Helped Launch 39 New Businesses Since 2022

The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at the Northern Marianas College has helped launch 39 new businesses across Tinian, Rota, and Saipan since it achieved network status in 2022.

CNMI SBDC Network Marketing Manager Roman Tudela shared the good news at the college’s budget hearing at the CNMI legislature on Monday. He said they have been focused on taking care of the community by empowering small businesses.

Tudela also shared that CNMI SBDC has supported 1,138 jobs, infused $1.6M of capital into the local economy, and counseled and trained 691 clients. Overall, they have 1,139 registered small business clients -- 942 in Saipan, 116 in Tinian, and 81 in Rota.

“These are not just numbers. Take a look at it as lives changed, families supported, and local entrepreneurs given a real shot at growth,” he told lawmakers.

Tudela explained that the focus this year is on government contracting and procurement. He noted that they recently had more than 200 participants attend the first-ever tri-island Industry Day event connecting local businesses to federal buyers.

Tudela said the services fill a huge gap as the CNMI lacks what was formerly known as the procurement technical assistance center. They’ve held 14 federal contracting training sessions so far.

He added, “We’ve been working to ensure that our local businesses are not just left behind and are also well-positioned to compete for these federal dollars.”