Export training workshop set for today

The CNMI Department of Commerce and the Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network (PISBDCN) will host a public workshop at the Commonwealth Development Authority (CDA) Conference Room today, Sept. 25, 2019. The workshop will be held from 9am to 11:30am. Businesses interested in a personal consultation can make arrangements between 1pm and 4pm that day.

Certified export and trade counselor and certified small business advisor Fred Granillo will be conducting the workshop to educate attendees on financial strategies for international exporting.

Secretary of Commerce Mark O. Rabauliman noted that growing businesses locally and internationally is one of commerce’s long-term objectives and further expressed his gratitude to the PISBDCN and Director Denise Mendiola for making this event possible.

Fred Granillo

“Gov. Torres and Lt. Gov. Palacios remain energetic in helping small businesses grow internationally through education, access to resources and strategic partnerships. The CNMI just sponsored its first ever trade show through a federal grant known as STEP and the business relationships we gained from the Tokyo International Gift Show will provide us with momentum as we target Korea early next year. We sincerely thank our partners at PISBDCN and CDA and to Mr. Granillo, as his knowledge base will provide tremendous opportunities for the CNMI,” Rabauliman said.

Torres added that the State Trade Expansion Program or STEP is a critical state-federal partnership, funded in part through a grant from the Small Business Administration (SBA).

“Our partnership with PISBDCN and our utilization of STEP can provide financial assistance to qualified CNMI small businesses for international marketing efforts and improve commerce throughout the entire Commonwealth. I want to see our local and small businesses grow and expanding our products to the international market is possible. I strongly encourage our community to learn more about how their business can grow and use these available resources to make it happen,” Torres said.

Rabauliman added that export training is designed to help increase the number of businesses that are exporting for the first time and to raise the value of exports for those businesses that are currently exporting. Such services provided include website design, translation of marketing materials, product packaging compliance, and export training workshops. A select number of businesses can also qualify to attend a foreign trade show funded by the STEP grant.

To schedule a one-on-one consultation with Fred Granillo, or for more information about the CNMI STEP program, contact the CNMI Department of Commerce at: (670) 664-3065 ext. 125 or email your request to: cnmi.step@commerce.gov.mp. (PR)