Congratulations to our APEX Accelerator Advisor, Marc Jacobson on being named Madison Visionary of the Year award. Marc was recognized for his decades of civic involvement and significant contributions to the Madison community. His leadership and commitment to volunteerism have helped shape Madison into the vibrant city it is today. Read more: https://www.mvpmadison.org/post/2025-madison-visionary-awards

Ready to launch your food truck, catering service, or mobile food business? Join us for an in-person training event designed to help aspiring food entrepreneurs navigate the journey from concept to success. Learn about business licenses, health department requirements, funding options, pricing strategies, and marketing—plus hear real-world insights from successful food business owners.

Bonus: Take an exclusive tour of a local commissary kitchen to see how a shared commercial space can support your business.

Don’t miss this chance to gain expert guidance, network with fellow food entrepreneurs, and take the next step toward making your food business dream a reality! www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

The U.S. Small Business Administration recently selected Kim and Larry Lewis, owners of the Huntsville-based technical solutions company ProjectXYZ Inc., as Alabama Small Business Persons of the Year.

The SBA announced winners from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam ahead of National Small Business Week.

Founded in 2002, PROJECTXYZ, INC. is a woman-owned small business headquartered in Huntsville, Alabama that provides technical engineering solutions for the federal government and manufacturing, logistics, IT, and alternative energy industries. During the Pandemic, PROJECTXYZ, INC. was a recipient of SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program and a COVID-19 EIDL. Additionally, with the guidance of SBA’s resource partner, the Alabama SBDC network, the company acquired a facility in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, which not only expanded their company’s footprint and services, but also saved 137 jobs. The business has grown significantly, adding facilities in Alabama and Texas, including a 50,000 sq ft location in Huntsville, a 68,000 sq ft facility in Muscle Shoals, and an 110,000 sq ft facility in El Paso. This expansion has driven revenue growth and increased the company’s employee count to 421. Kimberly and Larry are active in their community, supporting scholarships, STEM initiatives, business mentorship, and internships, and both serve on various economic development boards.

Alabama SBDC consultant Kara Halfaker, CPA (owner of No Fear Finances and a QuickBooks Advanced Certified ProAdvisor) will show you the best practices and strategies for accounting for your income, payment processors, and more. Register online to attend: www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

Join the SBA Wednesdays in April for this interactive workshop is designed to prepare business owners for speaking with a lender. We’ll discuss the difference between personal credit and business credit. We’ll address the documents and financials you will need for a business loan, and how those documents help lenders make approval decisions. www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

Boots to Business Reboot (B2BR) is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Active Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), Veterans of all eras, and military spouses are eligible to participate. The “Introduction to Entrepreneurship” course is the foundational piece of Boots to Business (B2B). Participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, how to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help. This two-day program is facilitated by subject matter experts from the SBA and their extensive network of skilled business advisors. www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, the NASA Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) is honored to host the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), for an exclusive discussion on the Made in America Manufacturing Initiative. This initiative aims to empower small manufacturers through regulatory relief, enhanced financing opportunities, and workforce development. Additionally, the SBA will provide a deep dive into the 7(a) Loan Program, the agency’s flagship loan program designed to support small businesses with working capital, real estate, equipment financing, and more.

Join us for this historic OSBP moment and information-packed webinar as we explore new opportunities for small businesses to thrive in the evolving manufacturing landscape! www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

Going Global: A Practical Guide to Exporting is a dynamic 90-minute seminar designed to equip businesses with the essential knowledge and strategies needed to successfully enter international markets. Led by a seasoned expert in global trade, this session will provide practical insights into the exporting process, including market selection, compliance considerations, logistics, and financing options. Whether you’re new to exporting or looking to refine your approach, this seminar offers valuable guidance to support your international growth. Attendees will gain direct contact with state and federal resources needed to help navigate the complexities of global trade and expand their business internationally. www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

Do you have a brand, product, idea, or just a great gumbo recipe? If you’re launching or growing a small business, this one-hour session will give you the tools to protect what makes your business unique. Pull up a chair (and your lunch) while we cover:

 What’s in a Name? Learn how to choose a business or brand name that adds value and legal protection.

 Creative Works: Think you don’t have anything copyrightable? Think again—you might be surprised.

 Trade Secrets: Got a secret formula, price list, or process? Learn how to protect it without hiring a lawyer.

 Using Online Content: Can you use publicly available info in your business? Let’s unpack what’s fair game—and what’s not.

 Patents 101: Have an invention? Bring your questions—there’s a patent lawyer in the house!

Whether you're just getting started or scaling up, this session will help you understand trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, and patents—and how to avoid accidentally infringing on someone else’s. www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), in collaboration with the Applied Research Institute and the Alabama APEX Accelerator, is hosting a DARPAConnect Regional Pop-Up event at the University of Alabama in Huntsville on Tuesday, May 13th, 2025. 

DARPA is the U.S. Department of Defense’s premier R&D agency, relentlessly pursuing groundbreaking innovations in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and more. Renowned for turning bold ideas into world-changing capabilities, DARPA continues to push the boundaries of possibility.

Whether you’re new to DARPA or a seasoned performer, this event will offer you valuable insights on “How to DARPA” from dynamic, visionary leaders, along with networking opportunities that can help propel your national security innovation efforts.

This one-day event offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into DARPA through engaging sessions led by DARPA office directors, program managers, and staff. Additionally, participants will have the chance to ask questions and receive answers directly from DARPA leadership. Conversations with DARPA leaders and program managers will be available exclusively to our in-person attendees during networking opportunities throughout the day. In-person registration also includes breakfast, lunch, and refreshments.

Who Should Attend?
University Innovators
Emerging Companies & Start-ups
Research Institutions
Industry Professionals 

Topics Include:
Introduction to DARPA
Engaging with Program Managers
Crafting Effective Proposals
Tips for Successful DARPA Proposals
Navigating DARPA Entry Points

By attending in person, you’ll fully immerse yourself in an experience designed to enhance your engagement with DARPA.
Feel free to share this invitation with your network. We look forward to connecting with you in Huntsville! www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

Mentor-Protege Programs (MPPs) help small businesses partner with more experienced businesses to build past performance, gain capacity, and win government contracts! Several federal agencies have their own Mentor-Protege Program. While they all have the same primary goal, they each have differences in rules and strategy. This training will focus on the most popular MPP through SBA, but other programs will be discussed. www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

Do you know someone who is thinking about starting a new business?  If so, please let them know that the SBDC is happy to help.  We assist with licensing, marketing, business plans, funding, and more. They can register online at our website www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

Join the APEX Accelerator from JSU for a discussion of the elements of a capability statement as well as impactful marketing strategies. www.uah.edu/sbdc/events

Save the Date for the 17th Annual Government Contracting Business Matchmaker. August 20, 2025 at The Jackson Center, Huntsville. Learn more at www.uah.edu/sbdc/annual-business-matchmaker

Have you been thinking about doing business with the government? Whether you're new to contracting or a longtime contractor needing help growing your business, our APEX (formerly PTAC) team is here to help. APEX advisors assist with registering in SAM, small business certifications, the 8a program, teaming partnerships, mentor protegee, and so much more. You can learn more online at our website uah.edu/sbdc/apex