1st Annual Houston Business Matchmaker, March 6

The University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network will host The 1st Annual Houston Business Matchmaker at 8: 30 a.m., March 6 at Houston Community College – Southeast Campus. 

The event is targeting small to large businesses and federal, state and local government agencies looking for qualified vendors to provide goods and services, as well as suppliers who can meet the businesses and government agencies purchasing needs. Suppliers must have been in business for at least two years to qualify for possible matches. Matches are not guaranteed.

During pre-scheduled, one-on-one, 15 minute sessions, small businesses will have the chance to discuss how they can meet the needs of the participating buyers by providing detailed information of their services and capabilities. This event will match companies based on buyer requirements and supplier capabilities to ensure quality meetings. Buyers and agencies include, Chevron, Centerpoint Energy, Shell, MD Anderson Cancer Center, UTHealth, City of Houston - Public Works & Engineering, BMC Software Inc., Air Liquide USA, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Port of Houston Authority and many more. 

"This event is an invaluable source for government agencies, prime contractors and small businesses," said Steve Lawrence, Executive Director of the UH Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network. "Our primary focus is to help these businesses gain exposure, create connections, share information and build strong relations for contracting."

In between matchmaking meetings, participants will have the opportunity to attend the following business breakout sessions: Secrets to Loan Approval, Reach Customers Online with Google, Best Hiring Practices, Understanding Federal Government Procurement Methods and Procedures, and Websites 101. Taught by industry experts, these breakout sessions will deliver quick bursts of solutions and business tips. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

The agenda is as follows: 

• Registration: 8:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

• Welcome and Opening Remarks: 9 a.m. to 9: 30 a.m. 

• Matchmaking Meetings: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

• Best Hiring Practices: 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (RM 217) 

• Secrets to Loan Approval: 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. (RM 218)

• Understanding Federal Gov. Procurement Methods and Procedures: 11 a.m. to noon (RM 218)

• Reach Customers Online with Google: 11 a.m. to noon (RM 316, adjacent building)

• Lunch: Noon to 1 p.m. 

• Websites 101: 1-2 p.m. (RM 217)

• Reach Customers Online with Google: 1:15 p.m. to 2: p.m. (RM 316, adjacent building)

• Event Concludes: 3:30 p.m.

To attend the 1st Annual Houston Business Matchmaker event, register here. Registration is required. The SBDC will host this event in conjunction with Houston’s Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Houston Business Journal.