March 2025

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Bid to Win, get expert advice from a local APEX Accelerator!

Are you looking to secure a government contract?

Have you worked with an APEX Accelerator?

With the right strategy and guidance, manufacturers can unlock major contracting opportunities.

The APEX Accelerator program, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), helps businesses navigate government contracting. The program focuses on building a strong, sustainable, and resilient U.S. supply chain by assisting a wide range of businesses to pursue and perform under contracts with the DoD, other federal agencies, state and local governments and with government prime contractors.

For nearly 40 years, Illinois APEX Accelerator professionals have been providing businesses with guidance, such as one-on-one counseling, bid matching, small business certification assistance, often in partnership with SBDCs and business support organizations, as well as networking opportunities.

Did you know Cook County region is home to seven APEX Accelerators? We connected with Christopher Cooks, the Program Manager of a local Cook County Illinois APEX Accelerator.

Christopher shared: “APEX advisors can help [manufacturers] avoid common mistakes and develop a strategy to become ‘Contract Ready.’”

Christopher stressed; "With demand for more "American Made" products, businesses must strengthen cybersecurity, leverage subcontracting, and tap into local procurement opportunities. These agencies need your expertise."

Looking ahead for 2025, the Illinois APEX Accelerator aims to help businesses prepare for more contracting opportunities.

Ready to take the next step? Click here to find and connect with a local Illinois APEX Accelerator today and unlock new contracting opportunities.

Access Innovative Talent Solutions

Cook County’s Bureau of Economic Development has partnered with the National Institute of Metalworking Skills (NIMS) to assist Cook County manufacturers in developing customized training solutions to meet their talent needs.

NIMS developed the Smart Training Solutions (STS) platform to proactively support training within the natural flow of work.

Funding for this program comes via Good Jobs Chicagoland. Please contact Lisa Cockerham, Program Manager, Workforce Development, to learn more.

Your Input is Needed: 2025 Compensation and Benefits Survey

The Illinois Manufacturers' Association and Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center invite you to participate in the 2025 Compensation & Benefits Survey.

All companies that complete the survey in its entirety will receive a free electronic copy of the final aggregate survey report. In addition, companies that participate will also get a free personalized report benchmarking their data against the aggregate. All individual data submitted will be kept strictly confidential, and no individual organization or employee data will be released.

Click here to complete the survey by Tuesday, April 1, 2025. Questions? Contact Megan Loberg-Simmering of the IMA at mloberg-simmering@ima-net.org.  

Don't miss out on this valuable opportunity to grow your business and connect with key players in the government contracting space. Manufacturers are invited to join this invaluable business opportunity and connect directly with industry professionals, learn about government contracting opportunities, and gain insights from experts in the field.

Join IMEC for an overview of economic trends shaping the manufacturing industry. Attendees will gain expert insights into market projections, emerging challenges and opportunities, along with strategies to navigate economic shifts and foster resilience in 2025.

Join the IL APEX Accelerator at the Southland Development Authority (SDA) and The Illinois Center for Equity and Inclusion for a presentation on the process to become BEP certified in the State of Illinois.

Are you looking to expand your business into federal contracting? Join for an insightful webinar where industry experts will break down the GSA Schedule process, from eligibility requirements to submission strategies and post-award compliance. Learn how to position your business for success, maximize contracting opportunities, and navigate the complexities of federal procurement with confidence. 

In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, financial resilience and transparency are more critical than ever. By harnessing data and AI, manufacturers can streamline operations, improve financial visibility, and make informed decisions. Join this webinar to discover how to leverage data and AI to identify revenue growth opportunities and strengthen your businesses' financial resiliency.

Join CAIC for a panel discussion on Rising Electric Rates with experts in Electric Procurement, Rate Structure, Electric Rate Legal and Regulatory Issues, Smart Building Technology, and Natural Gas Utilization. Jim Boguslawski, CAIC’s Workforce Development and Sustainability Specialist, will serve as the moderator.

Advance your labor force, elevate your business.

Looking to improve your talent pipeline and remain competitive? The Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator, in partnership with Skills for Chicagoland's Future, connects your business with skilled new hires while also providing opportunities for career advancement in manufacturing.

With the Cook County Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator, manufacturers can seize the opportunity to grow their business by upskilling workers, incentivizing them through earn-and-learn programs. Ready to build a stronger workforce? Learn more here.

Cook County Manufacturing Reinvented - Update

Since the launch of Manufacturing Reinvented in 2022, with our partner the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center, Cook County committed $5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds to support nearly 370 manufacturers in developing and executing projects designed to improve their competitiveness and productivity. 

As a result of this strong interest, the program is currently not accepting new applications. Cook County is seeking additional resources to restart Manufacturing Reinvented in the near future, and we will keep you apprised of any developments.