Matchmaker 2018 Registration for Large      Business/Prime Contractor Buyers 

Small Business Matchmaker

Join us as a Buyer!

2018 Small Business

Matchmaker

May 9, 2018

What is SBA’s Buffalo District Small Business Matchmaker?

Matchmaking is just one of the District’s initiatives for supporting procurement opportunities for local small businesses. This unique event provides Small Business Concerns with the opportunity to have face-to-face contact with Small Business Specialists from government agencies, as well as with Small Business Liaison Officers (SBLOs) from large prime contractors. Our mission is two-fold; to connect small businesses with government agencies and prime contractors and to assist agencies and primes in fulfilling their procurement goals.

What is the format for the Matchmaker Appointments?

Each meeting is ten (10) minutes in length which includes time for the small business to move to their next appointment. Government agencies and prime contractors will have one appointment sheet per Buyer Representative. (Most organizations send more than one Buyer Representative to increase their exposure to new small business contacts) Approximately one hour before the event begins, small businesses “sign in” with the Buyer Representatives they are interested in meeting.

Note: Prior to the event SBA will provide each pre-registered small business with a Buyer Description List that details the goods and services each government agency or prime contractor is interested in procuring. Small Businesses are encouraged to select appointments based on their compatibility with the buying needs of the federal agencies and prime contractors.

What can I expect when I arrive at 7a.m. on May 9, 2018?

Buyer Representatives  are directed to their assigned table which will contain their Matchmaker appointment sheet(s). Once set-up, please help yourself to the complimentary refreshments.

After a brief introduction and explanation of the Rules of The Day at 7:45am, small businesses will begin their selected appointments at 8:00am. In addition to the Buyer Representatives, various federal, state and local Resource Partners will also be available to assist the Small Businesses during the event.

What are the advantages of participating as a Buyer?

Our Matchmaking event can help your organization meet its statutory subcontracting goals and build a strong diversified supply chain. In addition, taking the initiative to “Buy Local” will strengthen our community’s economy by supporting and creating area jobs.

Will companies be given contracts during the event?

Our Matchmaking event provides unique opportunities for small businesses to meet with prime contractors and government agencies in a way not previously possible on such a large-scale basis. While the event doesn’t guarantee contracts, simply because of the nature of the normal bidding process between buyers and suppliers, it does create opportunities for small businesses to hold personal, one-on-one meetings with potential clients that would have taken weeks or months to schedule on their own.

How do I register?

The cost of the event is $50.00 per prime contractor. Each organization registered may send up to two Buyer Representatives. A continental breakfast will be provided for all attendees.

Questions?

When: May 9, 2018 7:00 AM –1 2:30 PM

 Where: Salvatore's Italian Garden

6461 Transit Road

Depew, NY 14043

 Register and pay online before May 9

 SBA’s participation in this Co-Sponsorship is not an endorsement of views, opinions, products, or services of any Cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs or cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for person with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. Contact SBA, 130 S. Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo NY 14202, (716) 551-4301.

Register Now!