Empowering small businesses, strengthening the defense industrial base

Pensacola, Fla. – The Florida APEX Accelerator, part of a nationwide network that helps businesses compete for government contracts, proudly joins the celebration of National APEX Day today, October 8. This annual event highlights the crucial role the nation’s more than 300 APEX Accelerators play in bolstering America’s industrial base through equipping small businesses with the necessary tools to thrive in the government marketplace.

“Our mission is to open doors for Florida’s small businesses and position them for success in one of the most competitive marketplaces,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida SBDC Network and Florida APEX Accelerator. “National APEX Day is a chance to celebrate the incredible impact of our program and the difference we make in helping businesses succeed in the government contracting marketplace.

National APEX Day also highlights the collaborative role APEX Accelerators play in bolstering national security and economic resilience. By equipping small businesses to deliver innovative solutions and services, the program contributes directly to a stronger supply chain for government agencies, including the Department of Defense.

The Florida APEX Accelerator, a sister program of the Florida SBDC Network, spans nine regions across Florida, with 15 consultants who work to help local businesses successfully sell their products and services to local, state, and federal government agencies. Embedded in Florida SBDC regional offices and economic development councils across the state, Florida APEX consultants provide no-cost, one-on-one consulting services.

In 2024, the Florida APEX Accelerator helped clients secure a record-breaking $596.1 million in government contract awards. The achievement earned Florida APEX the Economic Impact Award from the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) earlier this year, recognizing the program’s outstanding contribution to helping small businesses grow and compete.

Next year, the Florida APEX Accelerator will celebrate its 40th anniversary, commemorating four decades of helping small businesses navigate the world of government contracting. Since 1985, APEX Accelerators have guided businesses of every size and industry—from manufacturers and technology innovators to service providers and construction firms—through the complex world of government contracting. Over the past four decades, APEX Accelerators have been instrumental in helping tens of thousands of businesses win billions of dollars in contracts and subcontracts that fuel local economies, strengthen supply chains, and support America’s defense and infrastructure.

Visit us to learn more about how the Florida APEX Accelerator can support your business in government contracting and find out how to become a client at www.FLAPEX.org.