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APEX

The APEX Accelerators program, formerly known as Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), under management of the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), plays a critical role in the Department’s efforts to identify and helps a wide range of businesses enter and participate in the defense supply-chain. The program provides the education and training to ensure that all businesses become capable of participating in federal, state, and local government contracts.

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Other Small Business Resources

The links on this page lead to resources outside of DLA's Office of Small Business Programs. The information provided should not be interpreted as an endorsement, sanction, approval, or authorization by DLA.

Cybersecurity Resources

  • APEX Accelerators:  Can assist with understanding compliance with DoD's cybersecurity requirements.  
  • NSA Cybersecurity Collaboration Center:  NSA's Cybersecurity Collaboration Center (CCC) provides no-cost cybersecurity solutions for qualifying Defense Industrial Base (DIB) companies such as Protective DNS, attack surface management, and access to NSA non-public DIB-specific threat intelligence.  

Other Department of Defense Resources

Other Federal Government Resources

  • Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP): The MEP National Network, through its collaborations at the federal, state and local level, MEP Centers work with manufacturers to develop new products and customers, expand and diversify markets, adopt new technology, and enhance value within supply chains. The MEP Program serves as a bridge to other organizations and federal research labs that share a passion for enhancing the manufacturing community.

Small Business Administration Resources

  • SBA's Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) Program: The program promotes entrepreneurship and small business growth by providing the critical funding, oversight and support needed by the nationwide network of SBDCs. SBDC services include, but are not limited to: 
    • Assisting small businesses with financial, marketing, production, organization, engineering and technical problems and feasibility studies
    • Special SBDC programs and economic development activities including international trade assistance, technical assistance, procurement assistance, venture capital formation and rural development

            Enter your zip code to find your local SBDC.

  • SBA's Dynamic Small Business Search Database (DSBS): As a small business registers in the System for Award Management, there is an opportunity to fill out your small business profile. The information provided populates DSBS. DSBS is another tool contracting officers use to identify potential small business contractors for upcoming contracting opportunities. Small businesses can also use DSBS to identify other small businesses for teaming and joint venturing.
  • SBA's Empower to Grow: The Empower to Grow program, formerly known as 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program, provides eligible disadvantaged U.S. small businesses with free business courses, tailored training, and one-on-one consulting to support their growth, operations, hiring, regulatory compliance, and government contracting competitiveness. The Empower to Grow program uplifts businesses to be procurement ready for federal, state, and local government contracts.
  • SBA Loans: SBA-backed loans make it easier for small businesses to get the funding they need. Find a lender through the SBA's Lender Match tool.
    • The 7(a) Loan Program, SBA’s most common loan program, includes financial help for small businesses with special requirements. This is a good option when real estate is part of a business purchase, but it can also be used for: 

      Short- and long-term working capital 
      Refinancing current business debt 
      Purchasing and installation of machinery and equipment
      Purchasing furniture, fixtures, and supplies

    • The 504 Loan Program provides long-term, fixed rate financing for major fixed assets that promote business growth and job creation.

      504 loans are available through Certified Development Companies (CDCs), SBA's community-based partners who regulate nonprofits and promote economic development within their communities. CDCs are certified and regulated by the SBA.

    • The Microloan Program provides loans up to $50,000 to help small businesses and certain not-for-profit childcare centers start up and expand. The average microloan is about $13,000.

Grant Resources

  • SBIR and STTR Programs: Research and development focused.  If your small business is engaged in scientific research and development, you may qualify for federal grants under the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. These programs encourage small firms to undertake scientific research that helps meet federal research and development objectives and have high potential for commercialization if successful. 
  • SBA’s 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance program: Management and technical assistance focused. Provides high-quality assistance to SBA-approved small businesses to help them successfully compete for federal, state, and local contracting opportunities as a prime or subcontractor.