TINIAN — The Tinian Small Business Development Center at Northern Marianas College teamed up with the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority to run an in-person loan workshop at the NMC Tinian Center—connecting local builders with CEDA’s loan team and straight answers on financing.
Attendees got a full walkthrough of CEDA’s financing options, eligibility, and the application path, plus an open Q&A on building business credit and getting funding-ready.
One small-business owner put it plainly: after hearing mixed chatter about CEDA before, he left “thoroughly impressed” with the team’s professionalism and clarity—and more confident about applying for a loan.
SSBCI 2.0 is a federal program administered by the U.S. Treasury that exists to push capital to small businesses, especially in rural and underserved communities. In the CNMI, CEDA runs the program so local companies can start, sustain, or scale without leaving home.
“Tinian’s business community needs access and tools,” said Tinian SBDC Director and Business Advisor Benjamin Huk Borja. “Collaborations like this give entrepreneurs the confidence and connections to take ideas to the next level—right here at home.”
CEDA echoed the push: “We appreciate every opportunity to show Tinian’s entrepreneurs how our loan programs help them hit their goals,” said CEDA’s Tinian field representative, Alexis Hofschneider.
