Pensacola, Fla. – The Florida APEX Accelerator has been awarded the prestigious Economic Impact Award by the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX), recognizing its outstanding contributions in helping Florida businesses secure government contracts, create jobs, and fuel economic growth.
The Economic Impact Award is an annual award bestowed by NAPEX, the association representing the 90+ APEX Accelerators across the country. The association presents the award annually to the APEX Accelerator that has fostered the most significant economic impact.
In 2024, the Florida APEX Accelerator helped small businesses in Florida secure a record-breaking $596.1 million in government contract awards, marking the highest annual contract value in the program’s nearly 40-year history.
“We are honored to receive NAPEX’s highest award,” said Greg Britton, state director of the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network and principal investigator of the Florida APEX Accelerator. “This recognition reflects the outstanding work of our dedicated team in helping both emerging and established businesses scale, innovate, and contribute to America’s industrial base and Florida’s economy.”
The Florida APEX Accelerator, part of a national network of APEX Accelerators funded in part by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), provides specialized training and one-on-one consulting services to businesses seeking government contracts. Through this individualized approach, consultants help clients navigate the complexities of the procurement process, ensuring they are prepared to compete for and win government contracts at the federal, state and local levels.
With a small but dedicated team of consultants statewide, the Florida APEX Accelerator consistently delivers measurable results and plays a vital role in strengthening both the defense and government industrial base. From local roundtables and matchmakers to statewide events like the Reverse Trade Show – a special event to be held at the Small Business Success Summit, the Florida APEX Accelerator uses a high-touch, high-impact model designed to help businesses become not just contract-ready, but also competitive, compliant, and sustainable in the government marketplace.
Established in 1986, the Florida APEX Accelerator is a statewide initiative led by the University of West Florida and supported by the state and local partners. In 2022, the DoD transitioned the program—formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)—from the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to the Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP). Following this transition, the Florida APEX Accelerator has sharpened its focus on connecting Florida’s small businesses, particularly those developing innovative technologies with defense applications, to the DoD through strategic partnerships.
For more information about the Florida APEX Accelerator, visit www.flapex.org.