A proposed business plan to build an affordable, accessible noodle restaurant specifically targeting college students won first place at the recently-held Business Plan Competition sponsored by Northern Marianas College and the Commonwealth Development Authority.

The business plan, written and prepared by Northern Marianas College student Jeane Bracken, earned Bracken a $1,000 scholarship provided by CDA. The competition was held on April 20, 2018.

The annual Business Plan Competition aims to challenge students to create innovative business proposals and to cultivate their skills and creativity in creating and sustaining a business operation.

The competition winner, Jeane Bracken, is a third-year NMC business management major.

"We are glad to be partnering with Northern Marianas College to host this business plan competition for the third year," said Manuel A. Sablan, Executive Director of CDA. "We will continue to support programs that allow students to explore business opportunities while providing them with the business training they need to make their entrepreneurial ideas successful."

Bracken's business plan focused on food options for college students. She observed that due to the location of the College, there were limited restaurant options for students that are both accessible and affordable on or near campus.

Bracken's business plan was judged using the following criteria: executing a clear, engaging, and concise summary, presentation, documentation, and response to questions. The judges of the competition included Joeten Enterprises Manager Bo Palacios, Director of CNMI Small Business Development Center Nicole Babauta, and Project Manager of N15 Architects Fred Camacho.

After winning the Business Plan Competition, Bracken shared that the scholarship will help pay for the cost of tuition in her pursuit of a bachelor's degree. Bracken will be graduating this May with an associate's degree in accounting and intends to further her education to earn a bachelor's degree in business management.

'I'm so grateful to have won the business plan competition,' said Jeane Bracken. 'One thousand dollars goes a long way to help my parents and I afford the cost of tuition.'

When asked what she gained from the experience, she shared that the Business Plan Competition helped her to see the needs of the island more critically. With the mentorship of her instructors like business instructor Bobbie Hunter, Bracken felt prepared to share her business idea that was inspired by her experience as a student and as a full-time worker.

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