Supporting Marianas Business Growth and Entrepreneurship
On Wednesday, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing with Small Business Administration Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development Paul Fitzpatrick to discuss SBA programs that support entrepreneurs and small businesses. The SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurial Development oversees key technical assistance programs, including the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). During the hearing, I thanked Associate Administrator Fitzpatrick for the SBA’s continued support of our CNMI SBDC and Innovation Incubator. I also discussed the importance of expanding access to SBA programs in the Marianas and reforming the STEP grant program to better serve our local entrepreneurs. To aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners: even if your idea seems difficult to achieve today, I encourage you to connect with our CNMI SBDC team. Their expertise and resources can help turn your ideas into opportunities and support your journey toward success.