The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network delivers professional, high quality, individualized business advising and technical assistance to existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs.

CNMI SBDC Network Delivers Successful 2026 CNMI Industry Day across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota

(CNMI) The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network (CNMI SBDC) at the Northern Marianas College successfully concluded its 2026 CNMI Industry Day series, spanning three islands over three days and bringing together local businesses, federal and defense stakeholders, and industry experts to strengthen pathways into government and defense-related contracting.

Industry Day kicked off on Tuesday, January 27, at Hibiscus Hall, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, continued on Wednesday, January 28, at Triple J’s Bar-K Diner on Tinian, and closed on Thursday, January 29, at the Puesto Grill Annex on Rota. Each stop offered tailored discussions and engagement opportunities designed to meet businesses where they are—regardless of size, stage, or prior federal contracting experience.

Throughout the series, CNMI SBDC partnered with key stakeholders from Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), alongside local business experts, to share practical insights into their missions, current and upcoming projects, procurement processes, and how CNMI-based small businesses can position themselves as competitive bidders.

Federal and Defense Stakeholders in Attendance Included:

Pacific Air Forces (Honolulu, HI)

  • Ailie Souriolle, Small Business Program Director

766th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron (Honolulu, HI)

  • Brian Mentel, Director of Business Operations

36th Contracting Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base (Guam, USA)

  • Christine Mangloña, Director of Business Operations

356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group, U.S. Air Force (Guam, USA)

  • Lt. Colonel Conan Alailima, Deputy Commander
  • Chief Master Sergeant Marcus O’Connor, Senior Enlisted Leader
  • MSgt Sheleena S. Cruz, Director of Acquisitions
  • TSgt Nathaniel L. Grodrian, Contracting Officer
  • SrA. Emily Rubino, Contracting Officer

Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas (Guam)

  • LTJG Justin Conte, CEC, USN, ROICC Oceania

Also joining the discussion was local contractor Glenna Sakisat Palacios of Marianas Integration LLC, who shared real-world perspectives on navigating federal contracting as a CNMI business. 

“I always refer to CNMI SBDC across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota as the CNMI’s powerhouse,” shares Glenna Sakisat Palacios, owner of Marianas Integration. “I truly appreciate the push to help our business community build the capability and capacity to enter the federal contracting space. With our economy facing real challenges, these opportunities matter, and I’m grateful for the dedication and commitment of the SBDC team.”

A cornerstone of Industry Day was the Networking Showcase, where CNMI SBDC clients and local businesses were featured as exhibitors—showcasing their products, services, and capabilities directly to Department of War representatives, prime contractors, and industry professionals.

This dedicated networking space emphasized relationship-building over transactions, allowing businesses to introduce themselves, exchange information, and explore future collaboration opportunities in a realistic and accessible setting.

Industries represented included food service, logistics, construction, energy, consulting, hospitality, education, media, and economic development, underscoring the diversity and readiness of the CNMI business community.

Featured participants included:

  • AP Group LLC (Saipan)
  • Austability (Saipan/Tinian) 
  • Bwiibwii’s Professional Lawn Care Services (Saipan)
  • Calvo Service Inc. (Rota) 
  • Casa Marianas (Saipan)
  • Chef Celena Rocks Healthy Meals and Catering (Saipan/Tinian/Rota) 
  • DFS Enterprises (Rota) 
  • FLUOR (Saipan/Tinian) 
  • Freedom Chicks Hospitality (Saipan/Tinian/Rota) 
  • Herman’s Modern Bakery Inc. (Saipan) 
  • Hong Ye Rental & Construction (Saipan/Tinian) 
  • Juan T. Guerrero & Associates, Inc. (Saipan/Rota) 
  • KKMP Foundation / Blue Continent Communications (Saipan) 
  • Latte Built 24 Hour Gym (Tinian) 
  • Marianas Pacific Distributors Inc. (Saipan) 
  • Marianas Variety (Saipan) 
  • Micronesian Air Cargo Services (MACS) (Saipan/Tinian)  
  • Modern Solar Inc. dba Fujiaire (Pacific) Air-Conditioner
  • Safety Management System (Saipan) 
  • Sherman Consulting LLC (Tinian) 
  • Sherwin Williams (Saipan)
  • Tang’s Corporation (Saipan)
  • Think Tank Pacific Solutions LLC. (Tinian) 
  • Tinian Fuel Services Inc. / Tinian Services Inc. (Tinian) 
  • Transamerica Corporation (Saipan) 
  • Triple B Forwarders (Saipan) 
  • VEGA Environmental (Saipan) 

Special thank you to our business support community partners:

  • Commonwealth Economic Development Authority SSBCI 2.0 
  • Saipan Chamber of Commerce
  • First Hawaiian Bank 

Local business participants from across the CNMI shared how Industry Day continues to create meaningful access and tangible value for companies at different stages of readiness.

“This year’s Industry Forum was an excellent opportunity for existing and new businesses on Tinian to learn about the future military contracting opportunities,” said Phillip Mendiola-Long, owner of Sherman Consulting and Tinian Fuel Services. “This single event puts you in the room with contracting officers from Guam, Hawaii and the US Mainland who are interested in finding Tinian businesses to buy from for military operations. Every year they come to Tinian. Our firm always discovers another way to expand our business in order to provide products or services for the military. We definitely look forward to next year’s event as NMC and SBDC do an incredible job organizing this Industry Forum.”

From Saipan, business owners highlighted how Industry Day supports both workforce development and business visibility while reinforcing long-standing participation in military and government projects.

“Industry Day is a great opportunity for Hong Ye Construction and Rental—not just to hire, but to let people know who we are and what we do,” said Simon Deleon Guerrero from Hong Ye Construction and Rental. “We’re a construction and logistics company that has been established since 1999, with more than 20 years of experience, including military projects. Events like this help us connect with the local workforce, whether we’re looking for carpenters, plumbers, or administrative and payroll support. It’s a valuable space to build both our team and our visibility.”

Long-established family businesses also noted the timeliness of Industry Day as federal activity continues to expand across the region.

“As a family business that has served Saipan and the CNMI since 1984, Industry Day gives Transamerica a meaningful opportunity to present our capabilities and products directly to the Department of War,” said Steven Lim, owner of Transamerica Saipan Corporation. “With an increased military presence in the region, this is a timely moment for local businesses to connect, share what we offer, and explore future opportunities.”

CNMI SBDC emphasized throughout the series that federal and defense contracting is a process, not an overnight outcome. Industry Day was designed to help businesses understand where they fit, what preparation looks like, and how CNMI SBDC can support them—whether they are just learning about government contracting or actively preparing to bid.

Benusto Lisua, owner of BwiiBwii’s Professional Lawn Care Services, shares his experience leading up to CNMI Industry Day, “SBDC introduced federal contracting opportunities to me when I was originally only planning to offer basic lawn care services here on island. Through their one-on-one counseling and guidance with SAM registration, I was able to successfully obtain my UEI and begin preparing my business to pursue larger contracting opportunities. Attending Industry Day further opened my eyes to what is possible. Hearing directly from businesses already working in federal contracting and seeing opportunities available right here in the CNMI was truly inspiring. The experience motivated me to continue growing my business and pursue opportunities I never thought were within reach.”

“Industry Day is about access, clarity, and momentum,” said Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, Network Director of the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network. “We want our businesses to leave informed, encouraged, and realistic—knowing that there is no single starting point or timeline. What matters is showing up, learning the landscape, and knowing that CNMI SBDC is here to walk alongside them every step of the way.”

CNMI SBDC extends its sincere appreciation to the PACAF and NAVFAC leadership and contracting teams, Marianas Integration, local business experts, student leader volunteers, media partners – Marianas Variety, NMI News Service, Marianas Press, KKMP, and Next Level Media, NMC IT, NMC Office of Institutional Advancement, the Saipan Chamber’s Armed Forces Committee, Commonwealth Bureau of Military Affairs (CBMA), the CNMI Innovation Incubator Program, and the CNMI SBDC Lead Center staff for their coordination, support, and commitment to strengthening the CNMI business ecosystem.

Most importantly, CNMI SBDC thanks the local businesses, contractors, exhibitors, and attendees who took the time to participate, ask questions, make connections, and take the next step—wherever that step may be—toward future opportunities.

One event. Three islands. Endless opportunities to connect, collaborate, and grow the CNMI business community.

For more information, visit www.cnmisbdc.com or contact the SBDC office at (670) 237-9206/6888 or send us an email at cnmisbdc@marianas.edu. Follow us on social media for updates: Instagram @cnmisbdc and Facebook at CNMI Small Business Development Center Network for the latest information.

Contracting Officers from the 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group out of Andersen AFB in Guam connects with local contractor and recently-awarded Prime Contractor Hong Ye Construction during the 2026 CNMI Industry Day hosted by the CNMI SBDC Network & Northern Marianas College. 
Brian Mentel, Director of Acquisitions for the 766th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron based out of Honolulu, Hawaii, connects with local business Transamerica Corporation during the 2026 CNMI Industry Day hosted by the CNMI SBDC Network & Northern Marianas College. 
LTJG Justin Conte of the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas out of Guam, USA engages with a local contractor during the networking session portion of the 2026 CNMI Industry Day hosted by the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network and the Northern Marianas College. 
The U.S. Pacific Air Forces Contracting Officers out of Honolulu, Hawaii connect with Herman’s Bakery during the 2026 CNMI Industry Day hosted by the CNMI SBDC Network & Northern Marianas College. 
Prime Contractor, Marianas Integration, LLC. Owner Glenna Sakisat Palacios, connects with local business VEGA Environmental, LLC, during the 2026 CNMI Industry Day networking session hosted by the CNMI SBDC Network and Northern Marianas College. 
Members of the general public were invited to attend the 2026 CNMI Industry Day Networking Session hosted by the CNMI SBDC Network and Northern Marianas College held at the Hibiscus Hall, Crowne Plaza Resort in Saipan. 
Ailie Souriolle, Director of the PACAF Business Program based in Honolulu, Hawaii, presents during the 2026 CNMI Industry Day hosted by the CNMI SBDC Network and the Northern Marianas College. 
Christine Manglona, Director of Business Operations for the 36th Contracting Squadron out of Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, presents during the 2026 CNMI Industry Day hosted by the CNMI SBDC Network and the Northern Marianas College. 
The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network and the Northern Marianas College teams, organizers of the 2nd Annual CNMI Industry Day, pose for a group photo with Department of Defense partners during the 2026 CNMI Industry Day event at the Hibiscus Hall, Crowne Plaza Resort, Saipan. 
Local businesses and contracting officers from the 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group out of Andersen Air Force Base connect during the 2026 CNMI Industry Day event on Rota. 
Attendees of the 2026 CNMI Industry Day pose with Rota SBDC Director Charlene M. Ogo and partners during the 2026 CNMI Industry Day event hosted by the Rota SBDC and the Northern Marianas College. 
Tinian local business owner Phillip Mendiola-Long engages with Lt. Colonel Conan Alailima and Director of the U.S. PACAF Small Business Program, Ailie Souriolle, during the 2026 CNMI Industry Day networking session hosted by the Tinian SBDC and the Northern Marianas College. 
Attendees of the 2026 CNMI Industry Day on Tinian listen intently as speakers presented information on upcoming economic opportunities and military activities on the island. 
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