Bankers and business owners by the dozens gathered at Fairfield University’s Dolan School of Business on the morning of June 4 for the “Capital Matchmaker” event hosted by the Small Business Administration (SBA) and Connecticut Small Business Development Council (CTSBDC).
Modeled after a speed dating event, representatives of banks sat at tables in one of the Dolan School’s event spaces and met with potential clients for 10 minutes. The rapid-fire meetings allowed both sides of the table to feel the other out and see if there was a spark or connection.
While business relationships are much more dependent on numbers and sound strategy, they can last as long if not longer than many romantic ones. Relationships of all stripes are based on trust and mutual respect, not least of all when it comes to loaning money.
“I came in with the anticipation of finding resources to assist me in developing and building my business plan to its fullest potential,” said Elizabeth Ruiz, the owner and CEO of Pair a Dice Clean based in Manchester. She indicated that while she’s ultimately hoping to raise between $200,000 and $1.2 million in capital for business expansion, she arrived ready to “establish relationships with individuals that we normally wouldn’t be in front of or have contact with.”