As part of the ongoing efforts to empower women entrepreneurs in the Commonwealth, the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network (CNMI SBDCN) at the Northern Marianas College (NMC) and the Commonwealth Women’s Association (CWA) will be hosting the third cohort of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Project. This project aims to provide a nurturing environment for female entrepreneurs to thrive and succeed in their business endeavors.
The Women Entrepreneurship Project is a flagship initiative focused on promoting women's entrepreneurship, economic growth, and fostering self-sufficiency. With a vision to empower women in the business world, Cohort three will mark another significant milestone in creating a network of successful female entrepreneurs.
"A diverse workforce is an innovative workforce, and in a world where the number of female CEOs and in other positions of leadership are steadily growing, it is now more important than ever that we cultivate our women to rise with confidence and excel through empowerment,” CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine Deleon Guerrero said. “The Women's Entrepreneurship Project caters to our women leaders in the workforce who seek a safe space to express challenges and learn through development. If you are a woman in business or looking towards starting one, join us for this four-day program where we aim to sharpen your skills through learning about the intricate workings of social media, writing a business plan and becoming more proficient in understanding financial statements.”
The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at the Northern Marianas College has been a steadfast supporter of fostering business growth within the region. The collaboration with the Commonwealth Women's Association brings a depth of expertise and dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, resources, and a platform for women to connect and learn from each other.
"This program furthers CWA’s mission to empower CNMI’s women entrepreneurs, ignite dreams, foster success, and build a thriving community," CWA Vice President Jessy Loomis said.
The Commonwealth Women's Association, known for its dedication to advancing the rights and opportunities for women, is eager to contribute its expertise and resources to help women entrepreneurs thrive. The collaboration underscores the importance of fostering gender diversity and inclusivity in the business world.
Cohort 3 of the Women Entrepreneurship Project will offer a tailored program that includes the following trainings:
Monday, October 23, 2023
SBDC 101: An Intro to SBDC Services (& an overview of training sessions)
Overview: Welcome to SBDC 101, your gateway to understanding the invaluable services provided by Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business owner looking to grow, SBDCs offer a wealth of resources to support your journey. In this introduction, we'll explore the core services provided by SBDCs and how they can be instrumental in your business success.
Guest Speaker: Roman Tudela, MBA (CNMI SBDCN Marketing Manager/Outreach Specialist)
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Brick & Mortar to Click & Order: Social Media Edition
Overview: In the digital age, the transition from a traditional brick-and-mortar business to an online presence is crucial for sustained growth. This module, "Brick & Mortar to Click & Order," focuses on harnessing the power of social media to propel your business into the online realm. Let's explore how strategic social media usage can elevate your brand, reach new audiences, and drive online sales.
Guest Speaker: Roman Tudela, MBA (CNMI SBDCN Marketing Manager/Outreach Specialist)
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
Mind your Business Plan: Basics of Writing a Business Plan
Overview: Welcome to "Mind Your Business Plan," a comprehensive guide designed to demystify the process of crafting an effective business plan. Whether you're launching a new venture or looking to refine your existing business strategy, a well-crafted business plan is your roadmap to success. In this training session, we'll walk through the essential elements of a business plan and provide practical insights to help you articulate your vision and attract stakeholders.
Guest Speaker: Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec, MPA (CNMI Small Business Development Center Network Associate Network Director)
Thursday, October 26, 2023
Show Me the Money: Financial Literacy
Overview: Welcome to "Show Me the Money," an interactive presentation aimed at demystifying the world of finance and promoting financial literacy. In this session, we'll explore essential financial concepts, empowering you to make informed decisions about your money, whether for personal finance or business. Let's dive into the fundamentals that will help you navigate the financial landscape with confidence.
Guest Speakers: Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, MPA (CNMI Small Business Development Center Network Director) with representatives from the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (CEDA) and SBA- Backed Lender, First Hawaiian Bank (FHB)
The Women Entrepreneurship Project invites aspiring and established women entrepreneurs to join Cohort 3 and seize the opportunity to take their businesses to new heights. To register for one or all of the trainings, please refer to the following links:
Monday, October 23, 2023: SBDC 101: An Introduction to to SBDC Services https://marianas.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023: Brick & Mortar to Click & Order: Social Media Edition https://marianas.
Wednesday, October 25, 2023: Mind Your Business Plan: Basics of Writing a Business Plan https://marianas.
Thursday, October 26, 2023: Show Me the Money: Financial Literacy https://marianas.
Attendees must be a registered SBDC client. At the end of the cohort session, Certificates of Completion will be issued; however, the attendee must be present at all four sessions to receive a certificate. If for whatever reason the attendee misses a day of the program, they may still attend the other sessions - but will not be issued a Certificate of Completion. Please call (670) 237-6888 for more information.
The CNMI SBDC Network promotes a business-friendly economic infrastructure in the community, builds entrepreneurial capacity and financial literacy within that community, and provides current and nascent small businesses with the technical assistance, counseling, training, and support they need to innovate, adapt, and grow.
The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network (CNMI SBDC) Network comprises the CNMI SBDC lead center located in Saipan, the Rota SBDC, and Tinian SBDC. CNMI SBDC Network is partially funded by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Northern Marianas College. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA. Requests for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Language assistance services are available for limited English proficient individuals with at least two weeks advance notice. For arrangements, please contact your local SBDC at P.O.Box 501250 Saipan, MP 96950, Tel: (670) 237-6888, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Services are extended to the public on a non-disciplinary basis.