Maine APEX Accelerator

The APEX Accelerator office will be closed on Friday in observance of this federal holiday.

We will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22.

SEA Maine's Seafood Infrastructure Adaptation Fund (SIAF) is OPEN FOR APPLICATIONS!

SIAF makes available $1,000,000 for targeted investments to qualifying energy efficiency conversions and supply chain adaptations to seafood infrastructure in public facilities. Seafood infrastructure refers to facilities related to commercial fishing, aquaculture, and seafood production and supply chain. The goal of this initiative is to establish greater resilience to climate-related shocks and Maine’s seafood economy. This program is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) through the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC) awarded in Fall 2024.

Visit the SEA Maine website for the Application link, Grant manual, FAQ and registration for the SIAF Info Webinar on March 11 (recording will be posted): SEA Maine RFPs webpage. RFA deadline is June 30, 2026 at 5pm. https://www.seamaine.org/rfps/

We wanted to take this opportunity to thank ALL of our attendees at last week's event at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.

We also appreciate all of the kind words on your event experience on social media.

We wouldn't have had the success that we enjoyed without your SUPPORT and participation at the 2026 DoW NERC Training & Matchmaker.

So thank YOU!🙏

We are proud to be participating in this informative networking event. Wonder if we'll be spotting more of our own Peter Wilkens.🤔

Eastern Maine Development Corporation

Did we catch you on camera?

The DoW Small Business Training Week Photo Gallery is now live! Browse photos from days 1 and 2, relive your favorite moments, and see the people, conversations, and connections helping strengthen the defense industrial base.

View the gallery: https://www.facebook.com/BusinessDefense/photos_albums

SBA Launches Freedom 250 Pledge For Small Businesses Ahead Of America’s 250th Anniversary - UCBJ - Upper Cumberland Business Journal Initiative Celebrates Free Enterprise, Economic Growth And Job Creation (UCBJ) – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched the Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge, inviting small business owners nationwide to participate in a celebration marking 250 years of American independence, en...

During Small Business Training Week, members of our team including Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Growth (IBG), James Mismash, and IBG Deputy Director, Mr. Khalil Mack, had the opportunity to visit Red Bison Services, a client of the Louisiana APEX Accelerator, to see firsthand the impact of the program's support on the company's growth and success in federal contracting.

Red Bison Services provides construction, and facility support services for federal, private, and industrial clients. Their success story is a powerful example of what can happen when a driven business combines vision, determination, and the right support.

Recently, Red Bison was recognized as the Louisiana APEX Accelerator's 2025 Government Contractor of the Year and the 2025 Louisiana SBA Small Business Person of the Year.

Thank you Rocky Ortego and the entire Red Bison team for hosting us and sharing their journey. Their continued success demonstrates the value of strong partnerships and the impact of technical assistance in helping small businesses compete and thrive in government contracting.

🎦 Watch their success story and learn more about how the Louisiana APEX Accelerator helped position Red Bison for growth and success in the federal marketplace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NsOeGZF_Rys&t=8s

Maine APEX Accelerator is proud to be participating in the 2026 Department of the Navy Small Business Training Week (SBTW)!

This event brings together small businesses, industry partners, and government stakeholders to strengthen connections, share insights, and expand opportunities within the defense industrial base.

We’re looking forward to engaging with attendees, supporting Maine businesses, and continuing to help companies navigate government contracting opportunities.

Thank you to Congresswoman Chellie Pingree for providing welcoming remarks for attendees of the 2026 DoW Northeast Regional Council Matchmaker.

We were pleased to share messages from members of Maine’s congressional delegation as we welcomed government agencies, prime contractors, small businesses, and resource partners from across the Northeast. Their support highlights the importance of strengthening the defense industrial base and creating opportunities for small businesses to grow and succeed.

Watch Congresswoman Pingree’s welcome message below.

APEX Matchmaker Event - Congresswoman Chellie Pingree Our APEX team is hosting the DoW's Northeast Regional Matchmaker he...

Thank you to Senator Angus King for providing welcoming remarks for attendees of the 2026 DoW Northeast Regional Council Matchmaker.

We were pleased to share messages from members of Maine’s congressional delegation as we welcomed government agencies, prime contractors, small businesses, and resource partners from across the Northeast. Their support highlights the importance of strengthening the defense industrial base and creating opportunities for small businesses to grow and succeed.

Watch Senator King’s welcome message below.

APEX Matchmaker Event - Senator Angus King Our APEX team is hosting the DoW's Northeast Regional Matchmaker he...