FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
(Saipan, CNMI) In 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Small Business Innovation
Research/Small Business Technology Transfer, or SBIR/STTR, programs awarded four billion dollars in seed funding support through eleven government agencies across the nation’s federal sector including the U.S. Department of Defense. Through a highly competitive application process, the SBIR/STTR programs offer unique seed funding opportunities for small businesses and higher institutions of research with innovative ideas to solve government agency problems, and more importantly, have the ability to commercialize their products and/or their research findings in topic areas such as AgTech, artificial intelligence, national security, biotechnology and clean energy, to name a few.
The CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, in collaboration with the Tinian
SBDC and Rota SBDC, and in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is
excited to host a series of introductory training sessions to provide a more in-depth presentation and discussion related to the SBIR/STTR programs funded under the USDA. The USDA is one of eleven agencies with direct access to SBIR/STTR funding.
Each session will feature an in-person venue complemented by online video conferencing with
off-island guest speakers contracted by the USDA. Participants will gain an understanding of the USDA’s SBIR/STTR programs, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and
strategies for leveraging these programs to support research and development efforts. These federal initiatives offer small businesses a valuable opportunity to secure seed funding for R&D projects, driving innovation and economic growth within the country.
Training Schedule:
● Tinian SBDC: Thursday, July 11, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Room D, Tinian NMC Center
● Rota SBDC: Thursday, July 18, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Room A-1, Rota NMC Center
● CNMI SBDC (Saipan): TBD
Registration Links:
● Tinian SBDC: Thursday, July 11, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019159
● Rota SBDC: Thursday, July 18, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
https://marianas.ecenterdirect.com/events/1019160
Expanding access to these programs is part of the CNMI SBDC’s efforts in ensuring our
Commonwealth is provided the same opportunities as the rest of our nation. Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, Network Director of the CNMI SBDC, expresses commitment to ensuring these
opportunities do not pass the CNMI’s innovative thinkers, “During these times of economic
uncertainty, your SBDC continues to strive in playing a proactive role in finding ways our
entrepreneurs can access capital over traditional methods of going through banking or lending
institutions. The SBIR/STTR programs provide the ability to connect our clients with the right federal agency who may support their innovative ideas. The SBDC stands ready to support clients who share the same level of commitment for innovation, and are serious about putting in the work.”
Join us and take the first step towards turning your innovative ideas into reality with the support of the SBIR/STTR programs. For more information, visit us online at www.cnmisbdc.com. You may also contact us at (670) 237-6888 or via email at cnmisbdc@marianas.edu. For the latest updates on training and events, follow us on social media @cnmisbdc on Instagram or CNMI Small Business Development Center Network on FaceBook.
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. The 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 SBDC Administrative Office Manager adelpha.magofna@marianas.edu. Services are extended to the public on a non-disciplinary basis.
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