Hafa Adai, Tiroowami, and Welcome! to the site of the newest Division within the Department of Commerce:  The CNMI Small Business Development Center.  The SBDC is a collaborative effort between the Department of Commerce, Pacific Island Small Business Development Center Network, the University of Guam, the Commonwealth Development Authority, and the Small Business Administration.  What we offer is:

SMALL BUSINESS COUNSELING
The CNMI-SBDC provides free, confidential, one-to-one counseling in all areas of business management, including concept development, pre-venture feasibility, business plan development, marketing, record keeping, financial and human resource management, operations management, and access to capital (loans & investors), as well as specialized areas such as international trade and technical services.
This service is available to all existing and/or potential small business owners/managers that are US citizens, green card holders or citizens of a US affiliated nation.
Because the SBDC maintains links to small business resources through its membership of the U.S. Association of Small Business Development Centers (ASBDC), its partnership with the U.S. SBA, the National Business Incubation Association, and other economic development groups regionally and internationally, we are able to refer local businesses to high- quality external sources of information and ideas.

SMALL BUSINESS TRAINING
The SBDC will be offering an ongoing program of workshops, conferences, and seminars all designed to meet the needs of local small businesses. Courses range from introductory workshops for those just starting out in business to advanced programs aimed at enhancing the growth potential of established businesses. Training courses are presented at low cost and are offered at either the SBDC training center or other convenient, central locations based on demand. Check back with us to get up-to-date information.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CENTER
The SBDC provides access to relevant business information through resources offered at its training center, including:

• A growing small business library
• Computer laboratory soon to be in place
• Government & local business resource information

COMMUNITY / VILLAGE OUTREACH
The PISBDCN is available for presentations to schools, village organizations, and community groups. We offer programs ranging from youth entrepreneurship and how to get started to the pros and cons of small business ownership, and tailored presentations upon request.

The DIRECTOR
The Director of the CNMI-SBDC is Gary A Liddle.  Gary is an entrepreneur and business developer with an extensive background in a large variety of industries in multiple countries.  His roots are in the retail and service sectors, having begun his work history in the family business in California at age six.  He’s a family man with two, grown children living on the West Coast.  And he is pleased to be here and pleased to provide whatever confidential services you need that the Center is capable of providing.

The CNMI Department of Commerce’s Small Business Development Center is hosting an informal Open House this coming June 15th from 9 to 1130 am.  This is an opportunity for the public to stop by, enjoy some local produce and cold drinks, and become acquainted with the SBDC site, its services and ask questions of its staff, Gary (Director) and Tracy (Assistant).  We are currently located at the Department of Commerce on Capitol Hill, ground floor in the center of the building.