Discover how Illinois businesses can access free support to identify, compete for, and win lucrative government contracts at all levels.
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Government contracts represent one of the most stable and lucrative revenue streams available to businesses, yet many entrepreneurs don't know where to start or assume the process is too complex. This eye-opening workshop demystifies government contracting and introduces entrepreneurs to the powerful, no-cost resources available through the Illinois APEX Accelerator program.
Whether you're manufacturing medical devices, developing energy tech solutions, or providing specialized services, government agencies at federal, state, and local levels need what you're building. Last year alone, Illinois businesses won nearly 150 government contracts worth over $83 million with APEX Accelerator support. This workshop will show you how to become one of those success stories.
You'll learn how the Illinois APEX Accelerator provides comprehensive support through teaching, mentoring, and coaching to help businesses navigate the government contracting landscape. From conducting market research and establishing agency relationships to understanding bid solicitations and submitting compliant proposals, APEX provides the tools and expertise to compete effectively. The program also assists with crucial registrations like SAM, helps navigate certification programs (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, DBE), and provides ongoing support through contract administration and invoicing.
About the Instructor
Ian Quan, Center Director at Chinese Mutual Aid Association's APEX Accelerator, brings over 20 years of direct government contracting and sales experience. As a former small business owner who has worked exclusively with small businesses throughout his career, Ian understands the full spectrum of government contracting from registrations and contract vehicles to supplier relationships and bid preparation. His impressive track record includes working on over 40 GSA schedule contracts, helping obtain over 150 NSN's, and assisting companies in winning over $100 million in contracts at federal and state levels, including nationwide DHS, Navy, Army Corps, Air Force, and TSA multi-year, fixed, IDIQ, and BPA contracts.
Christopher Cooks, Director at Southland Development Authority's APEX Accelerator, brings two decades of business management expertise and a passion for helping entrepreneurs navigate complex government contracting opportunities. With extensive experience in operational excellence and business development across multiple industries and sectors, Chris combines strategic planning with hands-on guidance to help businesses identify and pursue government contracts. His personable approach and ability to build strong relationships make him particularly effective at helping entrepreneurs understand the nuances of government procurement. Chris's diverse background in business practices implementation and his commitment to advancing economic development in the Southland region position him as a valuable resource for companies seeking to expand into government markets. Together, Ian and Chris provide comprehensive expertise to demystify the government contracting process for entrepreneurs at all experience levels.
About the Organization
The Illinois APEX Accelerator assists Illinois businesses with certification and contracting needs at all levels of government—federal, state, local, and related subcontracting. With 9 offices across Illinois and support from the Department of Defense and Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, APEX provides free assistance through teaching, mentoring, and coaching. In PY 2023, APEX served 1,419 clients, conducted 4,758 counseling sessions, and helped businesses win 150 contracts worth nearly $83 million while creating and saving 475 jobs.
