Connect Local GR Reverse Vendor Fair

Local governments and major institutions collectively spend millions of dollars each year on goods, services, and construction. These purchasing decisions have significant economic impact, yet many local businesses struggle to access these procurement opportunities. On the buyer side, decisionmakers frequently engage the same vendors and have limited visibility into local suppliers. Connect Local GR is designed to address this gap by strengthening access and clarity for local businesses and fostering early, meaningful connections with major buyers before bids and RFPs are released. The initiative is intentionally positioned upstream of procurement to solve for limited visibility, lack of engagement guidance, and missed connection opportunities. Anchored by local “anchor institutions” -large, place-based organizations committed to the region. We’re aiming to build a more inclusive and resilient local economy.

Connect Local GR flips the typical vendor fair model, so that buyers, rather than sellers, host the tables. Micro Local Business Enterprises (MLBES), and other local contractors & suppliers circulate through the room to learn about opportunities, registration processes, and how to engage.