Training & Events
The North Dakota APEX offers many webinars and workshops designed to help you understand and navigate the government procurement process.
Training is critical to keep businesses informed of the latest procurement practices and opportunities.
Upcoming Tri-State Procurement Webinars
The following series of webinars are hosted in partnership with Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota APEX Accelerators and SBA District Offices.
Webinars typically take place on the first Tuesday of every month from 9 -10 a.m. Central Time.
April 7
Doing Business with the States
Procurement officials with Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota state procurement
offices
will provide updates about doing business with them. The 2026 monthly tri-state procurement
webinars are
hosted in partnership with APEX Accelerators and the US Small Business Administration
district offices from
Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
April 9
SADBOC Government Procurement Fair
Small businesses interested in doing business with government agencies and prime contractors are encouraged to attend the 27th Annual SADBOC Government Procurement Fair. This trade fair combines education with marketing strategies and provides small businesses the opportunity to meet representatives from more than 60 federal, state, and local agencies, as well as commercial prime contractors and nonprofit organizations. Attendees will also have access to technical assistance resources and information about upcoming contracting opportunities.
April 9
Save Your Money Virtual Training Webinar
Join the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) for a virtual training webinar titled “Save Your Money,” presented by the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC). This session will introduce small businesses to a nationwide network of no cost support services designed to help entrepreneurs start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Attendees will learn how to access resources and assistance available through organizations such as the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC), Small Business Development Centers (SBDC), Women’s Business Centers, APEX Accelerators, and local economic development partners.
April 21
Introduction to SAM.gov
This training is designed to provide a foundational overview of the System for Award Management which is often referred to as SAM.gov. This is the official e-procurement website of the federal government. SAM.gov provides data on government contract opportunities and history, contractors, and more. Businesses (vendors) rely on SAM.gov to register in order to do business with the federal government or contractors with prime government contracts. You don’t want to miss this fundamental training!
April 28-April 30
Meet the Buyers 2026 Virtual Conference
This virtual conference connects businesses directly with government buyers at the federal, state, and local levels, along with agency representatives, experienced primes, and resource providers. Whether you're new to Government contracting or looking to expand existing relationships, Meet the Buyers Conference offers practical insight, meaningful connections, and real conversations that move opportunities forward.
June 30-July 2
2026 Encountering Innovation Tech Showcase
The 10th Annual Encountering Innovation Conference is a multi-state, in-person event bringing together technology innovators and Department of Defense stakeholders from across 10+ states. Hosted at the Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas (Groover Labs) in Wichita, this exclusive event is designed for advanced technology companies ready to showcase their innovations to DoD Science and Technology Advisors
This limited engagement opportunity will accept only 30 innovators. Selected participants must have a working prototype by the conference date and will have the opportunity to:
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Present advanced technology solutions directly to DoD Science and Technology Advisors
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Engage in 1:1 meetings with Combatant Commands
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Explore collaboration and partnership opportunities
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Receive support through the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)
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Access SME and SBDC advising support
Applications are accepted until mid-March or until capacity is reached.
If your company is developing innovative technologies with defense applications, this is a unique opportunity to gain visibility, build strategic relationships, and accelerate your path to DoD engagement.
Apply early. Space is limited.
Upcoming DoW Small Business Webinars
The following series of webinars are hosted by the Department of Defense Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and APEX Accelerators. These sessions are designed to inform and empower small business owners, acquisition professionals, and government contracting stakeholders.
Project Spectrum
April 23
Project Spectrum is a DoD OSBP initiative that helps small and medium-sized businesses strengthen cybersecurity to meet federal contracting requirements. This program offers training, tools, and resources to increase awareness of cyber threats, protect Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and understand regulations like Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC).
In this webinar, Kareem Sykes, Project Spectrum Industry & Engagement Director (CTR), explains how businesses can improve their cyber readiness, meet compliance requirements, and access support tools.
Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI)
May 14
Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) happens when a foreign entity has the power to direct or influence the management or operations of a company. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and potentially compromise national security. FOCI can involve legal means like joint ventures and acquisitions or illegal methods like cyber espionage.
In this webinar, Dr. Bryson Reynolds will teach you how to identify FOCI, why it's important, and the steps you can take to protect your business.
Mission and Installation Contracting Command – Virtual Industry Day
May 18-22
The Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC) is hosting its sixth Annual command-wide virtual Advance Planning Briefing for Industry (APBI). This multi-day event is designed to educate industry partners on the MICC and its mission partners while providing an overview of projected requirements and upcoming contracting opportunities.
The event will include a live virtual briefing broadcast on Microsoft Teams, featuring planned presentations and a live Q&A session, with all questions and answers posted to SAM.gov. In addition, MICC will offer virtual one-on-one sessions with acquisition staff, giving businesses the opportunity to engage directly with contracting professionals. Registration is required for both the live event and one-on-one sessions, and interested businesses should monitor the SAM.gov posting for updates and additional information.
DoD Mentor-Protégé Program
July 14
The DoD Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) strengthens and modernizes the defense industrial base by connecting businesses new to government contracting with more experienced government contractors to provide broader and deeper capabilities to the military supply chain. Through this collaboration, protégés gain critical knowledge, technical expertise, and business development acumen which increases their capabilities to perform as subcontractors and suppliers under DoD contracts, other federal government and commercial contracts. Mentors gain valuable and qualified subcontracting partners to provide technological capabilities to rebuild our military and advance other government priorities.
In this webinar, Jerry Smith, Program Analyst (CTR), DoD Mentor-Protégé Program, will explain how the MPP works, the benefits to mentors and proteges, and how to participate.
Small Business Training Series
Project Spectrum Training
April 2
Intro to APEX Accelerators
April 14
U.S. Air Force Office of Small Business Programs Upcoming Events
Stay informed about the latest opportunities to engage with the U.S. Air Force Office of Small Business Programs. Our Upcoming Events page highlights conferences, workshops, webinars, and networking sessions designed to help small businesses succeed in the government contracting space. Join us to connect, learn, and explore ways to collaborate with the U.S. Air Force.
U.S. Army Office of Small Business Programs Learning & Events
Discover valuable resources, training opportunities, and upcoming events hosted by the U.S. Army Office of Small Business Programs. Designed to empower small business owners, this platform provides educational materials, networking events, and guidance to help businesses successfully navigate government contracting. Explore webinars, workshops, and conferences tailored to support your journey in partnering with the U.S. Army.
Defense Logistics Agency Events and Webinars
Find upcoming opportunities to work with DLA through DLA's Small Business Outreach Calendar. Discover matchmaking events, attend classes or connect with other small businesses in similar industries. View the calendar to see details for each DLA event.
DLA Energy Worldwide: Strategic Energy for Global Advantage
April 21-23
This premier event provides a unique opportunity for small businesses to connect directly with energy-related providers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders who support DLA Energy and, ultimately, the Warfighter. It is an excellent venue for networking, learning about upcoming opportunities, and gaining insight into the evolving needs of defense energy logistics.
U.S. Navy Office of Small Business Programs Upcoming Events
The mission of OSBP is to promote acquisition opportunities where small business can best support the needs of our Sailors and Marines. We owe it to these men and women to provide them with the systems, innovation, products and tools necessary to enable them to accomplish their mission and return home safely. We also owe it to the taxpayer to acquire these products and services at affordable and responsible prices. It is our hope that through this website you will gain information that will assist you in competing for those opportunities. You will find links to all of the DON's major buying activities and it is there that you will get to know the business of the Navy and Marine Corps.
Upcoming Govology Webinars
As an ND APEX client, you have access to a variety of additional webinars through Govology at no cost. Review the upcoming dates, times, and topics, and check the event flyer for full details. When you’re ready, contact our team to receive the access code and register. If you need help with registration, reach out to us at ndapex@und.edu or 701-777-6571.
Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) Rules for Federal Contractors (2026 Update)
In 2026, the Department of War is expected to release its Section 847 rules, expanding FOCI principles to certain unclassified prime contracts and subcontracts valued at $5 million or more. As a result, companies that have never had to consider FOCI may soon need to evaluate how foreign ownership or influence could affect contract eligibility.
In this webinar, Govology Legal Analyst Steven Koprince explains how FOCI rules function and how the government evaluates foreign ownership or influence. He also addresses contractor reporting and mitigation responsibilities, as well as how these concepts apply to programs such as SBIR and STTR. This session provides in-depth insight to help you understand potential exposure and maintain eligibility for federal opportunities.
An Introduction to Government Small Business Certifications (2026 Update)
This webinar provides a comprehensive overview of small business certifications in the government marketplace, helping participants understand how these programs can open doors to new contracting opportunities. You’ll learn about key federal certification programs, including Small Business Self-Certification, Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) & 8(a), Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB), Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZone), Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), and Economically Disadvantaged Woman-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB). The course has been updated to include the latest developments from the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), recent SBA regulatory and enforcement updates, and Congressional legislation.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for SBA’s Federal Small Business Certifications (2026 Update)
Join us for a comprehensive webinar on how to apply for federal small business certifications through the SBA’s MySBA Certifications portal. This session provides a clear overview of the application process and tips to avoid common mistakes that can lead to delays or denial. You will learn how to apply for major SBA federal contracting certification programs, including HUBZone, Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB and EDWOSB), Veteran-Owned and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB/SDVOSB), and the SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program.
Maximize Your Potential with the SBA’s Mentor-Protégé Program (2026 Update)
Join us for an insightful webinar on the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program, originally introduced in 2016 as the All Small Mentor-Protégé Program and often described as a game changer for government contractors. Govology Legal Analyst Steven Koprince will provide an in-depth overview of how the program works and how it can support business growth and success in the government marketplace, while sharing practical insights and real-world examples to help you maximize its benefits.
Who Buys What You Sell? A Step-by-Step Process (2026 Update)
Successful government contractors rely on more than opportunity searches. They rely on data driven competitive intelligence. This course will show you how to use federal procurement data to better understand your market and evaluate whether your pricing is competitive. Through a step-by-step, real world example, you will learn how to analyze government purchasing data using multiple federal systems, including SAM.gov’s Data Bank, and connect information across government databases to uncover valuable market insights.
In this course, you will learn how to:
- Identify which agencies and military commands purchase what you sell
- Determine how often agencies buy and how much they typically spend
- Use SAM.gov’s Data Bank to research historical procurement activity
- Identify competitors and analyze past contract awards
- Locate potential teaming partners for future opportunities
- Use Excel pivot tables to analyze large procurement datasets
MySBA Certification Training Events
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Training Events
The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs are highly competitive programs that encourage domestic small businesses to engage in Federal Research/Research and Development (R/R&D) with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential and provide the incentive to profit from its commercialization. By including qualified small businesses in the nation's R&D arena, high-tech innovation is stimulated, and the United States gains entrepreneurial spirit as it meets its specific research and development needs.Click the links below to access the on-demand training, which is available at no cost to ND APEX Accelerator clients, access customized resources to meet your specific needs, and sign up for the SBA SBIR/STTR Newsletter to stay updated on the latest in government contracting.
SBA SBIR/STTR Newsletter signup
FLC Upcoming Events
The Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer (FLC) is the formally chartered, nationwide network of over 300 federal laboratories and research centers, that fosters commercialization, best practice strategies and opportunities for accelerating federal technologies out of the labs and into the marketplace.Through American taxpayers’ investment in our federal laboratories’ research and development (R&D) efforts, scientific and technological breakthroughs can take place and return dividends to our economy. New industries, businesses, and jobs that can be created, when a new technology is brought to market, are just a few of the successes that take effect through technology transfer (T2), and the FLC is here to promote, facilitate, and educate labs and industry about that process.
DoD Office of Small Business Programs - Cybersecurity Resources
Cybersecurity is vital for small businesses to protect against cyberattacks that can lead to identity theft, business interruptions, reputational damage, and costly legal fees. To work with federal agencies like the DoD, businesses must meet cybersecurity standards such as NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC 2.0.
Project Spectrum Events
Check out the full calendar of upcoming events and opportunities.
Registration
To directly register for ND APEX sponsored events visit our calendar.