(Saipan, MP) The CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, hosted by the Northern Marianas College, in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and Island Training Solutions (ITS), successfully conducted a comprehensive four-part workshop series focused on disaster recovery financing and long‑term business resilience. The training drew local business owners and provided practical guidance on Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), Property Damage Loans (PDL), documentation best practices, application procedures, and strategies for financial recovery and future preparedness. The four-part series was led by SBA’s Public Affairs team Raenada Mason and Natalie Butz, and long-time professional trainer and SBDC contractor, James Arenovski.

Tania P. David owner of Isla Shreds expressed, “I am grateful to the SBDC and SBA for hosting these workshops at an opportune time when our small businesses are experiencing loss through damaged properties and hardship. I found these workshops to be extremely beneficial and useful in completing the application process. The information presented was clear and concise and will assist me in understanding the correct way to submit information as part of the application process.”

Business owner, Yvette Sablan, also shared her experience with the series, “Attending these workshops helped me gain confidence with the submission process. The training presenters were extremely patient and knowledgeable in their delivery of program information, which I appreciate as the loan process can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the procedural steps necessary to complete your submission. Thank you, SBDC for hosting these workshops for small businesses. I’m grateful to have attended all the weekly sessions thus far as I walk away armed with valuable knowledge to assist me with future SBA applications.”

Key Highlights:

• Expert-led sessions with SBA explained eligibility criteria, uses, and differences between EIDLs and PDLs, including timelines and interest/repayment terms.
• Step-by-step guidance was provided on compiling required documentation (tax records, payroll reports, insurance claims, proof of ownership/occupancy, and damage assessments) to expedite SBA reviews.
• Hands-on application assistance included walkthroughs of SBA forms and tips for submitting complete, accurate applications to reduce processing delays.
• Financial recovery and resilience modules presented by James Aeronovski, owner of ITS, covered cash‑flow management, accessing additional funding sources, insurance coordination, creating or updating disaster response plans, and implementing operational changes to withstand future disruptions.
• One-on-one advising sessions were offered by the SBDC’s advising team after the presentations to address attendees’ individual circumstances and next steps.

“Understanding loan options, preparing proper documentation, and planning for resilience are critical to speeding recovery and protecting livelihoods. We were thankful to work hand-in-hand with the SBA and ITS in providing detailed guidance in submitting applications and offering practical and actionable disaster recovery solutions,” said Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, Network Director of the CNMI SBDC Network.

SBA Disaster Loan Eligibility Requirements 
Following President Donald J. Trump’s Presidential Disaster Declarations #21743 and #21744, the SBA continues to have a presence on all three islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota. In response to the disaster declarations, SBA announced the availability of low-interest federal disaster loans to the Commonwealth’s businesses, private non-profit organizations, and residents affected by Super Typhoon Bavi occurring July 4-12, 2026.

The most recent declaration covers Rota, which is eligible for both PDLs and EIDLs. In Saipan and Tinian, small businesses and most private nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply only for EIDLs. Interest rates can be as low as 4% for businesses, 3.625% for private non-profits, and 2.875% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA determines eligibility and sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

“Through a presidential declaration, SBA provides financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, Associate Administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We offer disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses, and private nonprofits affected by the disaster.”

To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. 

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The CNMI SBDC Network encourages business owners to stay abreast of upcoming SBDC events and opportunities by following us on our social media pages on Instagram @cnmisbdc or Facebook @CNMISmallBusinessDevelopmentCenterNetwork or by visiting their website at www.cnmisbdc.com for upcoming webinars and/or in-person training events that will cover similar topics for those interested in participating, but could not attend the Network’s June sessions following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

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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. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.