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Commerce and SBA to host workshop
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Posted on Sep 14 2008
The CNMI Department of Commerce and the U.S. Small Business Administration will host a workshop aimed at helping local business people gain contracts with the federal government, a key opportunity in light of the pending military buildup in Guam.
In a statement last week, acting Commerce chief Michael Ada said representatives with SBA—an agency tasked with aiding the growth of the nation’s small businesses—will be on hand Sept. 25 at Aqua Resort Club to help businesses navigate the process of registering to work with federal officials.
The workshop, Ada said, comes as part of Commerce and the Commonwealth Development Authority’s commitment “to ensuring that the local business community is prepared to take part in the upcoming military buildup,” adding that “preparation to do business with the federal government is critical, however it can be time-consuming and intimidating.”
Guam is preparing for the arrival of U.S. military personnel now stationed on Okinawa, in Japan, who will be relocated to the island. The buildup is expected to open up major economic opportunities for businesses there and in the CNMI.
“The sooner people start the process of registering with the government, the sooner they will be eligible to bid on federal contracts,” Saipan Chamber of Commerce president James Arenovski said Friday, noting that SBA also provides low interest loans to small businesses to help them grow.
