As part of the ongoing efforts to provide local farmers with technical assistance, the CNMI Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the Northern Marianas College recently partnered up with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to discuss agri-industry initiatives for the CNMI.
The team from IEDC, along with CNMI SBDC Director Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero, met with Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Blas Camacho and discussed the ways that all three organizations can help farmers on Saipan.
An avid farmer himself, Mayor Camacho is also an advocate for local farmers to receive incentives for commercial farming to encourage the local population to practice sustainability while providing an organic alternative for families to make healthier diet choices.
“If we want our local farmers to succeed, we must give them the tools and support they need to make a decent living,” Mayor Camacho said. “This is why I have always encouraged our government and lawmakers to see the value in crafting legislation in the form of land incentives to make it beneficial for our local families to get into the business of farming.”
Deleon Guerrero echoed Mayor Camacho's sentiments, emphasizing the CNMI SBDC Network's commitment to connecting local small businesses with external resources and technical support.
“Nurturing our local small businesses and empowering our farmers is at the heart of our mission at the CNMI SBDC,” Deleon Guerrero said. “By developing capacity and sustainability, we are building a stronger future for our community."
One of the goals and initiatives of the CNMI SBDC Network is to provide networks outside of the Commonwealth to ensure our local small businesses receive the technical support and guidance they need to achieve their highest potential. It is through partnerships with organizations such as the IEDC that helps connect our business communities with resources outside of the CNMI to develop capacity and sustainability. The IEDC through collaboration with the CNMI SBDC met with other agencies throughout the week. At the end of the week-long meetings, the IEDC will work with the SBDC to create pathways to meet goals and address challenges our local ranchers and farmers are facing in hopes to provide critical access to tools and technical resources.
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Services are extended to the public on a non-discriminatory basis.
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Given the breadth of economic development work, IEDC’s members are employed in a wide variety of settings including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. IEDC’s members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions.
From left, Associate AIF Director Britni Beck (Intertribal Agriculture Council/IEDC), Network Director Nadine C. Deleon Guerrero (CNMI SBDC), Mayor of Saipan Ramon “RB” Blas Camacho, Senior Vice President Jolene Schalper (Great Falls Development Authority/IEDC), Senior Economic Development Associate Delaney Luna (IEDC) and Director of Operations Artees Vannett (Grey Snow Management Solutions/IEDC).