Maryland APEX Accelerator

The Maryland APEX Accelerator team had a great experience at the annual NAPEX Fall Conference in Washington, D.C., last week. This event is always a valuable opportunity for learning, networking, and connecting with our colleagues from across the country. We returned with fresh insights and ideas, energized to support our mission of helping businesses navigate government contracting.

November events at the Maryland APEX Accelerator look great for government contractors!
https://mdapex.ecenterdirect.com/events

Last week, Maryland APEX Accelerator counselor, Richard Paden, spoke at the DOD/UMBC BWTech event which hosted Maryland Small businesses applying for SBIR/STTR Programs. Learn more about how the BWTech program assists tech companies at https://bwtech.umbc.edu/

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GREAT NEWS! SBA is once again open for business for most new 8(a), SDVOSB/VOSB, WOSB/EDWOSB, and HUBZone applications. Visit https://certification.sba.gov to start your application.

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Calling all DOD contractors in Prince George's County! You are invited to join our upcoming information session for DoD contractors in Prince George’s County, brought to you by MoveAmerica, Maryland APEX Accelerator, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) on October 23.

This fully-funded, 12-month, no-cost program is designed to help businesses achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and NIST SP 800-171 compliance. During the information session, we will cover:

- An overview of the 12-month program and how it benefits DoD contractors
- How to meet CMMC and NIST SP 800-171 standards with no cost to your business
- Risk mitigation strategies to improve your cybersecurity posture
- Workforce development and training opportunities tailored to your business needs
- How the partnership with APEX Accelerator Maryland will enhance the support and resources provided
- The application process and key milestones for participation.

This session will provide you with everything you need to know about this unique opportunity to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses and enhance your position in the defense contracting industry. Secure your spot now and protect your business for the future! https://mdapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/15318

WEBINAR ALERT! Supplemental SBIR award financing – Technical and Business Assistance - October 10, 10am EST.

Did you know that $19.5 million in SBIR funding is going largely unclaimed? More than half of the MD SBIR awards allow optional supplemental funds for “Technical and Business Assistance” efforts or TABA. These funds are designated to cover things like regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and other legal and business issues more related to commercial applications than technical development.

Obtaining TABA funding is not automatic, and rules vary dramatically between agencies and between branches of the same agency. Join us at 10AM on October 10 to discuss the details of “How to Get Free TABA Funds”. https://mdapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/15281

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and a great time to brush up on your cybersecurity knowledge. For helpful resources, including trainings, assessments, blogs, and toolkits, see this resource list compiled by DoD Small Business. https://bit.ly/47OhBTb

What a great turnout this week for our 'Doing Business with the State of Maryland' class taught by Eduardo Hayden from the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs. Thanks to their support our clients got an intensive 2 hour lesson on how to become more successful contracting with the state. A special shout out to the Bowie Senior Center for hosting a great space!

Celebrate National with us by joining an exclusive virtual Q&A session on October 9 at 3pm EST featuring one of our expert procurement specialists! https://mdapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/15313

Don't miss out on any of the great training on offer at the Maryland APEX Accelerator this October.

https://mdapex.ecenterdirect.com/events

WEBINAR ALERT! SBIR/STTR with NAVSEA - September 25, 10am EST.

Are you a small business looking for non-dilutive funding? Learn how the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) can help you transform your innovative ideas into cutting-edge technologies with funding through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Programs. This webinar provides the goals of SBIR and STTR, explains the three phases of the program, outlines eligibility requirements, and elucidates NAVSEA's schedule for soliciting proposals.

https://mdapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/15246

Another happy MDAPEX client!

SAVE THE DATE! Join us on Wednesday, October 9th, to celebrate National APEX Day!

APEX Accelerators from all 50 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, are uniting to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of small businesses that have thrived thanks to the training and support of their local centers.

Understanding & Responding to RFPs, September 11 at 10am EST. Learn to navigate the maze of Federal Contracting Opportunities to grow your business. This course provides an overview of RFPs, how to analyze them, determine bid/no-bid posture, and the necessary steps to submit a response. https://mdapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/15215

The Small Business Administration posted a request for input in the Federal Register on 3 rule changes:

• Clarification of HUBZone regulations aimed at streamlining recertification.
• Implementation of EO 14112 to improve funding for Tribal Nations.
• Changes to rules for mentor-protégé joint ventures, particularly their eligibility for multiple award contracts.

See more: https://www.regulations.gov/document/SBA-2024-0007-0001

We have some great virtual training and outreach events in September. What are you signing up for?

https://mdapex.ecenterdirect.com/events

Congratulations to our clients for their recent wins. We are so proud of you!!

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX) and our Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator are teaming up for THREE FREE webinars this month:

*For an introduction to DARPA and its role in product innovation and national security, join us on August 14 by registering here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__RTLbfGNSFaQj8kPUdojsg

* To learn about DARPA's small business programs and funding opportunities, please register here for our August 21 event: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wgJqtAWMS2qJrx3D0W_OJA

* On August 28, we'll explore DARPAConnect and other resources to help underrepresented, diverse and non-traditional businesses break down barriers to participation. Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0NUiPLQ7TCuMwUh3cTCLbQ

WEBINAR ALERT! 'Introduction to Government Contracting' August 7 at 10am EST. Are you ready for government contracting? Have you considered the investment in time and resources your company needs to enter the government marketplace? This webinar introduces government contracting and will show you how to get your ducks in a row to prepare for life as a successful government contractor.

You will also learn what the Maryland APEX Accelerator does for small businesses and how it can help you prepare for government contracting success. https://mdapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/15231

Ready to amp up your procurement knowledge? Check out the Maryland Procurement 101 course prepared by the Maryland Procurement Academy. This program is divided into 6 modules designed to provide you with the knowledge and familiarity of public procurement processes, a vital skillset to all small businesses seeking to do business with the State of Maryland.
This free course can be completed at your pace. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/3UnxXvN

🎉 Happy !

Black business ownership is growing at its fastest rate in more than three decades, powering America's Boom!

Learn about capital, counseling, contracting and other resources to help you grow your business: https://www.sba.gov

Sign up for one of our many virtual classes/outreach events in August https://mdapex.ecenterdirect.com/events