Press Room >> 2009 Press Releases FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE COLUMBUS – Ohio Department of Development Interim Director Mark Barbash today announced that the fourth annual Ohio Business Matchmaker Conference will take place on March 18 in Dayton. The conference links small business participants with potential contracting opportunities with government agencies and prime contractors. The event, sponsored by the Department's Entrepreneurship and Small Business and Minority Business Enterprise Divisions, along with the Small Business Administration Columbus District Office, will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wright State University Nutter Center, 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway. The Entrepreneurship and Small Business Division provides innovative programs and services to Ohio entrepreneurs and small business owners through effective communication, collaboration, creativity, and technology support to encourage sustainable growth. # # # Media contacts: Eileen Turner at (614) 728-6674
March 4, 2009
BARBASH ANNOUNCES 2009 OHIO BUSINESS MATCHMAKER CONFERENCE
“We are excited to have more than 1,000 buying organizations and small businesses on hand to hold one-on-one meetings and allow professionals to discuss their products, services, and capabilities,” said Barbash. "Whether you are a buyer or seller, you will not want to miss this excellent opportunity to network with other businesses who aim to increase their sales and competitiveness .”
Business Matchmaker provides small businesses with a unique opportunity to meet with buyers and sellers of goods and services. Small businesses will present capability statements and learn about the purchasing process of buying organizations. Buyers will represent city, state, county, and federal agencies, as well as prime contractors and other organizations and businesses with combined purchasing budgets representing hundreds of millions of dollars. The deadline to register for the conference is Friday, March 13 and is $45. A box lunch is included.
In addition to one-on-one matchmaking meetings, the event offers trainings for small businesses on topics such as doing business with the government, reading solicitations, certifications and registrations, marketing to prime contractors, joint ventures, and other business teaming opportunities.
Additional co-sponsors of the 2009 Ohio Business Matchmaker are Check Ohio First, City of Dayton, Aeronautical Systems Center, Ohio Business Connection, and Defense Logistics Agency.
For more information about the Ohio Business Matchmaker Conference or to register, visit www.ohiobizmatch.com or contact Ken Klein with the Small Business Administration at (614) 469-6860 ext. 261 or via e-mail at kenneth.klein@sba.gov.
The Minority Business Enterprise Division works to create a business environment in Ohio that assists in the growth and development of minority-owned businesses, female-owned, and small businesses to help them obtain financing, bonding, and contracts in the public and private sector.
Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future.
or the Communications & Marketing Office at (614) 466-2609