Guam Unique Merchandise and Arts hosted a graduation ceremony for 51 businesses that have completed the 16-week training and mentoring program.
The ceremony took place on May 31 at the former Planet Hollywood at the DFS Galleria.
The program is in collaboration with the Pacific Islands Small Businesses Development Center Network that helps aspiring entrepreneurs understand the basics of running a small business.
This cohort featured artists, crafters, farmers, and home bakers among others.
Marvin Crisostomo, chief executive officer of Local Jerk Guam, a GUMA incubated business, said that one of the biggest takeaways for the entrepreneurs in the program is building a network.
Vanessa Chargualaf is the owner, alongside her husband, Christopher, of Goats & Giggles Petting Zoo & Karabao Rides, one of the businesses celebrated at the graduation.
She said that everyone she met in the GUMA program had something that she could benefit from and that establishing a network is a must.
"You can’t do this alone,” she said.
Chargualaf said that she benefited greatly from the knowledge of knowing where to start when making your own business.
“There’s so much into building, starting a business that not everybody knows about,” she said. “[GUMA encourages] you a lot, they want you to build your dream, to have a goal, and at the end, succeed at your goal.”
Jonah Babauta, who created Modern CHamoru, also felt that networking was a key component during his time in the program.
“The training is great, but it’s really the networking with the people and involving the inafa’ maolek spirit,” he said. “For example, I would ask a question in our group chat, and someone would respond immediately. We have likeminded individuals, all from different walks of life.”
Modern CHamoru seeks to utilize CHamoru cultural elements in products to expand its reach outside of Guam.
Babauta said that he learned a lot about himself and his business while in the program and that learning about other people in his cohort helped him navigate the best path forward as a business owner.
Moving ahead, Chargualaf is excited about what the future has for her business, now with GUMA’s support.
“Right now as we graduate, [possibilities] are limitless,” she said. “There’s so many benefits from it, and we’re excited to see where we go next.”
For Babauta, it’s bittersweet.
“Now that it's finished, I’m happy, because I was happy in the group, but now I’m on to my next chapter of my business.”
Monica O. Guzman, executive director of GUMA; told the Journal that the next step for some of these businesses is to get incubator funding.
The incubator program allows businesses to receive support from GUMA through startup funding and more training and mentoring from experienced business owners. The program culminates in a “Shark Tank” presentation before GUMA’s board of directors in October.
Both Babauta and Chargualaf both intend to apply for incubator funding and encourage future and current business owners to apply for the program. mbj