FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

CNMI SBDC Network to Host Two-part Training Series on Becoming Procurement-ready

(Saipan, CNMI) In its efforts to expand access to economic opportunities for the Commonwealth’s business communities, the CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network is proud to announce “Federal Contracting 101: Pre-positioning Your Business to Be Procurement-ready”, a comprehensive training session designed to arm local businesses in developing their capacity towards bidding for military and/or federal contracts. 

In this two-part training series, clients will learn how to successfully register in SAM.gov, a critical component to accessing federal contracts, and how to develop Capability Statements, a necessary marketing tool for businesses to effectively communicate their business’ capacity. 

During this session, participants are asked to meet the following prerequisites prior to attending:

1. Use of Personal laptops during the session to follow along with the instructor.
2. Possession of an Employers Identification Number, or EIN, from the IRS; clients may also apply online at https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/apply-for-an-employer-identification-number-ein-online if they do not have one. It normally takes 24 hours for the IRS to issue an EIN.

This educational opportunity aims to empower attendees with the necessary skills to enhance their business profiles and compete more effectively for contracts and opportunities. To maximize on the effectiveness of the training opportunity, clients are also asked to bring electronic copies of the following:

1. Business License.
2. CUC bill, Bank statement or any Official document indicating their PHYSICAL address (NO P.O. Boxes).
3. If company is an LLC, Certificate of Existence (if you have one); otherwise, an electronic copy of Articles of Incorporation will suffice.

The following information must also be readily available on-hand:

1. Bank Account Information: Bank’s Routing Number and Bank’s Account Number.
2. Annual Revenue.

Capability Statements serve as crucial marketing tools for businesses, especially when seeking government contracts or partnerships with larger corporations. At 2:00 PM, the second session of this two-part series will offer effective ways for clients to learn how to craft impactful Capability Statements that can significantly enhance a company’s visibility and credibility, opening doors to new opportunities for growth and success.

The training session will cover essential elements of a Capability Statement including:

• Understanding the purpose and importance of a Capability Statement.
• Identifying key components to include in a Capability Statement.
• Crafting a compelling narrative that highlights strengths and capabilities.
• Tailoring Capability Statements to specific audiences and opportunities.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to learn from industry experts, participate in interactive discussions, and receive practical guidance on developing and refining their Capability Statements.

Details of the training sessions are as follows:

• Federal Contracting 101: How to Register in SAM.gov
  • Date: Thursday, May 9th, 2024
  • Time: 9:00 AM
  • Location: Room V217, Northern Marianas College Campus
  • Register Here: https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019152 
• Federal Contracting 101: How to Develop a Capability Statement
  • Date: Thursday, May 9th, 2024
  • Time: 2:00 PM
  • Location: Room V217, Northern Marianas College Campus
  • Register Here: https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019153 

Registration for the training session comes at no-cost, but space is limited. To register for this training or for more information, please contact Adelpha Magofna at 237-6888 or by email at adelpha.magofna@marianas.edu. 

Stay updated with your local SBDC by visiting our official website www.cnmisbdc.com, visit CNMI Small Business Development Center Network on Facebook, and follow @cnmi.sbdc on Instagram.

The CNMI SBDC Network promotes a business-friendly economic infrastructure in the community, builds entrepreneurial capacity and financial literacy within that community, and provides current and nascent small businesses with the technical assistance, counseling, training, and support they need to innovate, adapt, and grow. 

The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network (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 adelpha.magofna@marianas.edu. Services are extended to the public on a non-disciplinary basis.

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