Innovation Pathways: Selling to the Federal Government - Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator

Breaking into the federal innovation space requires knowing where to start — and who can help you get there.

This introductory session is designed to provide small businesses, innovators and technology startup companies with an overview of the federal funding landscape, programs designed to accelerate your technology, and marketing strategies that get you in front of the right people.

As a result of this session, you will:
• Understand the federal readiness requirements every innovator needs to meet before pursuing government opportunities
• Learn how SBIR and STTR funding works — from proof of concept through commercialization
• Identify DoD innovation programs aligned to your technology area, including AFWERX, NavalX, Army Futures Command, DIU, and DARPA
• Know the marketing materials federal tech scouts expect — Capability Statement, White Paper, Quad Chart and Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)
• Discover the Michigan innovation ecosystem and the resources available to support your journey

Presented by Shannon Wilson, M.S., Procurement Counselor at Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator (SC APEX) and team lead for guiding companies through federal innovation pathways — from SBIR/STTR strategy to positioning for DoD tech scouts.

Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator services are provided at no cost to eligible businesses in Wayne, Washtenaw, Oakland, Monroe, and Livingston counties.


The APEX Accelerator provides assistance to businesses in marketing products and services to federal, state, and local government agencies. Schoolcraft College in Livonia has sponsored the local program since 1985 and is the link between the government, prime contractors, and businesses.

This APEX Accelerator is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the Department of War. Additionally, the Schoolcraft College APEX Accelerator is funded by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and Schoolcraft College.