Previous Story
Arden Sablan is the new SBDC chief
The Small Business Development Center on Saipan has a new director, Arden Sablan, who was introduced yesterday during the Saipan Chamber of Commerce’s general membership meeting at the Hyatt Regency Saipan Ballroom.
Sablan later said in an interview that he assumed the director position roughly two weeks ago, after former SBDC director Nicole Babauta stepped down to pursue other endeavors.
In recognizing Babauta for her contributions to SBDC, Sablan said he has “amazing shoes to fill.”
Arden Sablan
“I’d like to say that Nicole Babauta [has] been a tremendous community service model, and I wish to carry on her legacy to the best of my ability in conjunction with her. I’m glad she was able to be that guiding light, currently still is in some fashions, to allow me to perform my duties better and be a better community service member. She’s amazing, and I have two amazing shoes to fill,” said Sablan.
Sablan himself was a small business owner and served in the U.S. Marine Corps for nine years.
Sablan also shared at the Chamber meeting that Bank of Hawaii’s $5,000 Small Business Revitalization and Development Grant is now accepting applications.
Sablan said that five grants up to $5,000 will be awarded to “those who wish to expand their business locally and looking for a funding source.”
Small business owners with a successful track record in business operation or management and who have not yet been a recipient of the Small Business Revitalization and Development Grant are invited to submit applications by Friday, Aug. 6, 2021.
SBDC is currently located at the Northern Marianas College As Terlaje campus’ Building P, and is open from 8am-5pm, Monday to Friday. It can be reached via phone at (670) 237-6888 or via email at cnmisbdc@pacificsbdc.com.
