The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at the Northern Marianas College was invited to facilitate training during a breakout session at the 2nd Annual Set SAIL Conference held on April 13, 2023 at the Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan. The breakout session was titled Side Hustle without the Hassle: CNMI SBDCN Programs & Services. Facilitating the training were CNMI SBDC Associate Network Director, Mercilynn K. Palec, and CNMI SBDCN Marketing Manager/Outreach Specialist, Roman Tudela. 

The Set SAIL (Students, Advocacy, Inclusion, and Leadership) Conference is a student leadership event hosted by the Northern Marianas College Office of Student Activities and Leadership.

The CNMI SBDCN pivoted this outreach opportunity to demonstrate the attainability of pursuing higher education at the Northern Marianas College in conjunction with starting a small business with support from the CNMI SBDCN. With 32 participants in the training, Associate Network Director Mercilynn K. Palec conducted a training session with interested students to become clients in order to receive CNMI SBDCN services.  

This is one of many outreach efforts to inform current and potential new small business owners of the CNMI of the services available at the CNMI SBDCN. 

Disclaimer: The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network (CNMI SBDCN) comprises the CNMI SBDC lead center located in Saipan, the Rota SBDC, and Tinian SBDC. CNMI SBDCN 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 charmaine.hofschneider@marianas.edu. Services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.