Business Matchmaking Events Set for 2006

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA),
SCORE-Counselors to America's Small Business, and HP
have announced plans for the continuation of the
Business Matchmaking initiative for 2006. Business
Matchmaking, co-sponsored by the SBA, SCORE, and HP,
matches small businesses with buyers from the
corporate sector as well as local, state, and federal
governments. Since its inception in 2003, Business
Matchmaking has, through regional events held all
across the country, generated more than 36,000
one-on-one appointments resulting in more than $37
million in contracting opportunities for small
businesses. Four regional Business Matchmaking events
are planned for 2006. The kickoff will take place on
February 13 in Oakland, California, followed by events
in Houston (August 2), Philadelphia (September 22),
and Miami (November 16).
A new feature to the initiative, called the Business
Matchmaking Online Network, was also recently
launched. This dynamic online resource will offer
web-based educational tools including the Virtual
Business Matchmaking Workshop, monthly "webinars"
featuring procurement and supplier diversity experts,
access to important downloads of articles, and links
to helpful resources. Complete details on Business
Matchmaking, including the 2006 schedule and the new
Online Network, may be found at www.businessmatchmaking.com.