(Saipan, MP) The CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, hosted by the Northern Marianas College, is excited to announce the continuation of its partnership with Bank of Hawaii for the fifth consecutive year, bringing the “I Kinometi Para I Kuminidat I Isla-ta” Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant program to local entrepreneurs. This partnership aims to support the growth and sustainability of small businesses in the CNMI, providing them with essential resources and training.
Designed to foster economic development and innovation, the grant will award up to five (5) $5,000.00 grants to selected small businesses through a competitive application process. These funds are intended to assist businesses in revitalizing their operations, expanding services or developing new projects. The CNMI SBDC Network will facilitate the mandatory Smart Money Seminar training events for all grant applicants, ensuring they are well-prepared and informed about the grant’s opportunities and requirements.
The Smart Money Seminar training events will offer an overview of the grant and a workshop on the ABCs of Credit, a critical component for financial success. The in-person seminar will be held twice to accommodate all interested participants: the first session will take place on August 19, featuring guest speaker Vincent Perez, Vice President and Commercial Banking Officer of BOH Guam Commercial Banking Center, and the second session on August 20, with guest speaker Rita C. Jugo, Vice President of BOH Guam Commercial Banking Center. Both sessions will be held in-person from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Unit #11 of the Beach Road Plaza commercial building located on Beach Road, Garapan, Saipan.
“With businesses recovering post-Super Typhoon Sinlaku and Bavi, the much-needed infusion of capital will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the program’s awardees and their business operations. We are incredibly grateful for Bank of Hawaii’s continued partnership with the SBDC and NMC, their leadership and their commitment to giving back to the Commonwealth’s businesses through this generous grant program,” said Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, Network Director of the CNMI SBDC Network.
Applications for the Bank of Hawaii “I Kinometi Para I Kuminidat I Isla-ta” Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant will be accepted starting today until Saturday, August 15, 2026 no later than 1:00PM at the Bank of Hawaii Gualo Rai Branch located at the Springs Plaza on Middle Road, Gualo Rai.
The Smart Money Seminars will follow on August 19 and 20, 2026, with the announcement of grant recipients scheduled to take place soon after.
Applications may be accessed and downloaded from www.cnmisbdc.com , the CNMI SBDC Network’s website.
For more information about the Bank of Hawaii grant or to learn how to get involved, please contact the CNMI SBDC Network at (670) 237-9206 or email cnmisbdc@marianas.edu . Follow your SBDC on social media at @cnmisbdc on Instagram or @CNMI Small Business Development Center on Facebook to stay updated on the latest information from your Small Business Development Center.
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