# Region 1 Launches Rockford APEX Accelerator

Region 1 Planning Council has launched a free APEX Accelerator in downtown Rockford to help businesses in Winnebago, Boone, McHenry, Ogle, Stephenson, and DeKalb counties compete for government contracts. The program offers confidential counseling, training, and technical assistance at no cost, giving northern Illinois firms a local resource for preparing to pursue public-sector work.

- Small and regional businesses in the six-county service area can use the program to build their readiness for government contracting without paying for counseling or training.
- Procurement professionals and prime contractors may find the accelerator useful as a local channel for connecting prospective suppliers with bid-preparation support.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Published:** October 14, 2026

### Government Entities
- Region 1 Planning Council

### Sources
- [Free contract counseling now available to northern Illinois firms](https://www.rrstar.com/story/news/local/2026/10/14/free-contract-counseling-now-available-to-northern-illinois-firms/92233173007) - Rockford Register Star