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Matchmaking Service ... for Entrepreneurs and Veterans



Don't worry ... it's not the type of matchmaking service everyone dreads. This match making service - sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SCORE -Counselors to Small Businesses and HP - matches entrepreneurs with buyers from the state, local and federal governments. This is a great opportunity for veterans who want to market their business to a federal contracting company and create new contacts.

Four regional business matchmaking events are scheduled throughout 2006. The kick-off event begins Feb. 13, 2006 in Oakland, Calif., followed by events in Houston, Philadelphia and Miami.

Veterans who can't make it to these matchmaking events have another chance to meet federal contractors - online. The SBA launched a new feature of this initiative called, the Business Matchmaking Online Network. This online feature will offer web-based educational tool and other helpful links to get a veteran started.

"Business Matchmaking has been a tremendous success over the past three years, and I'm very pleased to see the initiative continue to grow in 2006," says SBA Administrator Hector V. Barreto, in a press release. "Business Matchmaking coupled with initiatives such as the Online Network, take us in that direction," Barreto adds.

Veterans Career Network

Military.com also has its version of a matchmaking service for veterans - The Veteran Career Network. This network connects veterans with more than 200,000 former servicemembers in specific companies, industries or locations. This also includes veterans working in the federal government. Additionally, veterans can view career profiles of other members in the network and create their own for other companies to view, and apply for a desired position.

The Veterans Career Network and the SBA's Business Matchmaking service are two great resources veterans can use to further their business and make new contacts. Veterans interested in taking the first step to create new business should visit, www.military.com/networking

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