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MANGO member makes Final 5 in SEED to Sail
Arnel Gruspe, standing, at one of MANGO’s community training on the Nonprofit Toolkit back in April. (Contributed Photo
The Marianas Alliance of Non-Governmental Organizations extends its warmest congratulations to Arnel Gruspe, MANGO member and perfect attendance participant in the Lemmai/Mei Incubator Community Training. Gruspe has been chosen as one of the final five business owners to showcase his business idea on Stemify CNMI at the SEED to Sail main event last Sept. 16.
SEED (Supporting Entrepreneurs and Economic Development) to Sail is a guided experience for start-up and early-stage businesses to create and present a pitch to support their application to receive “seed money” to fund their small business venture. This is sponsored by the CNMI Small Business Development Center in partnership with CNMI graduate students enrolled in the University of Guam Masters in Public Administration Program Class of 2023.
The competition is for aspiring and new small business owners established in the CNMI for no more than one year. Competitors will present their business pitches to a panel of seven judges. The top scorer will be awarded $20,000; second place, $10,000; and third place, $5,000 in seed money. Participants will receive one-on-one counseling through the CNMI SBDCN, build a viable business plan, and network with other community small business owners and entrepreneurs.
Gruspe says “This project counts as one of MANGO’s laurels for having those training sessions.” “The team shares the excitement as we wish Gruspe good luck in this competition,” Shawna Babauta, MANGO training manager shares. (PR)
