Midwest Truck Accessories helps customers get more from their vehicles by providing and installing high-quality aftermarket automotive accessories. Although the company had previous experience working with the local IDOT garage in Mount Vernon, it wanted to expand its government contracting opportunities. Midwest Truck Accessories worked with the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Southern Illinois University to navigate the state procurement process, register with BidBuy, and identify new contracting opportunities.
University Correctional Health Care Solutions (UCHCS) is dedicated to advancing correctional healthcare through strong clinical governance, evidence-based practices, and compassionate, patient-centered care. The firm worked with the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Southern Illinois University to pursue state contracting opportunities and receive strategic guidance on navigating the state procurement process, strengthening its competitive bid, and successfully responding to contracting opportunities.
Heartland Services Inc. is a well-established commercial construction company delivering quality work across state and federal markets. As Heartland Services expanded its presence in government contracting, the company worked with the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU to strengthen its positioning. With this guidance HSI pursued HUBZone certification and expanded its NAICS and BidBuy codes, increasing visibility to new opportunities and helping open the door to federal contracting.
SD Resources, Inc. delivers heavy civil construction and water resource infrastructure projects that help protect communities and strengthen critical public infrastructure. Founded by owner Sarah Duensing, the Prairie du Rocher, Illinois-based company specializes in levee systems, water control structures, relief well projects, and other civil works for federal and state agencies nationwide. As an SBA-certified 8(a) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), SD Resources continues to expand its federal contracting portfolio.
RJM Ellner specializes in excavation and site work projects and has completed work for organizations including the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), local levee districts, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, and other regional businesses. Like many small businesses, RJM Ellner LLC had hands-on experience and industry knowledge but wanted to better understand how to navigate government contracting opportunities and become more visible for project bidding opportunities in Illinois. After learning about the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU through IDNR, Randy received guidance for the state government contracting process.
PRN Pro Home Service LLC, owned by Candy Rogers, focused on providing compassionate, non-skilled personal care services that help individuals remain safely and comfortably in their homes. The business entered the government contracting space through participation in the VA Community Care Network (prime contractor - Optum), helping expand access to care services for veterans in the region. While the owner had no previous government contracting experience, they were introduced to the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU through a recommendation from another individual already using the program.
Facing some challenges post-Covid and looking to grow, Ozark Koala Ecosystem Services, LLC (OKES) sought help from the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU. Brenda Henderson, Center Director, provided hands-on assistance to improve their bidding strategies, expand BidBuy codes, and navigate SAM.gov, helping them secure more contracts. With APEX support, OKES won a $2 million master contract, ensuring projects through 2026 and allowing the company to expand. They transformed from struggling to pay employees to growing their workforce and securing their financial future.
When Ryterski Trucking Inc. set out to explore government contracting, they had no prior experience navigating the complex process. Fortunately, the Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU was there to help. Brenda Henderson, Center Director, worked closely with them to set up their SAM registration and qualify for HUB certification. The experience was overwhelmingly positive—accessible, friendly, and supportive. With APEX’s guidance, Ryterski Trucking Inc. successfully secured opportunities with government agencies, leading to increased business growth.
May Excavating Inc., owned and operated by Lesa and Jesse May of Carterville, Illinois, has built a reputation for precision, efficiency, and job site safety in excavation services. With over 35 years of combined experience, the company specializes in excavation, grading, land clearing, and infrastructure development, serving both commercial and residential clients throughout Illinois. Their expertise allows them to take on challenging projects with innovative solutions, ensuring long-lasting results for their customers.
