The CNMI Innovation Incubator brought the community together for Love Local, a Valentine’s-themed Pop-Up Market held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Beach Road Plaza parking lot. The event welcomed families, students, entrepreneurs, and community members for an evening dedicated to supporting local businesses and celebrating the CNMI’s growing small business community.
Love Local featured innovators from the program’s first cohort alongside CNMI SBDC clients and community artists. Guests explored a wide selection of locally made Valentine’s gifts, handcrafted products, sweet treats, and specialty items — all created by small businesses within the Commonwealth. The market provided vendors with valuable exposure, direct customer engagement, and meaningful sales opportunities.
Throughout the evening, attendees enjoyed live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and prize giveaways, creating a festive and welcoming Valentine’s atmosphere. A special interactive “Show Some Love to Our Entrepreneurs” wall invited community members to share messages of encouragement and appreciation, further strengthening the connection between small businesses and the public.
“Every purchase, every conversation, and every word of encouragement reminds our small business owners that their efforts are valued within our community,” said Cherese Palacios, Program Manager of the CNMI Innovation Incubator. “Love Local provided a meaningful platform for local entrepreneurs to connect with new customers and showcase what they have built. When our community chooses to support local, it helps these businesses build momentum and contributes to a stronger, more resilient economy.”
The event reinforced the CNMI Innovation Incubator’s mission to empower early-stage startups by providing opportunities for real-world market experience. By creating platforms like Love Local, the program continues to strengthen the local small business ecosystem and contribute to sustainable economic growth in the Commonwealth.
Funded in part through a grant with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.
Cornessa Dela Cruz, owner of Chance Boy’s, serves customers her baked treats during the Love Local Valentine’s Pop-Up Market.