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.

Saipan to Host No-cost, In-Person Mentor-Protégé Program Workshop

SAIPAN, CNMI — Local businesses in the Northern Mariana Islands will have a unique opportunity to accelerate their growth by learning how to do business with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). A no-cost, in-person Mentor-Protégé Program workshop will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Garapan, Saipan.

Hosted by Nipoa (NIPOA Standard) and Global Resources Solutions (GRS) on behalf of the Air Force Office of Small Business Programs, this full-day workshop will provide insight into federal contracting opportunities with the Pacific Air Forces and broader DoD.

Participants will:

  • Learn how to do business with the DoD, including contracting strategies with the Pacific Air Forces.
  • Hear directly from Air Force and DoD leaders about the Air Force Mentor-Protégé Program and how local businesses can team up with mentors to scale successfully.
  • Engage with a Small Business Resource Panel, featuring the CNMI SBDC Network and real-world protégé success stories and best practices.

The workshop is presented in collaboration with the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at the Northern Marianas College. Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, Network Director of the CNMI SBDC emphasizes, “This event represents the NMC and CNMI SBDC’s commitment to providing more accessible pathways for our small businesses to equip themselves for federal contracting opportunities. The training will offer the education and opportunities for mentorship needed to broaden awareness and the scope of requirements for businesses to adhere to in order to be federally-compliant with DOD and federal agency regulations.” 

This event is no-cost to attend, but in-person attendance is required, and pre-registration is highly encouraged to reserve your seat.

Attendees may register by scanning the QR code on the flyer or by texting/calling (670) 483-3278 via phone or WhatsApp.

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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. 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.

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