SBA, SCORE and HP Launch Business Matchmaking 2006
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE “Counselors to America’s Small Business,”and HP announce plans for the continuation of the highly successful Business Matchmaking initiative for 2006.
Business Matchmaking, made possible through a cosponsorship between
the SBA, SCORE and HP, matches small businesses with buyers from the
corporate sector and 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.
A new feature being launched today is called the Business
Matchmaking Online Network. 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.
“Business Matchmaking has been a tremendous success over the past
three years and I am very pleased to see the initiative continue to
grow in 2006,” said SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto. “We are
fortunate to have partners such as SCORE and HP joining us in creating
even more contracting opportunities in the public and private sectors
for small businesses. Business Matchmaking, coupled with new
initiatives such as the Online Network, take us in that direction.”
“SCORE proudly supports this vital initiative to help small
businesses reach new corporate and government markets,” said SCORE CEO
Ken Yancey. “Last year, SCORE provided expert business advice to
clients through face-to-face and online Business Matchmaking events.
SCORE will continue to provide this important service to America’s
entrepreneurs.”
“HP is committed to empowering small businesses to achieve their
vision and is proud to continue our involvement in the Business
Matchmaking initiative,” said John Dayan, vice president of marketing
and business development – Americas, Personal Systems Group, HP.
“In addition to opening doors so small businesses can make connections
with government agencies and corporations, HP is one of the largest
procurers of goods and services at these events.”
About SBA
The SBA, established in 1953, provides financial, technical and
management assistance to help Americans start, run, and grow their
businesses. With a portfolio of direct and guaranteed business loans
and disaster loans worth more than $59 billion, SBA is the nation's
largest single financial backer of small businesses. Last year, SBA and
its resource partners offered management and technical assistance to
more than 2.6 million clients. SBA also plays a major role in the
government's disaster relief efforts by making low-interest recovery
loans to both homeowners and businesses. America’s 25 million small
businesses employ more than 50 percent of the private workforce,
generate more than half the nation's gross domestic product, and are
the principal source of new jobs in the U.S. economy.
About SCORE
Since 1964, SCORE “Counselors to
America’s Small Business” has assisted more than 7.2 million aspiring
entrepreneurs and small business owners through counseling and business
workshops. More than 10,500 volunteer business counselors in 389
chapters serve their communities through entrepreneur education
dedicated to the formation, growth and success of small business.
About HP
HP is a technology solutions provider
to consumers, businesses and institutions globally. The company's
offerings span IT infrastructure, global services, business and home
computing, and imaging and printing. For the four fiscal quarters ended
Oct. 31, 2005, HP revenue totaled $86.7 billion.
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