Why Procurement 360 May Be The Best Model For Small Business In 2025
Small Business-Contractor On The Spot Matchmaking Is Good Business For All
Story By Maria Bellos FIsher // PHOTOGRAPHY BY KIM JOHNSON AND RAOUL DENNIS
Procurement 360 was a first-of-its-kind event for Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC), a matchmaking and resource summit designed to connect small and minority-owned businesses with procurement officers, contract managers, and decision-makers across local, state, federal, and private sector entities.
Themed “Your Next Contract is One Connection Away,” the event provided direct access to procurement opportunities across a wide range of industries.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage in live matchmaking sessions, attend panel discussions, and explore contract opportunities through direct dialogue with decision-makers.
The goal of Procurement 360 was to match contractors and small business owners with contracting opportunities in various areas with procurement and professionals − federal government, state government, county government, quasi-government, and anyone that was interested in doing contracting in the public and private sector.
PGCEDC asked every agency to bring their current procurement opportunities with them. Procurement officers were able to match their needs with contractors attending the event. More than 220 people participated. Attendees left the event with new opportunities.
“What's happening now in the federal government affects our community. It affects directly our neighborhood, the housing community, our neighbors, our businesses. And that's why, that's what the Economic Development Corporation does,” said Kim Andrews, PGCEDC Business Development Manager, Government Sector.
“We want to make sure that we uplift our businesses and our community, therefore impacting and uplifting our community as a whole. It affects each and every one of us. It touches my heart. It is my passion. I have a passion to help those in business strive and grow to the next level.”
