APEX Accelerators: Empowering Small Businesses in Maine

Marissa Henkel, Maine APEX Procurement Counselor
(Serving Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Somerset Counties)

Are you looking to grow your business? Are you interested in exploring a new market to sell your products or services? The government marketplace could be your next opportunity. With billions of dollars spent annually on goods and services, the government is one of the largest buyers in the market. Entering this space can give your business a stable and profitable revenue stream. Whether you’re a small business or a growing enterprise, navigating the government marketplace can open doors to contracts that enhance your bottom line and position your business for long-term success. Exploring this market could be the next big step in your business growth strategy.

Our team of Maine APEX Accelerators serves the entire state. It is dedicated to empowering small businesses by providing the tools, resources, and guidance necessary to succeed in the federal, state, and municipal government marketplace. The APEX Accelerator non-profit programs, formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), play a crucial role in helping small business owners navigate the complexities of government contracting by providing a variety of services 100% free of charge.

Expert Guidance and Training:
APEX Accelerators offers one-on-one counseling and training sessions tailored to the specific needs of small businesses. Whether new to government contracting or seeking to expand your existing contracts, APEX counselors provide valuable insights into the procurement process, helping companies understand federal, state, and local government requirements.
Assistance with Registrations and Certifications:
Navigating the necessary registrations, such as SAM.gov, and obtaining small business certifications like Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) can be daunting. APEX Accelerators assist businesses in completing these essential steps, ensuring they are eligible and competitive for government contracts.

Market Research and Bid Matching:
APEX Accelerators help businesses identify and pursue relevant government contracting opportunities. Through market research, APEX counselors assist in understanding the government’s needs, targeting the proper agencies, and identifying contracts that align with the business’s products or services. Additionally, they offer bid-matching services that notify businesses of contract opportunities that match their capabilities.

Proposal Development Support:
Writing a winning proposal requires a deep understanding of the solicitation requirements and the ability to communicate how your business can meet the government’s needs. APEX Accelerators support crafting strong proposals, offering guidance on proposal structure, pricing strategies, and compliance with government regulations.

Networking and Outreach:
APEX Accelerators facilitate networking opportunities by connecting small businesses with government agencies and prime contractors. These connections are vital for companies looking to establish relationships, gain visibility, and collaborate on large projects.

Ongoing Support:
The support from APEX Accelerators doesn’t end once a contract is won. They continue to assist businesses with contract management, compliance, and strategies for growth, ensuring long-term success in the government marketplace.

APEX Accelerators are invaluable partners for small businesses seeking to enter or expand within the government contracting arena. APEX Accelerators helps small companies identify and secure government contracts and achieve sustainable growth in the government marketplace by providing expert guidance, market insights, and ongoing support.

Whether your business is just beginning to explore the government marketplace or is poised to compete for contract opportunities, I look forward to collaborating with you, sharing insights, and fostering your business’s success in government contracting. I am committed to fostering relationships within our community and making government procurement accessible to all companies across Midstate Maine. Together, let’s embark on this exciting journey and empower your business to be successful!

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8 am-5 pm
• Mondays: Located at the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission
• Tuesdays-Fridays: Located at TechPlace in the Brunswick Landing
• Every other Wednesday: Located at the Kennebec Valley Council of Governments

Available for:
• In-person meetings, video conferences, and phone calls at your convenience

Contact Information:

Marissa Henkel
Procurement Counselor, APEX Accelerator (formerly ME PTAC)
Eastern Maine Development Corp (EMDC)
Cell: 207-299-4810
Email: mhenkel@emdc.org
74 Orion Street, Brunswick, ME 04011
www.maineapex.com

Maine APEX