Pacific Islands SBDC Network Hosts Successful 2025 Spring Advisory Board Meeting and Staff Professional Development Conference
The Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network( PISBDCN) recently concluded a highly productive and inspiring 2025 Spring Advisory Board Meeting and Staff Professional Development Conference, held on May 7 – 8, 2025, at the University of Guam’ s Jesus & Eugenia Leon Guerrero Business and Public Administration Building.
Advisory Board Meeting Highlights
The Spring Advisory Board Meeting opened the two-day event with a hybrid session attended by board members, center directors, and PISBDCN leadership. The meeting focused on reviewing 2024 achievements, discussing current network operations, and setting the direction for the future.
Key highlights included:
• Approval of previous meeting minutes and a detailed network report.
• Personnel updates across the centers- performance reports from Chuuk, RMI, Guam, Kosrae, Palau, Yap, and Pohnpei.
• Election of new Advisory Board leadership for 2025.
• Planning for major upcoming initiatives, such as the Start-up Micronesia event scheduled for June 2025 and participation in the ASBDC Fall Conference.
• Announcement of the 2025 State Star and special staff recognitions celebrating outstanding achievements across the network.
The session concluded with lively discussions and strategic suggestions from the Advisory Board, reaffirming a strong commitment to the Network’ s mission of empowering entrepreneurs across the Pacific.
Professional Development Conference Following the Advisory Board Meeting, PISBDCN staff engaged in a dynamic Professional Development Conference designed to sharpen skills, build camaraderie, and foster innovation.
Day 1 highlights included:
• Recognition of Business Advisor Certifications and a celebratory photo opportunity.
• Updates and dry-run preparations for the upcoming Start-up Micronesia.
• An inspiring keynote address from Mr. Kenneth Lujan and Dr. Gerry Perez and energizing team-building activities.
Day 2 featured intensive training sessions:
• IBIS World and ProfitCents tools training to enhance client service capabilities.
• A hands-on session, Elevate Your Digital Expertise, focused on strengthening digital skills.
• A series of presentations on key sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, USDA programs, and
manufacturing / export opportunities.
• Planning discussions for 2025 events and strategies for maximizing the Network’ s economic impact.
Both days emphasized collaboration, innovation, and professional growth, equipping the PISBDCN team to better serve businesses throughout the Pacific region.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Spring events underscored PISBDCN’ s commitment to excellence, innovation, and client success. As the Network celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, it stands stronger than ever— ready to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and small business owners across Micronesia.
For more information on PISBDCN’ s services and upcoming events, visit pacificsbdc. com.
15 PACIFIC BUSINESS PARTNERS JUNE 2025