THE last day to submit applications to compete in the inaugural SEED to Sail competition will be Thursday, Sept. 8, at 5 p.m.
SEED stands for "Supporting Entrepreneurs and Economic Development."
The CNMI Small Business Development Center, in partnership with CNMI graduate students enrolled in the University of Guam Master’s in Public Administration Program Class of 2023 cohort, are sponsoring the event, which will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16 at Grandvrio Resort Saipan.
SEED to Sail is a guided experience for start-up and early-stage businesses to create and present a pitch to support their application to receive “seed money” to fund their small business venture.
The competition is for aspiring and new small business owners who have been established in the CNMI for no more than one year.
Competitors will present their business pitches to a panel of seven judges, who will critique each entrepreneur based on a standard rubric provided by the CNMI Small Business Development Center Network.
The top scorer will be awarded $20,000; second place, $10,000; and third place, $5,000 in seed money.
Participants will receive one-on-one counseling through the CNMI SBDCN, build a viable business plan, and network with other small business owners and entrepreneurs in the community.
The competition is open to the general public.
To apply to compete for seed money, call (670) 237-6888, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.marianas.edu/cnmisbdc/.