While it is the month of love, we are not helping you find your long-term partner when we talk about matchmaking. “Government matchmaking” means meeting one-on-one with government agencies or prime contractors to hear their forecasts, what they expect to buy, challenges in filling their needs, and how they buy. Remember, the government doesn’t buy things, people do. As a business owner you have a chance to network with these people, share information about your business, create a personal connection, sell your business, and to create a potential relationship!
To maximize your opportunity during these events, here are a few tips for businesses to prepare effectively for your matchmaking event:
1. Do your homework:
Before attending a matchmaking event, research participating agencies and prime contractors to understand their needs, current contracts, and procurement trends. Put your detective hat on – which agency or agencies might be interested in what you have to sell? What have they purchased in the past?
2. Bring a capability statement and present yourself professionally
Engage with Apex to create a capability statement that highlights your business’s experience, qualifications, and unique value proposition. Bring copies to share. If emailing, save your capability statement as a PDF and with your business’s name, so a contracting officer can find it quickly. Additionally, bring business cards and/or brochures to in-person events.
3. Craft Your Elevator Pitch
Time is short during matchmaking sessions. Prepare a concise yet compelling and memorable elevator pitch with: your name and business, what problem you solve or solution you offer, what value you add, and engage your audience by asking questions and being genuine.
4. Leverage Online Matchmaking Platforms
When attending an online matchmaking event, such as the one offered to you in February, connect with other businesses or agencies over the chat. Share your contact information and download contact information so you can follow-up with future partners.
5. Follow Up!
Follow up with contacts with a brief thank you, additional information they may have requested, re-attach your capability statement, and perhaps ask a question.
Enhance your government matchmaking event by following these tips!
Wyoming Apex is inviting you to two upcoming matchmaking sessions, one online and one in person. Please see:
(No-cost, online): 2025 Midwest Matchmaker – Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network
(No-cost, in person, Casper): Government Contracting Matchmaking – Wyoming Small Business Development Center Network
Wyoming Apex Accelerator is funded through a cooperative agreement between the State of Wyoming and the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs and provides no-cost and confidential assistance to Wyoming businesses for all aspects of government contracting.