SAIPAN — The CNMI Small Business Development Center Network at Northern Marianas College says it has successfully concluded its 2026 CNMI Industry Day series, a three-island run designed to connect local businesses with federal and defense stakeholders and help open pathways into government and defense-related contracting.
According to CNMI SBDC, the series kicked off January 27 at Hibiscus Hall at Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, continued January 28 at Triple J’s Bar-K Diner on Tinian, and closed January 29 at the Puesto Grill Annex on Rota.
The network said each stop included discussions tailored to businesses at different stages—whether they were brand new to federal contracting or already preparing to bid.
CNMI SBDC said it partnered with stakeholders from Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) and Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), along with local business experts, to share practical information about missions, upcoming projects, procurement processes, and how CNMI-based small businesses can position themselves as competitive bidders.
Among those listed as participating were representatives from PACAF, the 766th Enterprise Sourcing Squadron, the 36th Contracting Squadron at Andersen Air Force Base, the 356th Expeditionary Theater Support Group, and NAVFAC Marianas.
CNMI SBDC also noted local contractor Glenna Sakisat Palacios of Marianas Integration LLC joined the discussion to share “real-world perspectives” on navigating federal contracting as a CNMI business.
A major feature of the series was a Networking Showcase, where CNMI SBDC clients and other local businesses exhibited their products and services directly to defense representatives, prime contractors, and industry professionals.
CNMI SBDC said the showcase was focused on relationship-building and giving businesses an accessible space to introduce themselves, exchange information, and explore future collaboration opportunities.
Participating industries ranged from food service and logistics to construction, energy, consulting, hospitality, education, media, and economic development, which highlighted what CNMI SBDC described as the breadth and readiness of the local business community.
Several local business owners described Industry Day as a practical way to meet contracting officers and learn about coming opportunities. Phillip Mendiola-Long, owner of Sherman Consulting and Tinian Fuel Services, said the event puts businesses in the room with contracting officers “from Guam, Hawaii and the US Mainland” who are interested in finding Tinian businesses to buy from.
CNMI SBDC Network Director Nadine Deleon Guerrero Kintol described the event as a push for “access, clarity, and momentum,” saying the goal is for businesses to leave informed and realistic about the process while knowing CNMI SBDC can support them step-by-step.
