Unlock New Contracting Opportunities at the 2026 CT Business Matchmaker

Register Here

Connecticut manufacturers and suppliers looking to grow through government and prime contracting should mark their calendars for the CT Business Matchmaker, taking place Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford.

This free, high-impact event is designed to connect businesses directly with prime contractors, government agencies, and institutional buyers seeking qualified suppliers to strengthen national and regional supply chains. The event is being organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration and co-hosted by the Women’s Business Development Council, the Connecticut Office of Manufacturing, the Connecticut Department of Economic & Community Development (DECD), and the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS)

Why Attend the CT Business Matchmaker?

The CT Business Matchmaker offers several ways for businesses to make meaningful connections and position themselves for future contract opportunities:

One-on-One Matchmaking Appointments

• Participate in structured, 12-minute meetings with buyers actively looking for capable suppliers. Using the matchmaking portal, each supplier can request up to eight targeted meetings with participating buyers.

Business Expo & Resource Hub

• Network with lenders, technical assistance providers, prime contractors, and government agencies in a dynamic environment designed to support business growth and readiness.

Free Training Workshops

• Attend expert-led sessions covering SBA resources, certifications, financing, procurement strategies, and contract readiness. Seating is first come, first served.

Buyers You Can Expect to Meet

The 2026 event features an impressive lineup of dozens of buying organizations, including:

• Major prime contractors such as Pratt & Whitney, Electric Boat, Lockheed Martin / Sikorsky, BAE Systems, Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense, Triumph Group, and GKN Aerospace
• Federal agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, U.S. Department of Transportation, and GSA
• State and local agencies including DAS Procurement, UConn, Connecticut Lottery Corporation, and municipalities such as Hartford, Stamford, and West Hartford
• Tribal Nations, including the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation



These buyers represent real opportunities for manufacturers, contractors, and service providers ready to compete in government and prime supply chains.

Event Details at a Glance:

• Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Connecticut Convention Center, Hartford, CT
• Cost: Free (registration required)

With 500+ suppliers already registered, momentum is strong—and matchmaking appointments are filling quickly.

Register Today

Registration is required to attend, schedule matchmaking meetings, and participate in training sessions.

Visit ctbusinessmatchmaker.com to register (small businesses must register as suppliers).

CONNSTEP encourages Connecticut manufacturers and supply chain businesses to take advantage of this exceptional opportunity. Whether you’re entering government contracting for the first time or expanding existing relationships, the CT Business Matchmaker can help open doors and accelerate growth.