The Rota Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Northern Marianas College played a key role in empowering student entrepreneurs during the Shark Tank Competition held on May 9, 2025 at the Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr./Sr. High School campus.
This student competition was the result of a collaborative effort between Rota SBDC Director Charlene Manglona Ogo and Business Ownership teacher Vanee Barcinas. Together, they designed the project to give students real-world business experience, guiding them through the entrepreneurial process from concept to pitch.
In the weeks leading up to the event, Director Ogo regularly attended Barcinas’s class to conduct a series of workshops focused on developing business ideas, writing clear and compelling proposals, and preparing confident presentations for the judging panel. Modeled after the popular Shark Tank television show, the competition challenged students to pitch original business concepts to a panel of local leaders for feedback and recognition.
“Helping students turn their creative ideas into structured, thoughtful business plans was incredibly rewarding,” said Charlene Manglona Ogo. “The goal was to give them real-world experience and the tools they need to think like entrepreneurs.”
Charlene’s support and expertise were recognized by instructor Vanee Barcinas, who expressed appreciation for the partnership.
“Working with the Rota SBDC has elevated the entire experience for our students,” said Barcinas. “They brought real business insight into the classroom and gave our students the confidence and structure they needed to believe in their ideas and present them like true professionals.”
Through this initiative, eight students gained hands-on experience in market research, budgeting, and proposal writing—skills essential for any aspiring entrepreneur. The experience not only prepared them for the competition but also gave them a strong foundation for future business ventures.
The Rota SBDC’s involvement in this educational initiative reflects its broader mission to build entrepreneurial capacity and promote business development across all age groups in the CNMI. To register as a Rota SBDC client, please visit www.cnmisbdc.com or call Rota SBDC Director, Charlene M. Ogo at (670) 237-6783 or email charlene.ogo@marianas.edu.
Media Package Here (Click here to access event photos).
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. The 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 cnmisbdc@marianas.edu. Services are extended to the public on a non-disciplinary basis.
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