Technical assistance for small businesses in Tennessee
- Paula Anderson
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
by Paula Anderson
Serving small business owners with technical assistance on government contracting, proposal writing, and capability statements has been the mission of APEX Accelerator formerly UT Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC).
According to a news release, the U.S. government is the world’s largest single purchaser of goods and services, and every year, local, state and federal government contracts are available to businesses across a wide range of industries.
The Tennessee APEX Accelerator program plays a vital role in the state. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of Defense (DOD), according to the website.
Veronica Clark, APEX Accelerator counselor, conducts virtual and in-person training to small businesses in West Tennessee.
A re-branding took place in 2024 from its original name UT Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), which was established in the 1980s under the UT Center for Industrial Services (CIS).
“While our name is changing, we are still dedicated to providing world class technical assistance,” said Clark.
Government contracting, Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) coaching, cybersecurity certification preparation and specialized procurement topic counseling are part of the services offered to small businesses.
“APEX counselors help Tennessee businesses apply for business-specific certifications which can offer a competitive edge when competing for government contracts. Examples of these certifications include women-owned, minority-owned and veteran-owned businesses," according to the news release.
There are two other counselors serving Middle and East Tennessee.
“We are a small but mighty team dedicated to assisting you with successfully competing for government contracts,” said Clark.
To reach Veronica Clark, call 615-253-6381 or email: veronica.clark@tennessee.edu.
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