Consulting

Navigate the path to business success with CNMI SBDC’s expert consulting services. Our experienced advisors are here to offer personalized guidance on business planning, financial management, marketing strategies, and more. Whether you’re a startup or an established business, our consulting services are tailored to meet your unique needs. Schedule a consultation today and let’s work together to elevate your business to new heights.

Nadine Deleon Guerrero

CNMI SBDC Network Director

Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero is the Network Director for the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network. Prior to assuming her current role, Deleon Guerrero served on the CNMI Cannabis Commission Board as its Chairwoman where she had direct oversight of the establishment of the CNMI’s cannabis industry. Deleon Guerrero has over 24 years of professional experience including over ten years in the construction industry. Deleon Guerrero obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a double emphasis in Public Relations and Mass Media as well as her Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Guam. 

Education Background: 

  • Masters Degree in Public Administration, University of Guam
  • Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication with a double emphasis in Public Relations and Mass Media, University of Guam 

Business Ownership Experience: 5 years

Affiliations:

  • Director, 500 Sails Board
  • Member, Rotary Club of Saipan
  • 2023 Chairwoman, Liberation Day Committee

Awards/Certifications: 

  • 2022 America’s SBDC 40 Under 40 Award Recipient 
  • Business Advisor Certification- Growth Wheel

Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec

CNMI SBDC Associate Network Director

Mercilynn Kaneshi Palec is the Associate Network Director for the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network. Prior to assuming her current role, Palec gained her administrative experience at the Saipan Chamber of Commerce as its administrator/coordinator for 4 years. Palec graduated with her Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and Bachelors of Science with an emphasis in Elementary Education from the Northern Marianas College. She went on to receive her Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Guam. She chairs the NMI Chapter of Girl Scouts and aspires to serve the community through work with vital non-profit organizations in the CNMI with a focus on women empowerment. 

Education Background: 

  • Masters Degree in Public Administration, University of Guam
  • Bachelor of Science in Education with an emphasis in Elementary Education, Northern Marianas College 
  • Associates Degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Education, Northern Marianas College

Business Ownership/Experience: 12 years 

Affiliations: 

  • Registered CNMI Artist
  • President, Girl Scouts of the Northern Mariana Islands 
  • Member, Soroptimist International Chapter of the NMI 

Awards/Certifications: 

  • 2022 CNMI SBDC State Star
  • 2022 America’s SBDC 40 Under 40 Award Recipient 
  • Business Advisor Certification- Growth Wheel

Benjamin Huk Borja

Tinian SBDC Director/Business Advisor

Benjamin Huk L. Borja is the Tinian SBDC Director/Business Advisor. Borja brings years of diverse work experience in the private sector – from manual labor in a small family-owned business, working in sales in a large retail business, to managing and operating an investment fund company. A Tinian native, Borja understands the challenging business landscape Tinian business owners experience. He now dedicates himself to empowering fellow entrepreneurs by facilitating connections between aspiring and established business owners and providing them with vital resources for success through the SBDC. Borja earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Guam.

Education Background: 

  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, University of Guam 

Awards/Certifications: 

  • 2022 America’s SBDC 40 Under 40 Award Recipient 
  • Business Advisor Certification- Growth Wheel

Diana Benavente Hocog

Acting Rota SBDC Director/Business Advisor

Diana Benavente Hocog is the Acting Rota SBDC Director/Business Advisor. She also serves as the Interim Rota NMC Director. Hocog spent two decades learning a valuable educational foundation rooted in entrepreneurship in her family’s fish market. Venturing into ownership, Hocog opened and owned a small clothing boutique on Rota for two years. Hocog now uses her passion supporting fellow entrepreneurs in connecting aspiring and existing business owners with the crucial information and resources essential for their success through the CNMI SBDC. Hocog received her Associates Degree in Business Administration from the Northern Marianas College. 

Education Background: 

  • Associates Degree in Business Administration, Northern Marianas College  

Business Ownership/Experience: 20 years 

Affiliations: 

  • Board Member, Rota Chamber of Commerce
  • Board Member, CNMI Scholarship Office
  • President, Sinapalo Elementary School Parent Teacher Student Association