Overview:
Palau SBDC is bringing the future of business advising home. At a Pacific-wide gathering of small business development professionals in Guam last month, Center Director Eustoria Borja earned a prestigious regional certification — then turned around and taught her peers how artificial intelligence is transforming the way advisors serve entrepreneurs. From AI-powered business planning to smarter client communication, Palau SBDC is leading the conversation across the Pacific.
KOROR, Palau — The Palau Small Business Development Center advanced its regional leadership role in May, earning professional certification and leading a training session on artificial intelligence tools at a Pacific-wide gathering of business advisors.
Three Palau SBDC representatives traveled to the University of Guam for the Pacific Islands Small Business Development Center Network Semi-Annual Professional Development Training and Annual Advisory Board Meeting, held May 27–28. Advisory Board Chairman Philip Reklai, Center Director Eustoria Borja, and Office Manager Delia Rae Joseph joined colleagues from Guam, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Yap, Chuuk and Kosrae.
Borja was among a group recognized for completing the Pacific Islands SBDC Network Business Advisor Certification Program, a credential that validates professional competency in delivering business advising services to entrepreneurs and small business owners.
She also led a professional development session titled “AI Tools, Trends, and Developments for Business Advisors,” introducing participants to practical applications of artificial intelligence in business counseling. The session covered how AI can improve efficiency, strengthen marketing, support business planning and enhance client communication — areas increasingly relevant as AI reshapes business operations across industries.
“The session generated strong interest,” the network noted, reflecting growing demand among advisors to understand how emerging technologies apply to economic development in Pacific Island communities.
Reklai, in his capacity as Advisory Board chairman, participated in governance sessions covering network growth, advisor development and strategic priorities for the coming year. Advisors received reports from participating centers and set direction for future initiatives.
Joseph participated in training covering cybersecurity awareness, administrative operations and technology applications, knowledge the center expects to apply to its program and operational effectiveness.
Other network training sessions addressed financial modeling using the Four Product Model, export development opportunities and intermediate Microsoft Excel skills.
The Pacific Islands SBDC Network holds professional development training twice annually to keep advisors current on industry trends and emerging technologies. The spring event also incorporates the Annual Advisory Board Meeting for governance oversight.
The Palau SBDC provides counseling, training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the Republic of Palau. (Source: Palau SBDC)
