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Guide 8 of 8

APEX Accelerators, SBDCs, SBA district offices, SCORE, veterans' and women's business centers, MEP centers and agency small business offices.

In this guide

APEX Accelerators

Who it is for. Businesses that want to sell to the federal government, the Department of Defense, or state, local and tribal governments, including companies new to government contracting. The APEX Accelerators site calls the program a "front door for American businesses."

APEX Accelerators are non-profit, government and tribal organizations that give one-on-one help with government contracting. They work under a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense, which its small business website now calls the Department of War (DoW). The APEX Accelerators site says they "offer no-cost guidance and support services."

Steps

  1. Find the office that serves your areaOpen the APEX Accelerators Service Area Locator. The APEX site calls it a "state and county-based text look up tool" and says to use its maps to find "the team that serves your area." Listings show each office's address, phone, website and email.APEX Service Area Locator
  2. Check the Native American APEX AcceleratorsThe locator page lists six APEX Accelerators that serve Native-owned businesses. The page says they help "Native and non-Native firms."APEX Service Area Locator
  3. Contact the office and ask for counselingCall or email the office from its listing. The APEX site says APEX Accelerators give "hands-on, one-on-one assistance."
  4. Ask about the services the program listsThe APEX site lists: a readiness check ("suitability assessment"), help registering in government databases, market research on which agencies buy a product, daily notices of bid opportunities, help with solicitation packages, drawings and pricing, networking with buying officers and prime contractors ("primes," the companies that hold the main contract), and some help after award with contract performance issues and audits.APEX Accelerators
  5. Ask about cybersecurity and foreign ownershipThe APEX site says services include "meeting cybersecurity requirements" and "understanding Foreign Ownership, Control, and Influence (FOCI) risks and mitigation strategies." DoD's small business guide says FOCI "happens when a foreign entity has the power to direct or influence the management or operations of a company."
  6. Use Project Spectrum for cybersecurity trainingProject Spectrum is a DoD program that gives small and mid-size businesses cybersecurity training, tools and resources, including on the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), according to DoD's March 2026 small business guide.Project Spectrum

What to have ready

  • The APEX Accelerators site does not publish a list of documents to bring to a first meeting.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeThe APEX site does not say how long it takes to get an appointment.
CostNo cost. The APEX site says APEX Accelerators "offer no-cost guidance and support services." DoD's March 2026 small business guide also calls it "no-cost guidance."
RenewalNothing to renew.
Where to sendNothing is filed with DoD. Contact the local APEX Accelerator directly, using the phone, email or website in the Service Area Locator.

Where to get help

Watch out

  • APEX Accelerators advise and train. The APEX site says they "do not perform work on behalf of a company."
  • The program used to be called the Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP), with local Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs). The APEX site says DoD's Office of Small Business Programs took it over and renamed it APEX Accelerators beginning in fiscal year 2023.
  • Registering in SAM.gov (the System for Award Management) is free. DoD's March 2026 small business guide calls SAM.gov a "free-to-use site."
  • DoD's small business office has warned about scam letters from a fake "United States Business Regulations Department" that claim a registration is required and threaten penalties. DoD says U.S. government websites use ".gov" (DoD also uses ".mil") and asks people to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Official sources

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

Who it is for. Small businesses and people getting ready to start one. SBA says SBDCs serve "existing small businesses and pre-venture entrepreneurs."

SBDCs give one-on-one business advising and training. They are the U.S. Small Business Administration's (SBA's) resource partner program and are hosted by universities, colleges, state economic development agencies and private organizations, according to America's SBDC, the association of the centers. America's SBDC counts 63 network members and nearly 1,000 centers.

Steps

  1. Find your nearest SBDCSearch by state or ZIP code on America's SBDC "Find Your SBDC" page.America's SBDC: Find Your SBDC
  2. Or use SBA's local assistance searchOpen SBA's local assistance search. Pick your SBA district, or set "Resource Partner type" to "Small Business Development Center."SBA local assistance search
  3. Ask for one-on-one advisingContact the center. SBA says SBDCs give "individualized business advising and technical assistance."
  4. Ask about government contracting helpSBA's contracting guide lists SBDCs for "one-on-one and low-cost training on contracting, market research, and program support (e.g., 8(a))." The 8(a) Business Development program is SBA's program for socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.SBA: Contracting counseling and help
  5. Ask about other business topicsSBA lists help with access to capital, new technologies, business planning, strategy, operations, financial management, marketing, export assistance and sales.SBA: Small Business Development Centers
  6. Take free SBA online coursesSBA's Learning Platform offers free online courses and videos, including on federal contracting, according to SBA.SBA Learning Platform

What to have ready

  • Neither SBA nor America's SBDC publishes a list of documents for a first advising session.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeNot stated by SBA or America's SBDC.
CostAdvising is free; training costs a little. America's SBDC says: "no-cost business consulting and low-cost business training" and "free business consulting and at-cost training."
RenewalNothing to renew.
Where to sendNothing is filed. Contact the local SBDC directly.

Where to get help

Watch out

  • Training may have a fee. America's SBDC describes SBDC training as "low-cost" or "at-cost," not free.
  • SBA's rules say a business "eligible for assistance from SBA as a small business" is a for-profit business "with a place of business located in the United States" that operates primarily in the United States or makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy (13 CFR 121.105). The pages checked do not say whether an SBDC can advise a company based outside the United States.
  • Some SBA locator links open SBA's older website, legacy.sba.gov. It still shows the official .gov banner.

Official sources

SBA District Offices

Who it is for. Small businesses and people starting one, in every U.S. state and territory.

SBA has 68 district offices, according to SBA. SBA says district offices "provide small business counseling, training, and the tools you need to start or grow your business." Each district office has a Veterans Business Development Officer.

Steps

  1. Find your district officeOpen SBA's District Offices list and pick your state. Some states have more than one office. California has six: Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange County / Inland Empire, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.SBA District Offices
  2. Open your district's pageClick your district in the list. The Sacramento district page, for example, lists the office phone number, a "Send us a message" form, an appointment scheduler, upcoming SBA events and a sign-up for SBA emails.Example: SBA Sacramento District
  3. See the SBA partners in your districtSBA's local assistance search lists SCORE, SBDC, Veterans Business Outreach Center and Women's Business Center locations by district. The same page links to APEX Accelerators and U.S. Export Assistance Centers.SBA local assistance search
  4. Veteran-owned businesses: contact the Veterans Business Development OfficerSBA lists each district's Veterans Business Development Officer with phone and email. SBA says these officers know federal, state and local programs for veteran, service member and military spouse business owners.SBA: Veterans Business Development Officers
  5. Send federal contracting questions to SBASBA lists contracting@sba.gov for help with prime contracting and subcontracting@sba.gov for the subcontracting program.SBA: Contracting counseling and help
  6. Ask size questions by emailFor questions on "size standards and affiliation rules for participating in government contracts," SBA lists its Office of Size Standards at sizestandards@sba.gov.SBA: Targeted support and services

What to have ready

  • SBA does not publish a list of documents for contacting a district office.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeNot stated by SBA.
CostSBA says it and its partners "offer free or low-cost counseling and training." No fee is listed for contacting a district office.
RenewalNothing to renew.
Where to sendNothing is filed. Contact the district office by the phone number or the "Send us a message" form on its page.

Where to get help

Watch out

  • SBA's rules say a business "eligible for assistance from SBA as a small business" is a for-profit business "with a place of business located in the United States" that operates primarily in the United States or makes a significant contribution to the U.S. economy (13 CFR 121.105). The pages checked do not say whether a district office can advise a company based outside the United States.
  • Some SBA links, including the local assistance search and district pages, open SBA's older website, legacy.sba.gov. Those pages say "You are viewing the legacy SBA.gov website" and still show the official .gov banner.

Official sources

SCORE business mentors

Who it is for. Anyone starting, running, growing or selling a small business.

SCORE is a nonprofit network of volunteer business mentors. SBA calls it "the nation's largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors." SCORE is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with SBA and says "Mentoring is always free, for the life of your business."

Steps

  1. Request a mentor with your ZIP codeGo to SCORE's website, enter your ZIP code and complete the mentoring request. SCORE says the request goes to "the appropriate mentor or chapter." SCORE also has a page for browsing mentor profiles.How SCORE mentoring works
  2. Watch for the mentor's replySCORE says a mentor typically responds within 48 hours. The mentor tries to reach you three times by email, and by text if you chose text alerts. SCORE asks clients to check junk folders for mail from @score.org and @scorevolunteer.org.
  3. Meet by phone, video, email or in personSCORE says sessions are usually about an hour. You can meet as often as needed, for the life of the business.
  4. Bring a specific questionSCORE asks clients to come with the issue they need to solve or the goal they want to reach.
  5. Ask for another mentor if neededSCORE says clients can request other mentors when they need different expertise.
  6. Find your local SCORE chapterOpen SCORE's locations page. SCORE says to "select a state to view chapters and local resources."SCORE: Find a location

What to have ready

  • A clear business question or goal for the first meeting, as SCORE asks.
  • For a business already operating, SCORE asks owners to be willing to share the company's history, recent financials, cash flow and business plan.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeSCORE says a mentor typically responds within 48 hours of a request.
CostMentoring is free. SCORE says "Mentoring is always free, for the life of your business." SCORE event listings show whether each event is free. SCORE Academy offers "premium content."
RenewalNothing to renew.
Where to sendSubmit the mentoring request online at score.org.

Where to get help

Watch out

  • SCORE says its volunteers "cannot sign any client's confidentiality agreements or any Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA)." SCORE says client confidentiality is covered in each volunteer's agreement with SCORE instead.
  • SCORE mentors are volunteers. SCORE says they are experienced business people, many of them current or former entrepreneurs and executives.

Official sources

Veterans Business Outreach Centers (VBOCs)

Who it is for. Service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, military spouses and family members who want to start or grow a small business, according to SBA.

VBOCs give workshops, training, counseling and mentoring to military-connected business owners. SBA has 31 organizations serving as VBOCs under a cooperative agreement. SBA says VBOCs can also refer clients to a community partner, lender or SBA program.

Steps

  1. Find the VBOC for your stateOpen SBA's Resource Partners page and expand "Find your local Veterans Business Outreach Center." VBOCs are listed by region, with the states each one covers, plus address, phone and email.SBA: Veterans Business Outreach Centers
  2. Or search by SBA districtOpen SBA's local assistance search and set "Resource Partner type" to "Veterans Business Outreach Center."SBA local assistance search
  3. Contact the VBOC and ask for counselingSBA says each VBOC client can work directly with a business counselor. SBA lists help with business plans, manufacturing, international trade, franchising, internet marketing and accounting.
  4. Take Boots to Business or B2B RebootSBA says VBOCs help run Boots to Business classes on military installations for service members and military spouses, and B2B Reboot classes off installations for veterans of all eras, National Guard and Reserve members and military spouses.
  5. Learn about veteran certification (VetCert)SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program certifies veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. SBA's VetCert fact sheet says to register in SAM.gov first and to have the Unique Entity ID (UEI) and the company's bank account number ready. SBA's help line is 866-SBA-HELP (866-722-4357), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern, except federal holidays.SBA: Veteran-owned businesses

What to have ready

  • SBA does not publish a list of documents for VBOC counseling.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeNot stated by SBA.
CostSBA says its network of partners offers "free or low-cost counseling and training." SBA's VBOC section does not list prices.
RenewalNothing to renew.
Where to sendNothing is filed. Contact the VBOC that covers your state.

Where to get help

Watch out

  • SBA says the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2024 requires that, for subcontracting and goaling purposes, veteran firms be certified by SBA's VetCert program. SBA says self-certification for those purposes was allowed only until December 22, 2024.
  • One VBOC can cover several states. For example, SBA lists one VBOC for Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alaska and Arizona.

Official sources

Women's Business Centers (WBCs)

Who it is for. Women who want to start or grow a small business. The Association of Women's Business Centers says "WBC services are not exclusive to women."

WBCs are a national network of centers that give counseling and training. SBA says WBCs "provide free, to low-cost counseling and training and focus on women who want to start, grow, and expand their small business." The Association of Women's Business Centers (AWBC) says it represents more than 140 WBCs.

Steps

  1. Find a WBC by ZIP code or cityOpen AWBC's WBC Locator and search by ZIP code or city and state.AWBC: WBC Locator
  2. Or use SBA's local assistance searchOpen SBA's local assistance search and set "Resource Partner type" to "Women's Business Center."SBA local assistance search
  3. Contact the center and ask for counseling or trainingSBA says its resources for women-owned businesses include business training, counseling, federal contracts, and access to credit and capital.SBA: Women's Business Centers
  4. Ask about the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) programSBA says the government limits competition for certain contracts, in industries where women-owned small businesses are underrepresented, to businesses in its WOSB Federal Contract program. SBA says firms apply at SBA Certifications, "home to SBA's free online certification process," and can contact their SBA district office or Women's Business Center with questions.SBA: Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract program

What to have ready

  • SBA and AWBC do not publish a list of documents for WBC counseling.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeNot stated by SBA or AWBC.
CostFree to low cost. SBA says WBCs "provide free, to low-cost counseling and training."
RenewalNothing to renew.
Where to sendNothing is filed. Contact the WBC directly.

Where to get help

Watch out

  • Some WBC services may have a fee. SBA describes WBC counseling and training as "free, to low-cost."

Official sources

Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP)

Who it is for. Small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers. NIST says the program gives "any U.S. manufacturer" access to resources.

MEP is a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce. It works through state-designated MEP Centers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, with nearly 1,400 advisors at more than 450 service locations, according to NIST. Centers help with quality systems, cybersecurity, supply chains, process improvement and more, and charge client fees.

Steps

  1. Find your state's MEP CenterOpen NIST's "Connect with an MEP Center" page. Click your state to download the Center's one-page profile with contact details. You can also use the interactive map, the quick list, or call (800) MEP-4MFG.NIST: Connect with an MEP Center
  2. Ask about defense cybersecurity rulesNIST says MEP experts can guide a self-assessment using the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and that MEP Centers can help manufacturers meet the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) cybersecurity requirements for the Department of Defense supply chain.NIST MEP: Cybersecurity services
  3. Ask about quality certificationsNIST lists help with ISO 9001 (a quality management standard) and AS9100 (a quality standard for aerospace). NIST says AS9100 "ensures that your products fulfill Department of Defense, Federal Aviation Administration and NASA quality requirements."NIST MEP: ISO and quality management
  4. Ask about Supplier ScoutingNIST says MEP's Supplier Scouting service finds U.S. manufacturers with specific production and technical capabilities and connects them to buyers in the supply chains of larger companies and government agencies, including for Build America, Buy America requirements.NIST MEP: Supplier Scouting
  5. Ask what a project will cost before work startsNIST says client fees are part of how MEP Centers are funded.About NIST MEP

What to have ready

  • NIST does not publish a list of documents for a first contact with an MEP Center.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeNot stated by NIST.
CostNot free. NIST says MEP is "a cost-share program": federal funds pay one-half, and the rest comes from state or local governments and/or private entities, "plus client fees." NIST adds that "public funding allows smaller manufacturers to afford services."
RenewalNothing to renew.
Where to sendNothing is filed with NIST. Contact the MEP Center in your state.

Where to get help

Watch out

  • MEP is built for manufacturers. NIST describes its mission as strengthening "small and medium-sized U.S. manufacturers."
  • MEP services are fee-based. NIST names client fees as part of how Centers are funded.

Official sources

Agency small business offices (OSDBU and OSBP) and SBA contracting staff

Who it is for. Small businesses that want to sell to a specific federal agency.

Federal law sets up an Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) in each federal agency that has procurement powers (15 U.S.C. 644(k)). SBA says many agencies have an OSDBU or an Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), and that these offices "work to identify opportunities to contract with small businesses" and host training and networking events.

Steps

  1. Research the agency firstSBA's contracting guide says to review the agency's procurement forecast and use the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) and USASpending.gov to find opportunities at that agency, then contact the agency's small business office. FPDS.gov now redirects to SAM.gov, which says all contract award searches have moved to SAM.gov.SBA: How to win contracts
  2. Find the agency's procurement forecastAcquisition.gov, run by the General Services Administration (GSA), lists each major agency's procurement forecast.Acquisition.gov: Agency procurement forecasts
  3. Find the agency's small business officeAcquisition.gov's "Small Business" list links to the small business office of each major agency, from the Agency for International Development to the Social Security Administration.Acquisition.gov: Agency small business offices
  4. Contact the office and go to its eventsSBA says each office "hosts training and networking events to help small businesses identify contract opportunities."
  5. Ask SBA's contracting staffSBA Procurement Center Representatives (PCRs) work to give small businesses the most chances to compete for federal contracts. SBA Commercial Market Representatives (CMRs) work on small business subcontracting. SBA lists contracting@sba.gov for prime contracting and subcontracting@sba.gov for the subcontracting program.SBA: Contracting counseling and help
  6. Look for subcontracting openingsSBA says large businesses can post subcontracting opportunities in SBA's SUBNet database, and small businesses can search them. SBA also links agency subcontracting directories and its directory of prime contractors that have subcontracting plans.SBA: Prime and subcontracting
  7. Get help with late payments after awardFederal law says each agency's OSDBU director "shall assist small business concerns to obtain payments, required late payment interest penalties, or information regarding payments due" (15 U.S.C. 644(k)(6)).15 U.S.C. 644 (U.S. Code)

What to have ready

  • No document list is published for contacting an agency small business office.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeNot stated.
CostNo fee is listed on the pages checked. These are federal agency offices.
RenewalNothing to renew.
Where to sendContact each agency's small business office directly. Send SBA contracting questions to contracting@sba.gov or subcontracting@sba.gov.

Where to get help

Watch out

  • Forecasts are for planning only. DoD's March 2026 small business guide says acquisition forecasts are "for informational purposes only and subject to change."
  • Acquisition.gov's "Agency Industry Liaison Directory" PDF is labeled "as of 05.2023," and the Homeland Security entry on its small business list points to the DHS home page.
  • SBA says agencies use SAM.gov to list contracts over $25,000.

Official sources

Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)

Who it is for. Businesses that want to sell to the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force or a defense agency.

DoD's Office of Small Business Programs helps businesses become suppliers to the defense industrial base. Its website now uses the name "Office of Industrial Base Growth" and says OSBP "remains a vital and unchanged part of the broader organization." The site's one-page guides to "our programs, and tools" cover APEX Accelerators, the DoW Mentor-Protégé Program, Project Spectrum and the LYNX platform. The site also links to Small Business Offices across the military.

Steps

  1. Start at DoD's small business websiteThe site has programs, training dates, news and a list of small business offices. DoD's site uses the name Department of War (DoW).DoD Office of Small Business Programs
  2. Read DoD's guide to working with the DepartmentThe Office of Small Business Programs' own guide for companies that want to work with the Department, on its "Work with us" pages. Read it before the offices below, so you know what each one will ask.Guide to Working with DoD
  3. Find the Small Business Offices at buying commandsDoD's Small Business Offices page links to offices across the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and defense agencies, such as the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Special Operations Command and the Missile Defense Agency. DoD's March 2026 guide also lists Space Force's Space Systems Command. DoD says Small Business Professionals there can explain their organization's mission and needs and help identify prime contracting and subcontracting requirements.DoD Small Business Offices
  4. Get local help from an APEX AcceleratorOSBP's APEX Accelerators give no-cost, one-on-one help with registrations, market research, bids and networking.APEX Service Area Locator
  5. Use DoD's cybersecurity programDoD says Project Spectrum helps small and medium-sized businesses with cybersecurity training, tools and resources, including on protecting Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and on CMMC.Project Spectrum
  6. Research defense buyers with LYNXSBA describes LYNX as the Department of War's "next-generation market research and supplier intelligence platform for small businesses of the Defense Industrial Base."LYNX
  7. Look into the DoW Mentor-Protégé ProgramDoD says the program pairs eligible small businesses with larger prime contractors to help them build technical, managerial and supply chain skills. DoD's program page says applications are taken through a new website portal and lists 571-372-6191 for questions.DoW Mentor-Protégé Program
  8. Contact OSBP with general questionsDoD lists osd.business.defense@mail.mil. DoD also publishes the DoW Small Business Bulletin on LinkedIn and by email.

What to have ready

  • DoD's March 2026 small business guide describes a "10 Steps to Winning Your First DoW Contract" guide that covers registering in SAM.gov and developing a capabilities statement.

Time, cost, renewal and where to send

TimeNot stated by DoD.
CostNo fee is listed for contacting DoD small business offices. APEX Accelerator help is no-cost, according to the APEX site.
RenewalNothing to renew.
Where to sendContact the Small Business Office at the command or agency. Send general questions to osd.business.defense@mail.mil.

Where to get help

Watch out

  • Names changed. DoD's small business site uses "Department of War" (DoW) and "Office of Industrial Base Growth" (IBG). Older documents say "Department of Defense" and "Office of Small Business Programs."
  • On July 13, 2026, DoD announced the "immediate suspension" of Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Phase II requirements, which were set to start November 10, 2026. DoD said "All Phase I self-assessment requirements remain firmly in place" and started a 60-day review. DoD said that in the meantime it will enforce the NIST SP 800-171 Rev 2 standard through self-assessments and some government-led assessments, and that contractors must still protect covered defense information under DFARS clause 252.204-7012. The DoD Chief Information Officer's CMMC page still showed this notice on September 25, 2026.
  • Foreign ownership: DoD's FOCI page says foreign ownership, control or influence (FOCI) "can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information." The page says close U.S. allies are "generally considered low FOCI risk," while "foreign countries of concern" such as Russia, North Korea, Iran and China "pose much greater FOCI risk."
  • DoD's small business office has warned about scam letters from a fake "United States Business Regulations Department" that claim a registration is required and threaten penalties. DoD says to report scams to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

Official sources

Last checked September 25, 2026. Rules, fees and programs change; the official sources are where to confirm them before applying or spending money.

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