Driving South Florida’s Defense Boom: APEX Accelerator Unlocks Millions in Federal Contracting
South Florida’s defense industrial base is accelerating at record speed, with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) anchoring Palm Beach and Broward counties within a rapidly expanding federal contracting ecosystem. In 2024 alone, this ecosystem helped secure an impressive $596.1 million in government contracts, positioning the region as a strategic gateway into the nation’s $96.6 billion defense economy.
At the center of this momentum is the Florida APEX Accelerator at FAU, the exclusive regional administrator for both counties. APEX provides specialized consulting that simplifies complex federal procurement processes and transforms them into tangible revenue pathways for small businesses.
The program’s impact is undeniable. As Greg Britton, State Director of the Florida SBDC & APEX Accelerator Network, explains, “for every $1 we receive from the federal government, we return $84 in fiscal impact.”
Building a Strong Defense Manufacturing Cluster
Palm Beach County’s deep aerospace roots make it fertile ground for defense contracting expansion. Companies like Chromalloy, headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens and employing more than 4,500 people, specialize in advanced engine repairs and FAA-approved PMA parts.
In Boca Raton, Terran Orbital recently received a $100 million investment from Lockheed Martin to expand satellite manufacturing—further strengthening local capacity for defense production and opening opportunities for smaller suppliers.
Meanwhile, Broward County is growing its aerospace footprint:
Ontic opened its eighth global site in Miramar in 2025, creating 88 new jobs and investing $10 million into a new 64,000-square-foot MRO facility. “Florida was the natural choice for our expansion,” said Ontic VP Jack Karapetyan, citing the region’s skilled labor and business-friendly environment.
Broward Commissioner Nan Rich noted the project will bring “new high-value jobs and investment” that strengthen the county’s competitiveness.
Additional defense manufacturers in Broward, such as AAMSI (ITAR-registered manufacturing, repair, and logistics) and Sintavia (aerospace-grade additive manufacturing, fresh off a $10 million expansion), create crucial partnership and subcontracting opportunities for APEX-supported small businesses.
Driving Inclusive Procurement & Certification Support
In May 2025, the Florida APEX Accelerator was awarded the prestigious Economic Impact Award by the National APEX Accelerator Alliance (NAPEX), recognizing its outstanding contributions in helping Florida businesses secure government contracts, create jobs, and fuel economic growth.
The Florida APEX Accelerator places strong emphasis on inclusion.
39% of its clients are women-owned firms
Veteran-owned and minority-owned businesses receive targeted assistance for key federal certifications including HUBZone, 8(a), and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).
FAU Interim VP for Research Gregg Fields explains that APEX is part of the university’s mission to “enhance business development in our local community.”
To broaden access, APEX is expanding defense proposal labs, offering cohort-based training that reduces bid timelines from years to months. Sandra D. Marin Ruiz, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Innovation & Business Development and Regional Director for APEX, emphasizes the goal: “to put these enhanced business development tools into the hands of as many qualified businesses as possible.”
How APEX Supports Palm Beach & Broward Small Businesses
Through its regional proposal labs, the Florida APEX Accelerator offers structured training delivered by seasoned procurement consultants.
Dr. Ruiz explains the mission clearly: “We are expanding the innovation and business development services FAU currently provides to our region’s entrepreneurial and research ecosystem.”
APEX services are free and confidential, covering:
Government contracting support
Growth acceleration
Emergency preparedness
Access to capital
Certified business valuations
Organizational development assessments
This combination dramatically reduces the time required for small firms to become contract-ready.
Accelerating Dual-Use Technology & Innovation
Defense contracting is increasingly tied to dual-use technologies—solutions serving both military and commercial markets. This creates cost-effective pathways for small businesses to scale innovation without giving up equity.
Initiatives like the Gold Coast Tech Accelerator, launched by the Florida Council of 100, offer intensive eight-week programs specifically designed for defense and dual-use startups.
Stephen Ross of Related Ross describes the program as positioning Florida as a “leading hub for tech-driven global business.” Melissa Medina, CEO of eMerge Americas, adds that such opportunities can “change the trajectory of a startup.”
Together, these programs form a connected innovation ecosystem that strengthens the region’s ability to compete nationally.
Workforce Development & Compliance Readiness
Beyond proposals, contract readiness requires compliance with strict standards, including cybersecurity, CMMC, and quality management systems.
APEX collaborates with Broward College, CareerSource Florida, and other partners to build a security-ready workforce that meets federal requirements.
Jessica Tenney, Florida APEX Program Manager, highlights the importance of small businesses in South Florida’s defense economy—an impact that extends to Palm Beach and Broward.
Brian Van Hook, Regional Director of Florida SBDC at FIU, notes major military installations across the region, including U.S. Southcom, Homestead Air Reserve Base, and Naval Air Station Key West, which generate significant contracting opportunities.
Policy Support & Strong Economic Outlook
State-level investment continues to fuel growth. Since 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis has awarded more than $23.4 million through the Defense Infrastructure Grant Program.
Florida now ranks second in the nation for manufacturing defense systems and aerospace products, generating more than $100 billion in annual economic impact.
For Palm Beach and Broward alone, more than 860,000 direct and indirect defense-related jobs fuel a thriving marketplace for cybersecurity, logistics, manufacturing, and professional services contractors.
The Florida APEX Accelerator at FAU remains a central catalyst—ensuring that small businesses can access, compete, and scale within this high-growth sector.
