SAIPAN — The Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (CEDA) and the Marianas State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) have opened a new Technical Assistance Program office in Oleai to help entrepreneurs apply for small business loans.
Located in Room 106 of the CEDA Building, the walk-in resource center is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays. SSBCI Technical Assistance Contractor Celena Kalp and CEDA Business Development Specialist Dexter I. Brennan provide free one-on-one guidance through every step of the Marianas SSBCI loan application process.
With $18 million available to support bank-driven loans for small businesses in the CNMI, CEDA is encouraging entrepreneurs who may be unfamiliar with loan paperwork or the SSBCI program to visit the office for assistance. “Many talented entrepreneurs in our community have great ideas but get stuck on paperwork or don’t know the program exists,” Kalp said, adding that the team is available five days a week and that walk-ins are welcome.
The Marianas SSBCI Technical Assistance Program is funded through the U.S. Treasury’s State Small Business Credit Initiative Technical Assistance Program and administered locally by CEDA. The program is designed to “level the playing field” so more small businesses can access capital to start or grow their operations.
Entrepreneurs seeking help can contact the SSBCI Technical Assistance Office at 670-488-1233 or 488-1235, mobile 670-484-2332, or by emailing c.kalp@ssbcicnmita.com or d.brennan@ssbcicnmita.com. No appointment is required during regular office hours.
