Sacramento-area entrepreneurs opportunity to meet procurement professionals and public agencies at SMUD's free Meet the Buyers & Business Resources Expo
Sacramento, Calif. – Small businesses looking to expand their customer base and pursue public-sector contracts will have a chance to connect directly with purchasing decision-makers at Sacramento Municipal Utility District's annual Meet the Buyers event.
The free event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SMUD Customer Service Center, 6301 S Street in Sacramento.
Opportunity to showcase capabilities
The event gives local entrepreneurs an opportunity to introduce their companies, showcase their capabilities and learn about contracting opportunities with SMUD and other public agencies.
SMUD says its procurement activity has resulted in more than $500 million in contracts awarded to local small businesses in recent years, providing a significant source of economic activity within the Sacramento region.
Connect With Procurement Decision-Makers
Meet the Buyers will bring together SMUD representatives, existing business partners and representatives from a range of public agencies and business organizations.
Participants are expected to include the California Department of General Services, Caltrans, Sacramento County, Regional Transit and the California Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, along with more than 300 representatives from small and large businesses.
Businesses can present their products and services, provide capability statements and learn about opportunities involving construction, materials, professional services and information technology.
The event is also designed to help businesses better understand the process of becoming a SMUD vendor and establish relationships with procurement teams and potential partners.
Opportunity for Growing Businesses
For smaller companies, getting in front of purchasing officials can be one of the biggest challenges in pursuing government and utility contracts.
Carlos Costa, a veteran and vice president of Folsom-based Stanfield Systems, said SMUD's business development resources have helped his IT company gain exposure and make important connections.
"SMUD brought us to the table," Costa said. "Through Meet the Buyers, we've had direct access to procurement officers, contract managers and decision-makers who can open doors for a business like ours."
The event is intended to provide those connections in a setting where business owners can have direct conversations with the people involved in purchasing and contracting decisions.
Free Registration
Meet the Buyers & Business Resources Expo is open to businesses interested in learning more about contracting opportunities with SMUD and other participating agencies.
Meet the Buyers & Business Resources Expo
Date: Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: SMUD Customer Service Center, 6301 S Street, Sacramento
Registration is free. Businesses can learn more and register through SMUD.