Pacific Business Partners June2025 | Page 2

PISBDCN Staff and Board Members

Celebrating Small Business

2 PACIFIC BUSINESS PARTNERS JUNE 2025
Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network University of Guam, UOG Station P. O. Box 5014 Mangilao, GU 96923 Telephone:( 671) 735-2590 Fax:( 671) 734-2002 Website: www. pacificsbdc. com
Frederick Granillo PISBDCN Network Director fred @ pacificsbdc. com Michael Taijeron, Jr. Associate Network Director michael @ pacificsbdc. com Faith Antol Network Program Associate faith @ pacificsbdc. com
Guam SBDC P. O. Box 5014, Mangilao, Guam 96923 Telephone:( 671) 735-2590 Fax:( 671) 734-2002 Email: sbdc @ pacificsbdc. com Frederick Granillo, Center Director Jarneec’ Halsey, Business Advisor Kenneth Hizon, Business Advisor / Training Program Coordinator Laurine“ Lorie” Sablan, Administrative Assistant Brian San Nicolas, Independent Contractor Business Advisor
Chuuk SBDC P. O. Box 1604, Weno, Chuuk, FM 96942 Telephone:( 691) 330-5846 Email: chuuksbdc @ pacificsbdc. com Cassandra Dereas, Business Advisor
Yap SBDC P. O. Box 1171, Colonia, Yap, FM 96943 Telephone:( 691) 350-4801 Fax:( 691) 350-4803 Email: yapsbdc @ pacificsbdc. com James Limar, Center Director / Business Advisor Geraldine Mitagyow, Business Advisor Helen Tinan, Office Manager
Palau SBDC P. O. Box 816, Koror, Palau 96940 Telephone:( 680) 587-6004 Fax:( 680) 587-1549 Email: palausbdc @ pacificsbdc. com Alfia Alfonso, Office Manager
Kosrae SBDC P. O. Box 577, Tofol, Kosrae, FM 96944 Telephone:( 691) 370-2751 Fax:( 691) 370-2066 Email: kosraesbdc @ pacificsbdc. com Skiller Jackson, Center Director / Business Advisor Emily O’ Steen, Business Advisor Emily Nena, Office Manager
Pohnpei SBDC Email: pohnpeisbdc @ pacificsbdc. com
Republic of Marshall Islands SBDC P. O. Box 898, Majuro, MH 96960 Telephone:( 692) 625-4624 Email: rmisbdc @ pacificsbdc. com Dustin Langidrik, Center Director / Business Advisor Leeno Aikuij, Business Advisor Dana Karben, Business Advisor
PISBDCN Advisory Board Phillip Reklai, Chairman( Palau) Jennifer Fowler-Hawley, Vice Chairman( RMI) Joseph Roberto, Member( Guam) Frederick Granillo, Secretary( Guam) Lee Webber, Member( Guam) James Gilmar, Member( Yap) Douglas Marar, Member( Chuuk) Dr. Anita Enriquez, Member( Guam) Christina Garcia, Member( Guam) Dr. Roseann Jones, Member( Guam) Kalistus Rengiil, Member( Guam) Yamado Melander, Member( Kosrae)

Impact: SBDC Day 2025

The Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network joined thousands of SBDCs across the nation on March 19, 2025 in celebrating SBDC Day 2025— a national movement recognizing the collective impact and success of America’ s Small Business Development Centers.

Organized annually by America’ s SBDC, SBDC Day unites the nearly 1,000 centers across the country and its territories to showcase the vital support SBDCs provide to entrepreneurs and small businesses. From expert business advising to training and access to capital, SBDCs serve as an essential resource for aspiring and existing business owners— fueling economic growth and innovation in communities nationwide.
Now in its 9th year, SBDC Day 2025 carries the theme“ Unleashing National Impact. Igniting Local Transformation”— highlighting the powerful role SBDCs play in driving meaningful change across the country while fostering growth and resilience within local communities
Pacific Islands SBDC Network Celebrates SBDC Day with Proclamation Ceremony
To commemorate this special day, the Pacific Islands SBDC Network, hosted by the University of Guam School of Business and Public Administration, held a proclamation signing ceremony at the UOG campus. The event was attended by community leaders, partners, and supporters who champion the role of small businesses in Guam and across the region.
Senator Vince Borja and Senator Tina Rose Muña Barnes from the 38th Guam Legislature presented and signed the official SBDC Day 2025 proclamation, recognizing the contributions of the Pacific Islands SBDC Network to economic development and small business success across Micronesia.
The event brought together key stakeholders, community partners and clients to celebrate the impact of the SBDC’ s mission across Micronesia.
The ceremony was also attended by University of Guam administrators including Dr. Anita Borja-Enriquez, UOG president, Dr. Sharleen Santos-Bamba, UOG senior vice president and provost, and Dr. Roseann Jones, dean of UOG’ s School of Business and Public Administration, as well as the Small Business Administration Guam Office Manager, Kenneth Lujan. Their presence underscored the collaborative spirit and regional commitment to empowering entrepreneurs through education, mentorship, and business resources.
About the Pacific Islands SBDC Network
The Pacific Islands SBDC Network serves small businesses throughout the U. S. Affiliated Pacific Islands, including centers in Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau. As part of the America’ s SBDC national network, PISBDCN delivers no-cost business advising, low-cost training, and customized support to entrepreneurs at every stage of business development.
A Legacy of Impact
Since its inception, America’ s SBDC has helped millions of small businesses grow and succeed. In 2024 alone, SBDCs across the country helped generate over 90,000 new jobs, supported more than 20,000 new businesses, and facilitated over $ 7.6 billion in capital infusion. These numbers reflect the powerful, boots-on-the-ground support that SBDCs provide daily.
SBDC Day 2025 was not just a celebration— it was a reminder of the power of collaboration, innovation, and local support. With the strong backing of legislative leaders, institutional partners, and community champions, the Pacific Islands SBDC Network reaffirms its commitment to helping small businesses succeed and thrive for years to come.
For more information about the Pacific Islands SBDC and the services offered, visit www. pacificsbdc. com.