The Ohio APEX Accelerator at The University of Toledo
We envision a thriving regional economy where businesses of all sizes have the tools, resources, and opportunities to innovate and grow.
From securing government contracts to enhancing business development, we’re here to help you succeed. Our mission is to empower businesses to succeed in an ever-evolving marketplace.
The Ohio APEX Accelerator at The University of Toledo was established to address the unique needs of local businesses, particularly those looking to enter the world of government contracting. We work closely with federal, state, and local government agencies, as well as leading industry organizations, to bring you the best opportunities and insights.
Whether you’re a startup or an established company, we connect entrepreneurs, small businesses, and innovators with the resources they need to grow.
This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense.
Northwest Ohio Service Area
We provide assistance to businesses in the following counties.
- Defiance County
- Ottawa County
- Fulton County
- Sandusky County
- Henry County
- Williams County
- Lucas County
- Wood County
Resources and Support
Whether you're looking to break into government contracting, enhance your business strategy, or connect with valuable resources, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t let opportunities pass you by—partner with the APEX Accelerator and take your business to the next level. Contact us today to learn more about our services, upcoming events, and how we can support your goals.
Alissa Karg Girard
Business Consultant
Quick Links
Procurement & Contracting Services
Advocating for small businesses in the government procurement process, we help unlock the potential of government contracting and ensure they have fair access to opportunities. Our program manager will provide step-by-step guidance on how to navigate the process, from understanding eligibility requirements to crafting competitive proposals.
Research & Preparation
Market Research: Identifying potential government contracting opportunities and providing information on which government agencies purchase specific products or services.
Bid-Matching Services: Access to web-based bid-matching services that search thousands of government sites daily for relevant opportunities.
Bid and Proposal Preparation: Assistance in preparing and submitting bids and proposals, and providing expertise in reading and interpreting government solicitations, forms, regulations, and clauses.
Compliance & Certifications
Compliance Assistance: Guidance on adhering to the various regulations and requirements associated with government contracting.
Cybersecurity Compliance Assistance: Helping businesses understand and implement necessary cybersecurity measures to comply with government regulations, particularly for those handling sensitive information.
Registrations and Certifications: Assistance with registering for government contracting and obtaining necessary certifications (e.g., Small Business, Women-Owned, Veteran-Owned, HUBZone)
Education & Outreach
Training and Workshops: Regular educational sessions covering topics such as government procurement, cybersecurity, and compliance.
Networking Opportunities: Facilitating connections between businesses and government agencies or prime contractors looking for subcontractors
Specialized Procurement Assistance: Support for participation in programs like Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR).
Support & Assistance
Government Contracting Assistance: Guidance on how to secure federal, state, and local government contracts, and help with understanding government solicitations and requirements.
Subcontracting Assistance: Assisting businesses in finding and securing subcontracting opportunities with larger prime contractors.
Post-Award Support: Providing guidance on contract management after winning a government contract, including invoicing, reporting, and compliance with contract terms.
Export Assistance: Helping businesses understand and access international government contracting opportunities, including export regulations and compliance.
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