Good news for entrepreneurs: the Small Business Administration is hosting free Mentor-Protege Matchmaking Conferences in 14 cities across the US. What do these conferences offer? A chance for these small businesses to meet government contractors. They will receive actual opportunities to team with bigger businesses (and even grads of the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program.)

The conference will offer the opportunity for these small businesses to learn how to find and go after government contracts, and what it takes to market themselves to the federal government.

The SBA Plays Matchmaker For Small Businesses

Why is the SBA doing this? Although there is a steady rise in small businesses’ optimism, the government still wants to boost small business, and knows it can do so by helping them get their hands on government contracts. Why are small businesses so important to the goverment? Because, despite debates, they do create jobs and drive the nation’s economy.

Look at the SBA to also introduce it’s Mentor-Protege program, which encourages mentors to team with smaller businesses to help them with their finances, management and even look into joint ventures. The SBA will attempt to match businesses on their compatibility.

Want to attend? Register here.

Where to go? Unfortunately, the conferences have already passed in DC, Atlanta and Orlando. But these cities and dates still remain:

- Los Angeles, CA (March 21)

- Houston, TX (March 27)

- San Antonio, TX (March 29)

- Chicago, IL (April 5)

- Denver, CO (April 11)

- Boston, MA (May 10)

- Newark, NJ (May 23)

- Seattle, WA (June 7)

- Kansas City, MO (June 21)

- Sacramento, CA (July 24)

- Cleveland, OH (August 7)

Want more information? Check out what the SBA has to say here.