September 28, 2026
Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU celebrates contractors surrounding National APEX Day
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Illinois APEX Accelerator at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will celebrate National APEX Day 2026 on Thursday, Oct. 8.
The day is part of a week of events focused on recognizing area contractors, sharing their successes and helping businesses pursue new government contracting opportunities.
“Government contracting involves much more than finding an opportunity and submitting a bid,” said Brenda Henderson, director of the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU. “Workshops like these give contractors a chance to better understand what agencies expect, ask questions and strengthen their readiness to compete and successfully perform the work. That is an important part of our mission and a great way to begin a week celebrating contractors.”
National APEX Day recognizes the work of APEX Accelerators and the businesses they serve. APEX Accelerators is a nationwide government-funded program providing local, no-cost counseling and training to businesses seeking government contracts. They help businesses understand and navigate government contracting while strengthening the industrial base and supporting economic growth in communities across the country.
No-cost workshops
Activities begin Tuesday, Oct. 6, with the first of two virtual sessions with the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) on CDB Training and Networking. The programs are designed for construction contractors interested in doing business with the State of Illinois. Contractors in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, concrete, roofing, carpentry, painting, flooring, excavation and other construction-related trades are encouraged to participate.
The first session, CDB Work: How to Bid It to Win It, from 9-10:30 a.m. helps contractors understand CDB opportunities and prepare compliant bids. Topics include project types, prequalification, financial and bonding readiness, plans and specifications, addenda, bid packages, bid forms, alternates and allowances, and common bidding mistakes.
The follow-up session, CDB Project Completion Without Getting Crushed by Compliance, focuses on what happens after an award, including prevailing wage and certified payroll, submittals, requests for information, shop drawings, working with CDB project managers and change orders. That session is on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Celebration recognizes contractors
The week culminates Thursday, Oct. 8, with the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU's National APEX Day celebration. The event is from 9-10:30 a.m.at SIU Carbondale’s Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center, 1740 Innovation Drive, Carbondale, and will recognize the businesses and contractors that provide products and services to government agencies while contributing to the region's economy.
On behalf of Carbondale Mayor Carolin Harvey, Steven Mitchell, Economic Development Director, will read a proclamation in recognition of National APEX Day. Other features include contractor recognition and a panel discussion highlighting different points along the “Roadmap to Government Contracting Success.” Contractors will share their experiences navigating the government marketplace, from getting started and identifying bidding opportunities and performing contracts to positioning their businesses for continued growth.
Throughout the event, 60-second contractor stories will spotlight area businesses and the work they do. Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU clients interested in submitting a contractor story in advance may call the center at 618-536-2355 for details.
Register now
The workshops are free and open to all, but pre-registration is required. Register online for the CDB Work: How to Bid it to Win It, and CDB Project Completion Without Getting Crushed by Compliance workshops.
The university’s APEX Accelerator is a unit of SIU’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, so businesses get the extra benefit of the complete hub of resources. Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU 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 SIU.