Workshops and Events

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Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 02:44 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.

  • Navigating Government Contracting: A Roadmap for New Vendors

    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. 

    Join us June 2, 10:00am - 12:00pm

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  • Unlocking Your Business Activity Codes for Contracting and Certifications

    Have you heard of NAICS codes or NIGP codes? Do you know how they can help you?

    Join us to find out more about these codes and others are used in certifications and contracting to help your business grow.

    We Will: 

    • Explore the search sites to find the codes
    • Review how to verify you found the right codes
    • See how the codes help with marketing your business to the government and other businesses
    Stay tuned for upcoming dates and times. 
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  • 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
    Stay tuned for upcoming dates and times. 
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  • Cybersecurity Resources for Compliance - What Contractors Need to Know

    Are you ready to meet the cybersecurity requirements now expected by every federal agency?

    This beginner-friendly presentation will walk you through CMMC Level 1, the new baseline standard for protecting federal contract information. You’ll also get a guided overview of Project Spectrum, a free online tool from the Department of Defense that can help you understand, assess, and improve your cybersecurity posture. 

    Stay tuned for upcoming dates and times. 
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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
    Stay tuned for upcoming dates and times. 
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  • Illinois SBDC at SIU Training Events

    The Illinois SBDC at SIU provides business training to entrepreneurs, startups, and small business owners. Training events are offered both in-person and online. Many of their business training events are no cost. The trainings provide current and practical information on business topics ranging from business basics to more advanced management skills, as well as focusing on business growth.

    For training events offered by the SBDC, visit Illinois SBDC at SIU Workshops and Events.

     

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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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