SDA’s APEX Accelerator Grows to 273 Clients as Businesses Pursue Government Contracts
Imagine managing 273 clients. Chris Cooks at the Southland Development Authority’s (SDA’s) APEX Accelerator program doesn’t have to. That is a reality he is currently living less than two years after launching.
The program is approaching $2 million in contract awards for the current grant year.
For the SDA, these are jaw dropping numbers. For Cooks, you can tell it’s just business as usual. But - he didn’t say it’s easy.
What It’s Like Managing 270 Clients
“Managing 270 clients can definitely feel daunting at times,” Cooks said. He is a generalist in government contracting.
The Illinois APEX Accelerator helps businesses navigate the government marketplace.
That usually starts with the basics. Registration. Procurement systems. Understanding how government buying works. The list goes on.
Cooks described that process as helping businesses become “bid ready.”
“In simple terms, that means helping businesses properly register with local, state, and federal procurement systems so they can legally compete for government opportunities,” Cooks said.
His work includes one-on-one advising, registration reviews, capability material reviews, resource referrals and programming with subject matter experts. He also completes ongoing professional development to stay current on procurement rules, defense programs, certifications and contracting systems.
It’s a lot - but that’s why he has 273 clients. There’s a lot to do.
As for how he got to 273? That’s another story.
From Zero Clients to 273
The program officially launched at the SDA on July 1, 2024.
It started with zero clients. Today, it serves 273.
Cooks said that growth reflects the demand for government contracting support and the SDA’s growing role as a business development resource.
“Growing to 270 clients in less than two years demonstrates both the demand for these services and SDA’s growing reputation as a trusted resource for business and supplier development,” Cooks said.
The program has expanded through outreach, events, speaking engagements and direct business engagement.
Contract Awards Show Economic Impact
The program’s growth also shows up in contract award numbers.
During the first year of the program, Cooks met the original contract award goal of $500,000. For the current grant year, the target increased to $5 million in client contract awards.
“As of today, clients I’ve worked with have secured approximately $2 million in contracts, and I intend to meet the $5 million goal by July 31, 2026,” Cooks said.
Those dollars do not go directly to the SDA. They represent contracts awarded to businesses that received support through the program.
What the SDA does receive, however, are outcomes showing serious economic impact, program performance and progress toward grant objectives.
Supporting More Advanced Businesses
The APEX Accelerator still helps businesses at the beginning of their contracting journey.
But the client base is also changing.
The SDA is now working with manufacturers, suppliers and professional service firms that are pursuing larger opportunities with public agencies, defense contractors and institutional buyers.
“The growth also reflects an evolution in the types of businesses we are able to support,” Cooks said.
The best part of the work for Cooks is simply seeing businesses make that transition from uncertainty to action.
He has helped pave that path for at least 273 of those businesses, and many more to come.
About the Southland Development Authority
The Southland Development Authority, a not-for-profit economic development organization, is committed to driving equitable and sustainable economic growth in the South Suburbs of Chicago. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and impactful direct investments, the SDA is building a vibrant, inclusive economy that drives wealth growth for individuals, businesses, and municipalities. Combined with the benefits of the South Suburban Land Bank and the Monarch Fund, the SDA serves as a model for regional development.
