Carbondale Mayor Carolin Harvey and Brenda Henderson, director of the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU, show off last year’s proclamation recognizing National APEX Day. (Photo provided)
September 25, 2025
SIU to recognize National APEX Day with virtual workshops, proclamation
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Illinois APEX Accelerator at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host a pair of virtual events Oct. 8 in recognition of National APEX Day and celebration of 40 years of fostering success with government contracting.
“Government contracting with federal, state and local entities delivers powerful benefits to local economies,” said Brenda Henderson, director of the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU. “When businesses secure contracts, the dollars they earn create jobs, strengthen supply chains and generate community growth. National APEX Day 2025 highlights the businesses already making a vast impact, the resources available to help more Illinois firms enter the contracting marketplace and thrive there, and it serves to encourage more businesses to launch their journey into government contracting.”
No-cost workshops
The first workshop, Showcasing Your Excellence, set for 10-11:30 a.m., will equip participants with a critical tool for the government marketplace – a strong capability statement. Participants will learn how to effectively present their businesses, highlight what makes them unique and make a compelling impression to government agencies and prime contractors.
The second workshop, Small Business Government Contracting Round Table, is 2:30-4 p.m. that afternoon. This interactive virtual session will focus on celebrating the achievements of Southern Illinois’ government contractors, and it will feature their individual stories of challenges, lessons learned and successes. Those attending will also receive digital copies of the Roadmap to Success and Readiness Checklist, tools the Illinois APEX Accelerator developed to help businesses understand the various steps required to successfully enter the contracting arena, from training on market research to finding potential customers. Assistance with registrations, certifications, subcontracting, cybersecurity and compliance are incorporated as well.
A proclamation from Carbondale Mayor Carolin Harvey, formally recognizing National APEX Day and the role small business contractors play in building resilient communities, will also be featured.
“Contracting is a journey, and small businesses don’t have to walk it alone,” Henderson said. “Through market research, tools such as our Roadmap to Success and our no-cost services, APEX Accelerators help businesses navigate every step, from securing opportunities and preparing certifications to submitting bids and managing requirements.”
Register now
Both workshops are free and open to all, but pre-registration is required. Register online for the APEX: Showcasing Your Excellence Workshop and for the Celebrating Contractors Making Big Impacts Roundtable.
Learn more about the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU, 1740 Innovation Drive, by visiting the website at apex.siu.edu, calling 618-536-2355 or emailing APEXaccelerator@siu.edu. Find the complete list of workshops and events on the webpage.
The Illinois APEX Accelerator is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense and made possible through the support of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development. The university’s APEX Accelerator is a sister program of the
Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU, so businesses get the extra benefit of the complete hub of resources.