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Expanding Opportunities for Small Businesses: Insights from Industry Day 2026

Welcoming Remarks by Nadine Deleon Guerrero

The CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network ushered in its 2026 Industry Day with an impressive display of enthusiasm, emphasizing the importance of federal contracting opportunities. This annual event serves to fortify relationships between local entrepreneurs and military procurement officials, creating a vibrant community committed to growth.

Director Nadine Deleon Guerrero warmly welcomed all attendees, underscoring that this gathering signifies the official launch of Industry Week. She expressed her excitement, stating, “On behalf of the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network and Northern Marianas College, we are thrilled to see everyone gathered here today. Your presence demonstrates a collective commitment to growth, collaboration, and opportunity—the cornerstone values of the SBDC.”

Featured Speakers and Discussions

This year’s speakers included notable figures, such as Pacific Air Forces Small Business Program Director Ailie Souriolle, Brian Mentel, the head of business operations for the 766th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron in Hawaii, and Christine Manglona, director of business operations for the 36th Contracting Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base. Their participation highlights the dedication to serving and empowering the CNMI business community.

Deleon Guerrero expressed gratitude towards these presenters for their ongoing engagement, emphasizing their commitment to providing vital support to local businesses. She remarked, “Your presence signifies a commitment to serving the people of the CNMI and a readiness to go above and beyond for our small businesses.”

Objectives of Industry Day

The primary aim of Industry Day is to foster collaboration across various sectors while breaking down barriers to essential information. This event is particularly beneficial for small business owners eager to explore new market opportunities, startups in need of guidance, and industry partners looking to innovate collectively. As Deleon Guerrero succinctly stated, “At the SBDC, our mission is clear and potent—to assist small businesses in starting, growing, and thriving.”

Training and Support for Businesses

Throughout the years, the CNMI SBDC Network has made significant strides by delivering 140 training events that have reached nearly 1,500 clients. Among these, 497 individuals have received federal contracting training, equipping them with the skills necessary for successful participation in events like Industry Day. Furthermore, the network has counseled 350 unique clients, providing over 1,400 hours of personalized advising on islands such as Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

Deleon Guerrero encouraged participants to maximize the opportunities available through sessions and networking events, highlighting that some of the most fruitful connections often arise during informal conversations. She added, “The true value of Industry Day frequently comes not just from presentations, but from dialogue during breaks and connections forged afterward.”

Acknowledging Collaborators and Supporters

Deleon Guerrero extended her accolades to all partners and supporters involved in the event, which included prominent organizations such as Pacific Air Forces in Honolulu, the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command Marianas, local news organizations like NMI News Service, and educational institutions such as Northern Marianas College. She acknowledged, “Your collaboration and support are instrumental in bolstering our small business ecosystem in the Commonwealth. Thank you for being part of a community that champions the power of small business.”

Industry Day Events Across the Islands

Following the main event, subsequent Industry Day gatherings took place at Bar-K-Diner in San Jose on Tinian and at Puesto Grill Annex in Songsong on Rota. Each location offered a unique environment for further discussions and networking.

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Conclusion

In summary, the 2026 Industry Day served as a pivotal platform for enhancing connections and empowering local entrepreneurs within the CNMI. As Bryan Manabat, a liberal arts student from Northern Marianas College, aptly illustrated through his coverage of the event, fostering a sense of community and collaboration will be essential for the ongoing success of small businesses in the region. Embracing tools like AI legalese decoder further supports these efforts, ensuring clear understanding and effective communication in a complex regulatory environment.

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