SBA and HP Small Business Foundation Play Matchmaker in the Nation's Capitol

Business Wire, April 21, 2005

WASHINGTON -- More than 800 small business owners from around the country will have an opportunity to meet face-to-face and discuss contracting opportunities with buyers from federal, state and local agencies, and large corporations, as Business Matchmaking continues April 26 at the Washington Hilton.

Business Matchmaking is a contracting initiative made possible through a cooperative agreement between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the HP Small Business Foundation. The event, which is often compared to "speed dating," gives small business owners 15-minutes to pitch their company's products or services to purchasing representatives from large companies and government agencies. Now in its third year, the program has facilitated nearly 25,000 appointments and more than $26 million in contracts.

WHAT:       Business Matchmaking

   WHO:        Available for Interviews:
               U.S. SBA Administrator, Hector Barreto
               HP Senior Vice President, Small and Medium
                 Business, Kevin Gilroy

   WHERE:      Washington Hilton
               1919 Connecticut Avenue NW
               Washington, DC 20009
               Tel: 1-202-483-3000 Fax: 1-202-232-0438

   WHEN:       Tuesday, April 26 2005
               10:00am - noon, 2:00pm - 6:00pm