Christmas in July celebrates community, small biz success on Saipan

The CNMI SBDC lead network site hosted its inaugural “Christmas in July-Small Business Night” last Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the Northern Marianas College As Terlaje Campus Building V parking lot. The event, held from 5pm to 8pm, featured 24 CNMI SBDC client vendors who showcased a diverse array of products and services, including food, drinks, desserts, toys, makeup, apparel, and jewelry.

Christmas in July was designed not only to bring the community together but also to support small businesses in preparing for the upcoming holiday season. By offering an early opportunity to engage with the community, vendors could test and refine their offerings, gather customer feedback, and increase their visibility. This event was a vital platform for small businesses to boost their sales, enhance customer relationships, and prepare for the peak holiday shopping period.

“This event highlights the resilience and creativity of our local entrepreneurs,” said Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, CNMI SBDC Network director. “By providing a platform for them to showcase their products and services, we are not only helping them prepare for the holiday season but also strengthening the bond between our small businesses and the community.”

The evening was filled with vibrant performances from the NMC Club of Artists. Local talents Chanel, Jason Lizama, and Jordan Paradise delighted attendees with holiday-themed musical performances, adding a festive atmosphere to the event.

A highlight of the night was the “Most Festive Table” competition, in which nine vendors creatively decorated their booths with holiday themes. Isla Krafty Corner won the competition, receiving a prize courtesy of CNS, Inc.—a “Small Business Christmas Company Party” lagoon cruise for four guests.

An interactive raffle drawing added excitement to the evening. Community members received raffle passports with 10 slots, each valued at $10. They were encouraged to visit vendors and make purchases of $10 or more to earn stamps. Each stamp equaled one raffle ticket, with the chance to win prizes generously donated by the participating vendors.

The success of the event was made possible by the hard work and dedication of several key players.

The CNMI SBDC extends its heartfelt thanks to the IT, Facilities & Maintenance, and Institutional Advancement staff at the Northern Marianas College for their invaluable support. It also appreciates the partnership of the Saipan Mayor’s Office and CNS Inc., whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this event to life.

A special thank you goes to participating vendors: Divine’s Essentials, Cherrymoon Co., Aoi_Neko, El Bishu, BxlBitz, Crafty Baeker, Tupu Cane Juice, Bobole’s Novelties, RoberToy, Chiku Chiku, Mind2Muscle670, Ben Ki Store, CNS Inc., Isla Krafty Corner, Lanlan Tea House, Cookie Cove, Bibi’s Crafts, NMI Artistry & Designs, TropicTreats670, LP Beauty, #Bumplife Maternity, Irie Scents, Flora Mixed-Flowers & Gifts, Samantha Salamon Photography. CNMI SBDC said their creativity and hard work brought joy and festivity to the community.

Lastly, CNMI SBDC extends its deepest gratitude to the community for their incredible turnout and continued support of the CNMI SBDC. Their participation makes events like these possible and helps CNMI SBDC achieve its mission of fostering entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses in the CNMI.

The CNMI SBDC remains committed to serving and elevating the entrepreneurial spirit in the Commonwealth. It looks forward to continuing its work to empower local businesses and contribute to the economic development of our community.

For more information about upcoming events and how to get involved, contact CNMI SBDC at (670) 237-6888 or via email at cnmisbdc@marianas.edu. You can also visit their website at www.cnmisbdc.com and follow them on social media at @cnmisbdc on Instagram or CNMI Small Business Development Center 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 on 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 adelpha.magofna@marianas.edu. Services are extended to the public on a non-disciplinary basis. (PR)