(Saipan, MP) Following the productive virtual Q&A session Real Talk with SBA last Friday with Corey Williams and Raenada Mason of the Small Business Administration’s external affairs team, the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network, hosted by the Northern Marianas College, announces the return of the virtual series slated for Friday, September 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The virtual series aims to provide information coverage on CNMI businesses’ eligibility of disaster loan opportunities following President Donald J. Trump’s Presidential disaster declaration issued on August 4, 2026, post-Super Typhoon Bavi. The virtual session will allow SBDC clients a direct platform to ask questions related to SBA’s disaster loan programs available to assist business owners with recovery expenses and mitigation costs to ensure businesses build back resilient.
Webinar Details
Event: Real Talk with SBA, A Live Disaster Loan Q&A Virtual Series with the SBA and the CNMI SBDC
Who May Attend: CNMI SBDC Clients on Saipan, Tinian and Rota; anyone who is NOT a client, may contact the CNMI SBDC and be assisted with the simple, no-cost registration process
When: Friday, September 4, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Registration Link: https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019212
Where: *Once registered, the SBDC will issue the Zoom link to attend the virtual webinar
Attendance will be at no-cost; however, registration requires that attendees be a client of the SBDC. Clients may register online through accessing the SBDC website at www.cnmisbdc.com or by calling (670) 237-9206 for over-the-phone assistance. Clients on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota are invited to attend.
Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, Network Director of the CNMI SBDC encourages all those interested in learning more to attend, “These info-sessions were designed to equip business owners with clear, actionable information they can use immediately when facing disaster-related losses. Last Friday’s virtual session posed real questions from business owners seeking information that was beneficial in building confidence to understand the lending process while also providing helpful tips in making the application process less intimidating. Take advantage of this direct access to technical assistance to learn more about availing of low-interest rate loans to secure property for future disasters. Now is the time to implement mitigation projects to protect your businesses.”
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.
The 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.
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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 at CNMI Small Business Development Center Network or by visiting our website at www.cnmisbdc.com for upcoming webinars and/or in-person training events.
