Tinian SBDC, CEDA empower local entrepreneurs

TINIAN—The Tinian Small Business Development Center at the Northern Marianas College, in collaboration with the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority, successfully hosted a comprehensive training session on loan programs aimed at empowering local small businesses.

Held at the NMC Tinian Center, the event brought together business owners seeking guidance on financial opportunities available through CEDA.

The training, led by Marie Coleman, CEDA loan manager, and Fred Cruz, CEDA loan officer, covered a wide range of financial tools and programs that are essential to the growth and sustainability of small businesses. Participants engaged in an in-depth discussion about available loan options and received valuable insights on how to access funding through CEDA’s programs.

“This training was extremely timely for our business community,” said Benjamin Huk Borja, Tinian SBDC director and business advisor, “CEDA offers much-needed financial support, and it is important that our local entrepreneurs take advantage of this opportunity to secure funds that can help strengthen and expand their businesses.”

The event included personalized one-on-one consultations, where participants met directly with the CEDA loan team to explore CEDA-related loan services tailored to their specific needs. Eric Kwon, co-owner of K-Town Coffee on Tinian took advantage of this service, stating, “I appreciate the opportunity to learn more specifics about how CEDA’s programs can support my small business. Thank you Tinian SBDC for arranging the opportunity.”

Borja also provided individual consultations on SBDC services, offering further assistance to business owners looking for guidance in business plan writing and loan application support.

The CNMI SBDC Network extends appreciation to CEDA for their partnership in offering two training opportunities this month including the recent “Exploring Commercial Loan Programs” during the

Women’s Entrepreneurship Project held on Saipan.

For more information on upcoming events or to inquire about the Tinian SBDC’s services, contact Borja at (670) 237-9211 or via email at benjamin.borja@marianas.edu. You can also reach CNMI SBDC at cnmisbdc@marianas.edu. Visit our website at www.cnmisbdc.com and follow us on social media for updates at @cnmisbdc on Instagram and 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. (PR)