Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator

10/20/2026

There are still spaces available to attend the University of Michigan Economic Growth Institute's live event: Elevate Forum 2026 on November 5. This free event runs from 8am until 2pm, and gives you the option to attend one of two tracks - one for Business Leaders and is focused on AI, and the other for Community Development Professionals and is geared toward economic and talent strategies. Meals will be provided.

To register or to learn more, go to

Elevate Forum 2026 Advancing Manufacturing. Strengthening Communities. NEW Date Thursday, November 5, 2026 8 AM - 2 PM Location University of Michigan North Campus Research Complex (NCRC) 2800 Plymouth Rd Building 18 Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Limited space! Register for your free ticket below: Track A, Bu...

10/15/2026

On Tuesday, October 20, the South Central Michigan APEX Accelerator is hosting a webinar on the joint Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The SBIR program helps innovators in technologies of interest to the DoW obtain funding, and the STTR program licenses such technologies to manufacturers who then provide these products to the government.

This one-hour webinar will be led by Tylar Temple, Deputy Director of the DoW's Office for Small Business Innovation. The Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators (MAAA) is co-hosting this event. There is no charge to attend, but advance registration is required at https://scmaa.ecenterdirect.com/events/675.

10/12/2026

Final reminder: On Wednesday, October 14, Northwest Michigan APEX Accelerator is hosting a webinar titled "Let's Go FAR: Understanding Federal Acquisition Regulations." We'll introduce you to the FAR, our government's rulebook for purchasing goods and services. It's a complex set of requirements, designed to ensure that purchasing is conducted in a fair and impartial manner. Federal agencies and government contractors must follow these rules, and you (as a contractor) should know how to navigate the FAR and how to use it to your advantage.

This session will be led by Thomas DeGroot, Procurement Counselor. There is no cost to attend, but registration in advance is required. Go to: https://networksnw.ecenterdirect.com/events/1224

10/12/2026

If you're looking for small business consulting and market research, the Michigan SBDC (Small Business Development Center) is available to help at no cost to you. Join the East and West Michigan APEX Accelerators tomorrow for a one-hour online discussion with three SBDC reps who will tell you all about what they can do for you (and they'll take questions afterward!). Discussion may focus on cybersecurity.

Registration is required at https://flintandgenesee.ecenterdirect.com/events/1044.

10/08/2026

Thank you, Michigan State Senate. It's a privilege to serve our business community, and we truly love what we do!

10/05/2026

Our associates at the East and West Michigan APEX Accelerators are hosting a series of brief cybersecurity webinars this month. We invite you to attend any that might be of interest. These no-cost sessions are listed below, along with the registration links.

* 10/6 - CMMC, False Claims Act & Federal Compliance: https://flintandgenesee.ecenterdirect.com/events/1040

* 10/13 - Michigan SBDC Local Resource Panel: https://flintandgenesee.ecenterdirect.com/events/1044

* 10/14 Training With NSF (an authorized C3PAO): https://flintandgenesee.ecenterdirect.com/events/1045

09/09/2026

If you've considered contracting with the Department of Defense, we're hosting a 90-minute webinar next Thursday, September 17 that could open doors for you. Industry can work with the DOD in many ways. It’s important for each business to find where they can bring value. This webinar will cover the different paths, readiness requirements, and ways to get your foot in the door.

This info-packed class will be led by Lenore Myers, one of our helpful Procurement Counselors. There's no charge to attend, but advance registration is required at: https://networksnw.ecenterdirect.com/events/1217

09/04/2026

Join the East Michigan APEX, in conjunction with the Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators, for an online training session titled, "The Proposal Process: From Capture to Submission." This event will be held at 10am on Wednesday, September 9.

This session will focus on how to move from opportunity identification to proposal submission through effective capture planning, teaming, proposal development, and compliance-focused strategies.

For more information: https://flintandgenesee.ecenterdirect.com/events/1039

09/02/2026

Evan Rice, Sr. VP at Guide Star, will be presenting "From Cybersecurity to Business Resilience: Managing Risk In An AI-Driven World" on September 24 in Ishpeming, MI.

AI is reshaping how businesses operate and how they’re attacked. Evan will show you how to apply financial and operational risk strategies to cybersecurity, helping you identify emerging threats and build greater business resilience.

Key points:
* Treat Cyber Risk Like Financial Risk
* Secure Your AI Strategy Before Scaling
* How AI Protects You and How It' s Used Against You

To register:

AI is reshaping how businesses operate and how they’re attacked. Evan Rice will show you how to apply financial and operational risk strategies to cybersecurity, helping you identify emerging threats and build greater business resilience. Treat Cyber Risk Like Financial Risk       Apply finan.....

09/01/2026

Winning government contracts hinges on submitting strong compliant proposals. But navigating the complexities of proposal preparation and ensuring adequacy can be daunting. Join DCAA expert, Peggy Galindo, and the Michigan Alliance of APEX Accelerators (MAAA) as we discuss the proposal adequacy checklist and gain the clarity and confidence to craft proposals that meet all government standards with ease. Gain a comprehensive understanding of all proposal cost elements, including direct labor, material, subcontracts, Other Direct Costs (ODCs), and indirect rates and obtain practical guidance on what to consider when trying to justify each cost element.

This 90-minute webinar will be held this Thursday, September 3, at 9am. To register, go to: https://apexofsc.ecenterdirect.com/events/6252