Building women-owned small businesses in the CNMI

The CNMI Small Business Development Center and the CNMI Women’s Association recently completed a five-week entrepreneurial course with 20 participants. In the photo are (top row, from left): Mercilynn K. Palec, Manju Pandey, Kimberly C. Camacho, Glorybel Tan, Valentina Rivera, and Roxanne Diaz. Seated from left are Materri Garcia and Sheryl Suwei. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

As part of its efforts to build entrepreneurial capacity among women in the CNMI, the CNMI Small Business Development Center and the CNMI Women’s Association recently partnered to provide a five-week training course to 20 women entrepreneurs.

The women were able to learn about the CNMI SBDC network programs and services. In addition, the participants learned about the importance of having a business plan as well as how to create one.

Participants also learned about the financial aspects of starting or expanding a business. Financing opportunities were presented by Marie Coleman of the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority, Jesus Taisague of the Department of Commerce, and Vicente Agulto and Charmaine Hofschneider of Bank of Guam.

New business owners were introduced to marketing strategies and current business owners learned more about expanding their reach through social media marketing. Valentina Rivera of Local Goodys shared her business’ goal to create a space for CNMI businesses to showcase and sell their products and services through her online website.

Guest speakers Jill Arenovski of Saipan Snaps and Yeldez Javier of Kiara’s Gift Shop & Garden shared their experiences in opening and expanding their business in the CNMI to the participants.

During the final week of the program, the participants came together to share their business’ products and services as well as a reflection on the program’s successes.

Kimberly Camacho, an aspiring business owner who completed the program, said the project was an amazing learning experience.

“Working alongside courageous women is definitely empowering,” Camacho said.

“The material and presentations were super beneficial to the process and goal of business planning. Walking into the project, I had little to no experience on how to establish and run a business but after completing the project, I feel confident enough to start the journey to own my own business one day!”

The CNMI SBDC Network and the CWA thanks all guests, partners, and participants for their part in the success of the program.

To register for free one-on-one counseling, please register at marianas.ecenterdirect.com, email mercilynn.palec@marianas.edu or call (670) 237-6888. (PR)