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MATCHMAKING FAQ's

  • What is the Ohio Business Matchmaker?

    • The Ohio Business Matchmaker is the largest small business to government contracting event in the State. It's like speed dating for your business, but with scheduled appointments/matches based on a firm's capabilities and the buyer's needs.

  • When will Registration open? 

    • Buyers​ - Registration will open around March 4, 2024*

    • Suppliers - Registration will open around April 8, 2024*

      • *These dates are subject to change*​

  • Do I have to be registered in SAM.gov to attend this event?

    • No, but having an active SAM registration and CAGE code will be beneficial when meeting with federal buyers. Being registered in SAM.gov is required before you can bid on a federal contract, so you will want to have one heading into this event if you plan on meeting with federal buyers. If you do not have one or need assistance in any way, please contact your local APEX Accelerator counselor for assistance. You may find your local APEX Accelerator counselor here: https://find.govcontracts.ohio.gov/contact/​

  • I'm new to the event? What should I have prepared:

    • Do your homework! Research the agencies and primes you want to meet with.

    • Create a capabilities statement. Don’t have one, reach out to your local SBDC or APEX Accelerator for assistance.

      • Be sure to include: Certifications (8a, Service Disabled, Veteran-owned, Women-owned, HUB Zone, etc.) DUNS number, UEI number, Cage Code and NAICS.

    • Highlight your company’s qualifications and unique product or service.

    • Show your past performance of service!

  • What should I make sure I bring to the event?

    • Capability Statement

    • Business Cards

    • A brief, concise elevator pitch or talking points (how you can bring value to the organization).

    • Leave bulky marketing materials at the office!

  • When will matching open?

    • Matching will open roughly 4-5 weeks before the event. Please make sure you are registered and your profile is complete.

  • What if I don’t have any matches after I’ve registered for the event?

    • Attend the unscheduled portion of the Matchmaker.

    • Network with other firms

    • Try to leverage buyers you do meet with to discover potential points of contact you could connect with.

  • What should I know when I arrive?

    • Check in at the registration table in the McLin gym. There you will receive your name tags and schedule for the day.

    • Be on time! We start matchmaking at 10AM sharp and there is limited time to meet with your buyers.

    • Be prepared. Don’t know what to bring with you, check here.

    • Dress professionally, attire is business casual.

  • How long will I have to meet with Buyers?

    • Meetings are 10 minutes, with 5 minutes to switch to your next meeting.

  • What should I expect while meeting with Buyers?

    • Introduce yourself and present your business card, capabilities statement and brochure.

    • Tell the buyer “This is how my company can help you.”

    • Spend a few minutes introducing your company overview, then describe you products and/or services.

    • The rest of the meeting can be spent on interacting with the buyer to find out opportunities, what the next step is and how you plan to follow up.

  • What should I do after the event?

    • Send a thank you card or email.

    • Set up another meeting if needed.

    • Be proactive, agencies and primes are busy.

    • Remind them of who you are, what was discussed at the event and the next steps discussed.

    • Be patient and persistent but be professional.

  • What's the difference between Scheduled and Unscheduled Matchmaking? 

    • Scheduled Matchmaking​

      • Pre-scheduled meetings, based on NAICS codes, to help the small business identify a government buyer or prime contractor that has a specific need. Small Businesses are pre-screened and assigned to meet with a government agency or large prime contractor representatives. ​

      • Suppliers (small businesses) who have registered for the Matchmaker are eligible to do pre-scheduling. You will receive more information on how to schedule your meetings after registration. 

    • Unscheduled Matchmaking

      • Allows suppliers to meet with government agencies and prime contractors on a first-come, first-served basis. ​

      • This is a great opportunity for businesses to get in front of buyers whose schedules fill up fast or to allow those with no pre-scheduled matches still attend and get in front of our buyers. 

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