The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network (CNMI SBDC) at the Northern Marianas College is excited to announce the return of its highly anticipated annual event, Christmas in July — a festive summertime marketplace bringing together small business vendors and local shoppers across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
What began as a single-island celebration in 2023 on Tinian has quickly grown into a tri-island tradition. Following the success of last year’s expanded rollout, Christmas in July is back again this summer to spotlight the creativity, resilience, and hustle of our homegrown entrepreneurs.
This year’s events will take place at the following locations:
● Rota – July 11 | 5:30PM–9:00PM | Sinapalo Children’s Park
● Tinian – July 25 | 5:00PM–9:00PM | Tinian Fiesta Grounds
● Saipan – July 25 | 5:00PM–8:00PM | NMC As Terlaje Campus
More than just a vendor fair, Christmas in July was created to give CNMI’s small business owners — particularly those who operate online or from home — a valuable in-person platform to showcase their products, interact directly with customers, and build brand awareness ahead of the year-end holiday shopping season.
“Many of our entrepreneurs are creatives, crafters, and freelancers who don’t have the benefit of a physical storefront,” said Roman Tudela, CNMI SBDC Marketing Manager. “This event offers them a pop-up shop experience while giving the community a chance to shop early for the holidays.”
Attendees can look forward to a vibrant mix of gift-ready products, handmade goods, food vendors, and holiday-themed surprises — all set against a backdrop of palm trees and island lights.
Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, Network Director for the CNMI SBDC encourages clients to sign up to become a vendor once the registration period opens adding, “Christmas in July offers a unique opportunity to highlight the vital role small businesses play in our communities. By supporting local entrepreneurs during this mid-year celebration, we not only boost the local economy, but also reinforce the values of resilience, innovation, and community connection that define the holiday spirit of the season.”
For vendor inquiries or event details, contact your nearest SBDC center or follow @cnmisbdc on Facebook and Instagram. You can also contact the CNMI SBDC Network at (670) 237-6888 , via email at cnmisbdc@marianas.edu or visit cnmisbdc.com.
The CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and its programs are 100% funded by a $777,777.00 grant from the US Small Business Administration. SBDC services are provided in a nondiscriminatory way to all legal residents and citizens in the US.
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 cnmisbdc@marianas.edu. Services are extended to the public on a non-disciplinary basis.
