The Florida APEX Accelerator has been recognized with the Economic Impact Award by the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX). This award acknowledges the program's role in aiding Florida businesses to win government contracts, create jobs, and boost economic growth.
The Economic Impact Award is presented annually by NAPEX, which represents over 90 APEX Accelerators nationwide. It honors the accelerator that has made a significant economic impact. In 2024, the Florida APEX Accelerator helped small businesses secure $596.1 million in government contracts, marking a record for the program.
Greg Britton, state director of the Florida Small Business Development Center Network and principal investigator of the Florida APEX Accelerator, stated: “We are honored to receive NAPEX’s highest award.” He added that this recognition reflects their team's dedication to helping businesses grow and contribute to both America's industrial base and Florida's economy.
Part of a national network funded partially by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), the Florida APEX Accelerator offers specialized training and consulting services to businesses aiming for government contracts. The program aids clients in navigating procurement processes at federal, state, and local levels.
With its team of consultants across the state, the accelerator consistently delivers results and strengthens both defense and government industrial bases. Through events like local roundtables and statewide gatherings such as the Reverse Trade Show at the Small Business Success Summit, it employs a model designed to make businesses contract-ready and competitive.
Established in 1986 under the University of West Florida's leadership, this initiative was formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) before transitioning from the Defense Logistics Agency to the Office of Small Business Programs in 2022. Since then, it has focused on connecting small businesses with innovative technologies to defense applications through strategic partnerships.
For more details about their services, visit www.flapex.org.