USDA SBIR/STTR Program engages, empowers CNMI small businesses

The Small Business Development Center of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island proudly announces the successful completion of a tri-island training series on the USDA Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs. The training sessions were held to introduce these programs to SBDC clients and the wider community, emphasizing their potential benefits for small businesses in rural areas.

The training series kicked off on July 11, 2024, on Tinian, hosted by the Tinian SBDC at the Tinian Northern Marianas College Center. Tammi Neville, program specialist for the USDA SBIR Program, led the training via Zoom, providing a comprehensive overview of the program’s opportunities. The second session took place on July 18 on Rota, at the Rota NMC Center, where Melinda Coffman, USDA SBIR Program coordinator, led the training. Coffman then concluded the training series on July 26 on Saipan, at the NMC As Terlaje Campus. Tori Swann, USDA SBIR-ICF Next Outreach Support, was present at all three trainings to provide additional support and resources.

Daisy Demapan, owner of El Bishu/Bishu Marianas from the Saipan session shared, “This is a very good opportunity and I felt that Melinda Coffman was responsive to the unique questions and challenges some of us had. I am grateful for the resources they provided and their examples regarding the funding. The most challenging part for my business is the research component so I look forward to hearing back and seeing what innovations can be funded.” In regards to the opportunities that SBDC has been providing to the community, Demapan added, “I really appreciate SBDC for making this training more accessible and I encourage more small business owners and farmers and ranchers to see how they can grow their businesses.”

The USDA SBIR/STTR programs are federal initiatives designed to support small businesses in conducting innovative research and development with the potential for commercialization. These programs provide funding to support early-stage research and development in agriculture, rural development, and other areas of national priority. The goal is to foster technological innovation and to help small businesses grow and thrive, particularly in underserved and rural areas like the CNMI.

Mercilynn K. Palec, CNMI SBDC Network associate director, commented, “The USDA SBIR/STTR programs are a game-changer for small businesses in the CNMI. These programs not only provide crucial funding but also open doors to partnerships and commercialization opportunities. We’re excited to see the impact these programs will have on our local economy and the growth of our small business community.”

The CNMI SBDC Network is committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses through training, resources, and networking opportunities. The success of this tri-island training series underscores the value of these efforts and the potential of the USDA SBIR/STTR programs to drive economic development in the region.

For more information about the USDA SBIR/STTR programs or to learn how to get involved, contact the CNMI SBDC Network at (670) 237-6888 or cnmisbdc@marianas.edu 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 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 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, contact the 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)