SAIPAN — The CNMI Small Business Development Center (CNMI SBDC) Network has been selected as an official Neighborhood Champion for American Express’s Small Business Saturday, which will take place this year on Saturday, November 29.
Small Business Saturday, created by American Express in 2010, is a nationwide movement encouraging consumers to shop at small, independently owned businesses during the holiday season. The campaign highlights the role small businesses play in driving local economies, supporting families, strengthening communities, and preserving the unique character of neighborhoods across the country.
As a designated Neighborhood Champion, the CNMI SBDC Network will launch a local awareness campaign urging residents to “Shop Small” across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The Network will also distribute free Shop Small merchandise provided by American Express to its SBDC clients to help increase visibility and community participation leading up to and on Small Business Saturday.
“Small Business Saturday is more than a date on the calendar – it reflects the very same people we uplift and support through our program and in our dedication of service to our clients who serve the communities we live in,” said Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol, CNMI SBDC Network Director. “Being a Neighborhood Champion helps us shine a spotlight on the incredible businesses that fuel the CNMI. We invite our entire community to show their support, shop local, and uplift the small business owners who make our islands thrive.”
The CNMI SBDC’s campaign will run from November 24–29, with participating businesses sharing promotional messages, storefront signage, and online content to encourage local shopping throughout the islands. Residents are encouraged to support small businesses in any way they can, from shopping in person to ordering takeout, booking local services, or promoting favorite shops on social media.
