A gym at Tennessee State University became a “matchmaking room” for Tennessee businesses today.

Around 120 small, minority and women-owned businesses attended the event, which was sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.

Participants provided company and product information in an online profile. Organizers then scheduled 15 minute appointments for the small business representatives to meet with government agencies and large corporations.

Joy Twillie, whose Clarksville company supports the medical community, says the networking was valuable.

“Any great batter looks for the opportunity to get to bat, so each 15 minute is an opportunity once again to sell what you have and prove that you have what it takes in the marketplace.”

Pat Bisese, whose Oak Ridge firm provides technical support services, says the success of the event depends on how much you put into it.

“It’s only as good as the follow up. You know, it’s a great opportunity to meet a lot of people quickly–and then if you don’t follow up and make the best of it, you lose the contact and someone else gets the work.”

The event began this April at Johnson City in East Tennessee. The next stop for the event is Memphis on June 29.