Governor's Address
Governor Palacios addressed MBN members directly — a historic moment that affirmed grassroots business advocacy has a seat at the table in the CNMI.
January 2025Driving Economic Excellence Across the Marianas
The Marianas Business Network is a grassroots nonprofit unifying small businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders across the CNMI, Guam, and the Western Pacific.
Est. 2024
Founded
35+
Vendor Events
CNMI & Guam
Active Regions
$0
Membership Fees
Built by the Community, for the Community
Co-founded in 2024 by PK Daigo and Aileen Arnold, the Marianas Business Network was created to fill a critical gap in the CNMI's business ecosystem. Unlike other business organization groups, MBN doesn't charge a membership fee — but we love to collaborate with nonprofits, government, and other organizations to move our ecosystem forward. MBN is open to everyone — small business owners, freelancers, photographers, side-hustle entrepreneurs, and anyone looking to grow.
We believe economic empowerment starts at the grassroots level. Through free educational seminars, government dialogues, networking mixers, and our flagship Marianas Business Showcase, MBN has become one of the most active and innovative business organizations in the Marianas.
From Saipan to Guam and beyond, MBN is building the infrastructure for a connected, resilient Pacific Island economy — one relationship at a time.
"I want to be a solution to the island and not somebody who is going to sit back and not take action in regards to our economy and help one another."
Marianas Business Showcase
The largest grassroots trade show in the CNMI — built by the community, for the community.
February 23, 2025 — Inaugural Event
A Day That Proved What the Marianas Can Do
The inaugural Marianas Business Showcase at Crowne Plaza's Hibiscus Hall was a resounding success. Over 35 local vendors filled the floor — from food and beverages, beauty services, printing, and party rentals to woodworking and island crafts. Doors opened at 8 AM and the energy didn't stop until 5 PM. The overwhelming support from the business community proved that when you build something real, people show up.
Co-Chairs
PK Daigo & Sonya Dancoe of SP Dancoe & Associates
Free and open to the public, the Showcase was about more than commerce — it was about connection. Face-to-face marketing, conversations about products, getting to know neighborhood businesses. The kind of community building that no app or website can replace.
Live Mainstage Demonstrations
Trench Tech Purebred Saipan
10:00 AM
Beyer Woodworking & Tree Services
11:00 AM
Macaroons by Crowne Plaza
12:00 PM
Latte Built
1:00 PM
Voices of the Marianas
2:00 PM
Dae Jang Kum Korean Restaurant
3:00 PM
Charline House of Beauty
4:00 PM
Calling All Vendors!
Want to showcase your business at the 2nd Annual Marianas Business Showcase in November 2026? Booth space is limited. Fill out the vendor application form to secure your spot.
Where Government Meets Small Business
MBN has earned the trust of the highest levels of CNMI government, creating a direct bridge between policymakers and the small business community.
When Governor Palacios chose to address MBN members before any other business organization in January 2025, it signaled something important: MBN is not a peripheral voice in the CNMI — it is a central one. His trust in our mission gave us the confidence to keep building — and his legacy continues to inspire everything we do.
Dept. of Commerce Partnership
The CNMI Department of Commerce is an official sponsor and collaborator, co-elevating MBN's mission as a key economic development partner.
Official SponsorSecretaries of Labor & Commerce
Cabinet-level government officials have spoken at MBN's collaborative dialogues, creating a direct channel between business owners and policymakers.
Featured SpeakersFree for All
Every MBN event, seminar, workshop, and networking session is completely free to attend. No membership fees. No barriers. Open to everyone.
Zero CostSonya P. Dancoe, P.E.
Founder & President, SP Dancoe & Associates, LLC — A woman-owned engineering firm leading infrastructure development across the CNMI.
Sonya P. Dancoe, P.E., is the founder and president of SP Dancoe & Associates (SPDA Pacific) — a federally registered, woman-owned and HubZone-certified civil engineering firm based on Saipan. With over 25 years of engineering experience across both private and government sectors, Sonya has built SPDA into one of the CNMI's most trusted names in infrastructure.
Sonya was a co-creator of the first-ever Marianas Business Showcase in 2025 — a landmark event that brought together 35+ vendors and hundreds of community members at the Crowne Plaza Hibiscus Hall. As she put it: "We felt that we needed something, an event that would invite our community together and at the same time embrace the businesses that are around our community and help our economy."
Major CNMI Infrastructure
Saipan International Airport Taxiway Rehabilitation, Tinian & Rota airport projects, Hopwood Middle School A&E review — SPDA delivers critical projects on time and under budget.
Commonwealth Ports Authority25+ Years of Excellence
A Michigan State University-trained civil engineer, Sonya served as Highway Administrator & Chief Engineer at CNMI DPW, overseeing $20M+ in federal highway funding and 30+ infrastructure projects.
Engineering LeadershipCommunity Leader
Former President of the Rotary Club of Saipan (2020–2021), MBN co-organizer, and active champion for women in engineering and small business across the Marianas.
Rotary • MBNEnvironmental Stewardship
NEPA compliance, environmental assessments, quarry reclamation planning — SPDA brings sustainable engineering practices to every project across the CNMI.
NEPA • PermittingUrgent — Deadline March 15, 2026
2026 CNMI Prevailing Wage Study
The CNMI Department of Commerce is calling on all businesses and stakeholders to participate in the 2026 Prevailing Wage Study. The data collected is the primary foundation used to establish prevailing wage rates across the Commonwealth. Your input ensures fair, accurate wage standards that reflect the true economic realities of the CNMI workforce.
Data collection is open March 1 – March 15, 2026. Inaccurate or incomplete participation can lead to wage data that does not truly reflect the current economic landscape. Please submit your data and forward this to fellow business owners.
A Legacy of Action
From government dialogues to full-scale trade shows, MBN has built an unmatched record of real events with real results for the business community.
Year 2024–2025
Jan 2025
Governor's Address & Networking Mixer
Governor Arnold I. Palacios addressed MBN members at 6:00 PM, followed by a networking mixer — a landmark moment for grassroots business advocacy in the CNMI.
Feb 2025
Marianas Business Showcase
Full-day flagship trade show at Crowne Plaza's Hibiscus Hall — 35+ local vendors spanning food, beauty, printing, and party rentals. Free and open to the public, 8 AM – 5 PM, with live demonstrations throughout.
2025
A Collaborative Dialogue
Empowering small businesses through a direct dialogue with the CNMI Secretaries of Labor and Commerce. Business owners engaged government leaders on challenges and opportunities.
2025
Tax & Audit Seminar + Funding Workshop
Free professional development covering tax compliance, audits, financial best practices, creative funding strategies, social media health, and alternative business growth pathways.
Year 2025
Dec 2025
Marianas Business Showcase Open House
MBN hosted an open house at the Crowne Plaza Saipan — bringing together the business community for networking, vendor displays, and a celebration of local entrepreneurship heading into the new year.
Year 2026
Jan 2026
Guam Expansion Event
MBN's first official event on Guam — featuring introductions to 2026 committees and opening MBN's network to the Guam business community.
2026
Mixers & Workshops
More networking mixers, professional development workshops, and community events are being planned for 2026. Stay tuned for announcements.
Sip Happens
The official happy hour show of the Marianas Business Network — real conversations with real business owners across the CNMI.
Hosted by PK Daigo, Sip Happens brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, and community leaders for unfiltered conversations about business, life, and everything in between on island.
Catch the show live on the NMI News Service Facebook platform, and view past episodes on the NMI News Service YouTube channel.
Beyond the CNMI
MBN is not just building a business network — it is building the economic infrastructure of the future Western Pacific.
"When JFK said 'Don't ask what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country,' it's the same thing with our islands here."
In Loving Memory
Governor Arnold Indalecio Palacios
August 22, 1955 — July 23, 2025
10th Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Before MBN had a track record, before anyone knew our name, Governor Arnold I. Palacios believed in what we were building. On January 9, 2025, he walked into our event at the 360 Beach Club in Susupe — not as an obligation, but as a champion. He addressed our members directly, spoke to the heart of grassroots business, and lent the full weight of his office to a movement that many had dismissed.
He chose MBN. He saw in us what we were still learning to see in ourselves: that the small businesses, the side hustles, the freelancers, and the dreamers of the Marianas are the real backbone of this economy. His presence that evening was not a photo opportunity — it was a declaration that the voices of everyday entrepreneurs matter at the highest level of government.
Governor Palacios passed away on July 23, 2025. The CNMI lost a public servant of unwavering integrity, compassion, and quiet strength. But his legacy endures in every MBN event we hold, every small business owner we support, and every bridge we build between community and government.
We carry his belief forward. Every day.
With deepest gratitude and enduring respect,
The Marianas Business Network Family
In the News
MBN's work has been recognized across Pacific Island media, documenting our impact on the region's business community.
Pacific Island Times
Military buildup in CNMI offers opportunities and poses challenges
February 2025
Read Article
Marianas Variety
Marianas Business Showcase to feature over 35 local vendors and live demonstrations
February 2025
Read Article
NMI News Service
Marianas Business Network Hosts Year-End Vendor and Business Mixer
December 2025
Read Article
Marianas Variety
Family-friendly business showcase to bring island residents face-to-face with vendors, products, and services
February 2025
Read Article
Boots on the Ground, Together
We believe in collaboration — it's all boots on the ground to move this economy into the next chapter for our islands. MBN is proud to work alongside these organizations.
Collaborative Partner
CNMI Small Business Development Center
The CNMI SBDC Network provides guidance, training, and support to foster the growth and success of CNMI small businesses — a natural ally in MBN's mission.
cnmisbdc.com →Workshop Partner
Rota Chamber of Commerce
MBN has partnered with the Rota Chamber to deliver workshops and resources to the business community on Rota — extending our reach across the CNMI.
rotachamber.com →Our Sponsors
MBN is made possible by the generous support of community leaders, businesses, and government partners who believe in the power of economic unity.
Department of Commerce
IT&E
Eagles Construction
Atkins Kroll
Calvo's Insurance
Paradise Dental
Tan Siu Lin Foundation
Crowne Plaza Resort
KG International Group
SP Dancoe & Associates
KI Executive Group
KI Tech
Office of Sen. Celina Babauta
Office of Rep. Marissa Flores
Interested in sponsoring MBN's next event? We'd love to partner with you. Get in touch →
Join the Movement
Whether you're a small business owner, an entrepreneur with a side hustle, a freelancer, or simply someone who believes in the power of community — MBN has a place for you. Every event is free. Every voice matters.
Phone
Office
2nd Floor, Agingan Lane
San Antonio Village, Saipan, MP 96950
San Antonio Village, Saipan, MP 96950
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
The Marianas Business Network is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to drive economic excellence and business empowerment across the CNMI, Guam, and the wider Marianas — free and open to all.
2nd Annual Showcase
Marianas Business Showcase — Fall 2026
Technology-focused. Community-driven. Get notified when details are announced for the most exciting business event in the Marianas.