(Saipan, MP) – The CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network at Northern Marianas College is proud to announce the return of the Bank of Hawai‘i Small Business Revitalization & Development Grant, also known as the I Kinometi Para I Kumunidåt I Islå-ta Grant, in partnership with Bank of Hawai‘i.
This impactful initiative is designed to provide critical financial support and resources to small business owners in the CNMI. The grant aims to revitalize and strengthen local enterprises by helping them recover, grow, and achieve long-term sustainability in today’s evolving economic landscape.
Application Period: August 11–15, 2025
During this period, eligible small business owners on Saipan are encouraged to apply for funding that could play a transformative role in their operations. Completed applications must be submitted in person to the Bank of Hawai‘i – Gualo Rai Branch by 4:00 PM on August 15, 2025.
Applicants are encouraged to schedule no-cost one-on-one business counseling with the CNMI SBDC team. Advisors are available to guide participants through the application process, assist with proposal development, and ensure alignment with the program’s goals.
As part of the application process, the CNMI SBDC and Bank of Hawai‘i will host Smart Money Seminars on August 20 and 21, 2025, featuring special guest presenters Vincent Perez, Vice President and Commercial Banking Officer, and Rita C. Jugo, Vice President—both from the Bank of Hawai‘i Guam Commercial Banking Center. These expert-led sessions will cover the ABCs of Credit and provide a detailed overview of the grant program, equipping attendees with critical financial management skills and credit readiness insights. Please note: Attendance at one Smart Money Seminar session is mandatory for all grant applicants.
Training Dates & Registration Links:
● Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019178
● Thursday, August 21, 2025 – https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019179
Grant recipients will be officially announced on September 12, 2025, at the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents Conference Room.
“It is with immense pride that we continue our partnership with the CNMI SBDC for the fourth consecutive year, fostering and implementing this impactful program aimed at empowering Saipan-based small businesses. At Bank of Hawai‘i, our commitment to nurturing the growth and success of our local business community remains unwavering,” stated Rose T. Sumor, Vice President and Branch Manager, Gualo Rai Branch, Saipan.
The CNMI SBDC and Bank of Hawai‘i remain committed to strengthening the local economy by supporting the resilience, innovation, and growth of entrepreneurs throughout the islands.
Download a copy of the application by visiting: www.cnmisbdc.com. For more information on the grant, upcoming training, or business assistance services, please contact the CNMI SBDC Lead Center at (670) 237-6888 or email cnmisbdc@marianas.edu.
Follow @cnmisbdc on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates and events.
The CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and its programs are 100% funded by a $777,777.00 grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the U.S. The CNMI Small Business Development Center (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 cnmisbdc@marianas.edu. Services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.
