For over 38 years, APEX Accelerators, (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, like the one at Pioneer Technology Center (PTC), have helped expand the number of small businesses that successfully compete for and win federal, state, and local government contracts. This program has been rebranded recently, but its mission is the same. Oklahoma PTAC is now Oklahoma APEX Accelerator, a name that the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education chose in coordination with a recent change in the federal grant program under the U.S. Department of Defense. Pioneer Tech’s own Dawn Brakey is excited about the change.“Our name has changed, but our mission remains the same, to help local small businesses succeed in the government marketplace. By helping businesses understand and navigate the complexity of government contracting, Pioneer Tech can stimulate the creation of new jobs and economic growth in our community,” says Brakey. “Whether it’s connecting agencies in times of crisis or helping train contractors on new government requirements, Oklahoma APEX Accelerator counselors are always there for support. The success stories of our clients are as diverse as the clients we serve, and I’m happy to assist as a resource partner,” she adds.National APEX Day unites the ninety-six Assistance Centers (APEX Accelerators) and the 56,000 clients they serve by sharing, in real time, small business success stories and the significant economic impact that APEX clients have created within their communities. With over 300 offices, APEX Accelerator programs form a nationwide network of more than 600 dedicated professionals who work to help local businesses successfully sell their products and services to government agencies. Dawn Brakey, local APEX Accelerator counselor at PTC, has served over 300 clients in 2022 and helped them win an estimated 25 million in government contracts and subcontracts. PTC will celebrate National APEX Accelerator Day on Thursday, October 12thth with an Open House in the Business and Industry Services building, 2015 N Ash, Room D101. To register for this event or for more information about the newly named OkAPEX at Pioneer Tech, contact Dawn Brakey by phone or email dawnb@pioneertech.edu. The Oklahoma Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense, which changed the program name in November. The new name will help build a consistent awareness across federal agencies and local businesses.
