After success with its small-business matchmaking program, the Small Business Administration has launched an online version of the initiative that offers educational training and monthly seminars.

SBA said its Business Matchmaking Online Network will give small businesses access to Web-based educational tools and workshops on procurement and supplier diversity.

“Business Matchmaking has been a tremendous success over the past three years, and I am pleased to see this initiative continue to grow in 2006,” said SBA administrator Hector Barreto earlier this week.

SBA launched the program in 2003 through a partnership with SCORE, a Washington-based advocacy and counseling group for small businesses, and Hewlett-Packard Co.

The initiative matches small businesses with buyers from the corporate, federal, state and local sectors.