(Saipan, MP) Jennifer Benavente has had a knack for creating customized and personalized decors and party planning. From knowing nothing about being an entrepreneur, she took the first step in reaching out to SBDC after seeing the Women’s Entrepreneurial Project hosted by the CNMI Women’s Association and the CNMI Small Business Development Network. From then she worked towards opening Craftify670 in June 2022 – for all your party planning and customized decoration needs.
“The reliable counseling from SBDC pushed me to take ownership of my business,” said Jennifer Benavente, owner of Craftify670.
It was SBDC’s counseling and training opportunities that propelled Craftify670 to gain traction in just one year. Jennifer started her business with just creating piñatas to being able to decorate an entire party. Revenue soon skyrocketed after being exposed to SBDC’s small businesses nights and receiving guidance on developing a stronger social media presence. Craftify670 has also landed a consignment with brick-and-mortar business, Judi’s Place.
As Jennifer continues to work with SBDC for more counseling sessions, trainings, networking opportunities, and future participation for small business nights, Jennifer hopes to build Craftify670 to a point where she is able to leave her full time job and become a full time business owner and operator.
Jennifer gives big thanks to SBDC for their reliability and dependability. She has always been able to reach out to them by phone call or email to answer any of her questions to help Craftify670 reach its full potential.
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.
