Arkansas APEX Accelerator marks $2 billion-plus in client contracts, joins national 40th anniversary celebration
The Arkansas APEX Accelerator has played a key role in growing businesses across the state. The APEX Accelerator is hosted in Arkansas by the Cooperative Extension Service and is part of its land-grant economic development efforts.
By The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Fast facts:
- Webinar set for businesses interested in government contract work
- APEX Accelerator part of extension economic development efforts
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LITTLE ROCK — An Arkansas organization that has helped clients achieve more than $2 billion in government contracts will be celebrating a national day of success with more than 300 fellow APEX Accelerators around the country — and inviting business to get to know their resources.
Oct. 8 is National APEX Day.
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.
The Arkansas APEX Accelerator has played a key role in growing businesses across the state. The APEX Accelerator is hosted in Arkansas by the Cooperative Extension Service and is part of its land-grant economic development efforts.
"Since 2001, the Arkansas APEX Accelerator has guided businesses in winning over $2 billion in government contracts," said Melanie Berman, director of Arkansas APEX Accelerator. “We are proud, not only of their successes, but also of the successes of the clients of our fellow APEX Accelerators nationwide.”
While it may be a day of celebration, it’s still a workday as Arkansas APEX Accelerator will be hosting a webinar to help even more businesses achieve government contracts. Interested businesses may register here — https://arapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/2254 for the virtual training.
Annually, the APEX Accelerator network serves more than 62,000 businesses nationwide, helping them secure over $100 billion in government contracts. Locally, the Arkansas APEX Accelerator worked with 752 business and supported clients in winning $688 million in government contracts in 2024.
Join us in celebrating National APEX Day! To find events or register, visit https://arapex.ecenterdirect.com/events . To join the conversation on social media, follow #APEXDay2025.
About the APEX Program
Originally authorized by Congress in 1985 as the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), the APEX Program is administered by the Department of Defense’s Office of Small Business Programs. Through cooperative agreements with state and local governments and nonprofit organizations, APEX Accelerators provide training, counseling, and resources to help businesses successfully compete in the government marketplace. Learn more at napex.us.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media contact: Mary Hightower
mhightower@uada.edu