What is Matchmaking and How Does it Work?

Matchmaking operates as a rapid interviewing process. The structure and flow is determined by buying organizations conducting the interview(s).

Government buyers and prime contractors will be seated at tables. Small businesses are pre-screened and assigned to meet with buyers at a specific time. These one-on-one meetings are brief. When time is up, conversations must conclude and allow for the next small business to begin. We ask that you please be considerate of the buyers' time limits and other small businesses as you would like others to do the same.
 
Based on the total available appointments, you can select unique meeting requests. However, your selection may not result in a scheduled meeting for several potential reasons(s):
 

• A buyer may not have a need for the product(s) and/or service(s) that you sell

• You may not have the certifications the buyer needs to do business

• You may not have the professional licenses a buyer is looking for to do business

• Other reason(s) relevant to the buyer

 

Keep in mind that contracts aren’t being awarded the day of this event. The matchmaker is about building your list of contacts, developing your business relationships and networking so when opportunities arise your business is better positioned to respond.​

 

What Can I Do to Prepare for the Matchmaker?
 

• Develop a Plan – Maximize your time at the matchmaker by reviewing the list of the government agencies and prime contractors who will be attending. Examine their websites. Review their recent projects and their current or upcoming opportunities. Target the buyers that are in need of the products and/or services you provide.

• Prepare your Marketing – Have up to date marketing materials you can share. Make sure your website is current and your social media is active. Bring business cards and capability statements. Practice your elevator pitch. Seriously, practice your pitch!

• Check your Registrations – Get registered with each level of government you’re targeting before the matchmaker. These are registrations are required to do business with an agency or prime, so get them out of the way in advance. Important registrations include: System for Award Management (SAM), Dynamic Small Business Search (DSBS), Maine’s Vendor Self-Service System (VSS) etc. Have current local or state certifications, bonding and insurance information.

• Connect with Maine APEX –  If you have a question about the event, or how to execute any of the three items above reach out to us at maineapex@emdc.org. You should also attend one of our pre-Matchmaker workshops/webinars (Registration links will be provided here soon).

How Do I Schedule MEETINGS?
Scheduled Matchmaking allows small businesses to identify a government buyer or prime contractor that has a specific need. The small businesses are pre-screened and request to meet with a government agency or large prime contractor representatives. 
Selecting preset appointments with buyers:

 

• During registration you’ll provide NAICS codes for the types of products and/or services you currently provide. These will be matched with buyers with needs for similar NAICS codes.

• Approximately 14 days prior to the matchmaker all registered small businesses will receive pre-scheduled meeting instructions in an email. This is where you will request appointments with specific buyers. You must pre-schedule before receiving a confirmed schedule.

• A confirmed schedule of the preset appointments will be created and emailed to small businesses no later than 5:00pm on Wednesday, May 14. 

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