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Matchmaking
Matchmaking Meeting Tips
Advanced preparation is the KEY to success.

Business Matchmaking meetings are designed to create new relationships – very seldom does one gain a contract during the matchmaking meetings, but you should use this time to begin the relationship-building process.

Make sure to take the time to research the companies you'll be meeting with and prepare concise questions, statements, and answers prior to the meetings. You have a limited amount of time to make an impact and develop a relationship. Each matchmaking interview is scheduled to last 15 minutes, so being prepared is key.

Study the tips and questions below to help you prepare:

  • Ask yourself, how do I fit in their Supply Chain?
  • Register on their Supplier Diversity Portals, if available.
  • Create a targeted Capability Statement for each Corporation/Agency you are meeting with.
  • How can you help these corporations add value to their bottom line, reduce cost, become more efficient, or solve a problem?
  • Business Matchmaking meetings are designed to create new relationships – very seldom does one gain a contract during the matchmaking meetings, but you should use this time to begin the relationship-building process.
  • Use this time to get to know the company's Procurement Officer/Buyer.

 

MATCHMAKING SCHEDULE:

  • April 17 - Live meetings from 10:00-5:00 p.m. PST.
  • April 18 - Live meetings from 8:15 a.m.-4:00 p.m. PST.

Matchmaking Questions
How do I sign up for matchmaking?

1. Registration for matchmaking is now closed. 

2. Starting Feb 1, 2024. The event organizer will start contacting you via email/phone to schedule meetings with buyers.

3. Meet your matches. Don’t forget to bring your complete capability statement and prepare your business elevator pitch.

How do you match buyers and sellers?

Utilizing The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), small businesses are able to highlight their products and services. By entering keywords into our system, you will be provided matching NAICS codes. The Matchmaking system then uses the codes as the basis of determining the buying organizations these small businesses appropriately match with in order to set appointments.

How long are the matchmaking appointments?

Appointments are in 15-minute increments with a five-minute break in between each appointment. 

What time will the matchmaking take place?

February 21 - Live meetings from 12:00-5:00 p.m. PST.
February 22 - Live meetings from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. PST.

How many appointments will I receive?

The total number of appointments will be based on how well your firm matches up to the product and service needs of the participating business representatives. Keep in mind: the more complete your seller profile, the higher the likelihood of making good matches.

Can I register for matchmaking onsite?

Due to the preparation that will go into the individual attendance and participation in the Business Matchmaking program, onsite matchmaking registrations will not be accepted.

Will small businesses be awarded contracts during Business Matchmaking?

Business Matchmaking provides unique opportunities for small businesses to meet with buyers who are motivated to award contracts and sub-contracts to smaller firms. While the program 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 – if ever – to research and schedule on their own.

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