Workshops and Events

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Last Updated: May 15, 2025, 12:50 PM

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Our learning opportunities are designed to help you expand your knowledge, sharpen skills, and get the business support you need. Covering topics like leadership, project management, marketing, and more, these sessions are available at little to no cost. Whether in-person or virtual, each session provides practical insights for professional growth. Click on each one below for more details and registration information.

For a full list of upcoming workshops and events, visit Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU Training Events.

Trainings and Networking Events

Register for a training or event to build confidence and expand your expertise.

  • Chart Your Course: Contract Readiness and Certifications!

    We will discuss:
    • Assessing readiness
    • Government contracting basics
    • Registrations needed
    • Small business certifications for women, minority, veteran, and disabled persons owned businesses.
    • Market research techniques and resources to find opportunities
    • Strategies for Success
    This is a virtual workshop available via Microsoft Teams. 

    May 20, 1:00pm-3:30pm

    June 16, 10:00am-12:30pm

    The words "Chart Your Course: Contract Readiness and Certifications" is in bold on the left. In the upper right are the words "No-cost Seminar." The background image has a sun coming up over mountains, a compass, and the numbers 2025.

  • Showcasing Your Excellence - Capability Statement Virtual Workshop

    Equip your business to stand out in the GovCon market. In this course you will learn:

    • Presenting Your Business
    • Creating a compelling capability statement
    • Highlighting your capabilities and unique differentiators
    • Networking to build relationships
    • Tips for making a strong impression in a competitive field

    May 28, 10:00am-11:00am

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  • Intro to Small Business Certifications

    Is a small business certification for you? What are the benefits to your business?

    Veterans, Women, Minorities, People with disabilities, and those in HubZone areas all may benefit.

    Join us to find out more about the certification for which you may qualify.

    We will discuss:

    • Federal and State Certification at a beginner level.
    • 8(a), EDWOSB, HUBZone, SDB, SDVOSB, WOSB, and VOSB from the SBA, and, DBE, WBE, WMBE, MBE, PBE, and VBE from the State of Illinois. (Don’t worry, acronyms will all be revealed!)
    • Marketing with these certifications
    • Documents required
    • Application processes

    May 29, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

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  • Procurement Readiness Academy

    Illinois APEX Accelerator is proud to partner with Govology which is offering our clients an 80% Discount on their Procurement Readiness Academy!

    This academy will provide the foundation necessary to start or enhance your journey in government contracting so that you may better utilize the depth of services provided by your APEX Accelerator.

    This program will help you:
    • Establish a strong foundation for success in the government market.
    • Prepare, qualify, and chart a clear roadmap to secure the types of opportunities you’re targeting.
    • Develop a focused strategy and actionable plan to achieve your business goals.
    Program Highlights
    • Launch Date: May 12, 2025
    • Duration: 10 weeks
    • Training: 10 video courses (assigned 1 per week)
    • Group Coaching: 10 weekly Zoom meetings on Thursdays at 11 a.m. CDT
    • One-on-One Support: flexible office hours if you need help
    • Lifetime Access to all cohort training materials
    • Time Commitment: 4 to 5 hours per week

    Questions? Email Mr. Darrin Sortor at Darrin.Sortor@illinois.gov or Dr. Ileen Kelly at IllinoisAPEX@cod.edu

    To register, visit Procurement Readiness Academy

     

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Partner Trainings and Events

If you would like help crafting a strong capability statement or preparing for meaningful engagement at this event or with other agencies, reach out to Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU.

Call: 618-536-2355
Email: APEXaccelerator@siu.edu

  • eTech Talks and the Experts-in-Residence Program:

    Stay tuned for information on upcoming eTech Talks!

    eTech Talks (emerging technologies talks) are part of the new Experts in Residence Program, co-hosted by SIU’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development. This series brings experts to the community to discuss insights on emerging technologies such as cybersecurity, biotechnology, advanced materials, energy storage, and CO2 sequestration.

    Qualified businesses and individuals will also have access to no-cost consultations.

    To qualify, complete the Consultation Questionnaire.

     

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