For nearly 30 years, MassHousing Trade Fairs have provided a venue where diverse small businesses can connect with potential opportunities with general contractors, property managers, government procurement officials and others in attendance. 

Recent Trade Fairs have featured a matchmaking session, providing more tailored and direct access to those opportunities. The concept is simple: diverse small businesses meet one-on-one with prospective client organizations who are in need of their particular skills. Each session lasts 15 minutes, and small businesses can potentially meet with multiple customers. 

The interactions benefit both buyer and seller of services.

"The matchmaking for us was huge," said Philip Abrams, Procurement Manager with The Community Builders. “We are in the process of setting a meeting with one of the subcontractors and are looking to use him. It was a great experience."