As part of a new partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, The Latino Coalition (TLC) will host a “B2B National Procurement Matchmaking” event during the 2011 America’s Small Business Summit that will connect hundreds of small business owners with procurement officers from government agencies and Fortune 500 companies.

“American small businesses and the U.S. Chamber have a strong partner in The Latino Coalition,” said Tom Collamore, senior vice president of communications and strategy and counselor to the president at the U.S. Chamber. “We’re looking forward to connecting Summit attendees with companies and agencies capable of steering major contracts to their businesses.”

According to the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2009 Small Business Procurement Scorecard, 21.9% of contract dollars, or about $97 billion, went to small businesses, falling short of the government-wide goal of 23%. Only 9 of the top 24 federal agencies reported improved performance in 2009 over their 2008 figures.

“We are honored and excited as we launch this groundbreaking collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” said TLC Chairman Héctor V. Barreto, former director of the SBA (2001-2006). “Our national network of hundreds of thousands of minority-owned small and medium-sized businesses will not only benefit from the breadth of services and experience the U.S. Chamber offers, but will also add to its strength and influence throughout America.”

The 2011 America’s Small Business Summit, held May 23-25 in Washington D.C., will bring together more than 500 small business owners, managers, and entrepreneurs from across the country to network, learn, and advocate for policies that support small business growth.

Learn more about the Summit and sign up for updates at www.uschambersummit.com.