County Executive Adam Bello and Congressman Joe Morelle announce the expansion of the APEX Accelerator to include Erie and Niagara Counties for wider support to defense contractors

Monroe County, New York – Monroe County is charting a bold course for economic growth and innovation with the expansion of its renowned APEX Accelerator program. In a sweeping announcement made at the Rochester Optical Manufacturing headquarters—a minority-owned business that has thrived under the Accelerator’s guidance—County Executive Adam Bello and U.S. Representative Joe Morelle unveiled plans to extend the program’s reach to include Erie and Niagara Counties. This expansion fundamentally rebrands the initiative from the Monroe County-Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator to the Monroe County-Upstate NY APEX Accelerator, underscoring its elevated status as a catalyst for regional development.

In a move set to benefit businesses across the entire NY-SMART I-Corridor—from Buffalo to Rochester and Syracuse—the initiative is now poised to serve a total of 13 counties. The program was initially established to assist small and medium businesses operating in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, as well as Onondaga and Cayuga Counties, with navigating the complexities of providing goods and services to the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies. With its recent expansion, local businesses in Erie and Niagara Counties can now tap into the extensive support system that the Accelerator is known for providing.

The APEX Accelerator program distinguishes itself by offering a holistic suite of services including government contracting assistance, readiness assessments, tailored training, and networking opportunities. Its aim is to help businesses not only enter the federal supply chain but also re-enter and sustain their growth within it. The program also plays an essential role in ensuring that the burgeoning tech and manufacturing industries in Upstate New York—especially the semiconductor and defense manufacturing sectors—remain competitive in an ever-evolving global market.

County Executive Adam Bello emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative during the announcement. “Our APEX Accelerator has helped hundreds of local companies secure contracts with the Department of Defense, helping to grow their businesses and to support our nation’s military,” Bello declared. He continued by highlighting the broader impact of this expansion: “This expansion helps us bring this highly successful program to a wider geographic area, and solidifies our efforts to grow the NY-SMART I-corridor. I’m grateful to my partners in government, Congressman Joe Morelle, and Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for their support in making this expansion possible and for their efforts to establish our region as a critical tech hub.”

Read also: Governor Hochul announces that New York farm employers can now apply for the refundable overtime tax credit to ease labor costs

This initiative is not just a simple geographic extension; it represents a significant step forward in regional collaboration. By unifying services under one comprehensive framework, local businesses gain a seamless point of contact for federal contracting opportunities. The integration of Erie and Niagara Counties with the existing program sets the stage for innovative partnerships across the Buffalo-Rochester-Syracuse axis. With a targeted focus on accelerating innovation and enhancing industrial readiness, the Accelerator is set to empower businesses to become active contributors to the nation’s defense and government supply chains.

Representative Joe Morelle, who has been a staunch advocate for the program, expressed his enthusiasm for the expanded reach during the event. “We’re fortunate to have the Monroe County Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator based here in Rochester, helping businesses develop growth plans, secure funding, foster collaboration, and scale their success,” Morelle remarked. “By expanding their reach, the Accelerator will now have the resources to support innovation on a broader, more regional scale, something we’re no stranger to Upstate New York. Thank you to County Executive Bello, Director Anna Vulaj Fitzsimmons, and everyone at the APEX Accelerator for everything they do for our community, and I look forward to our continued collaboration.”

A key facet of the Accelerator’s mission is its impact on job creation and economic strength. Over the past five years, the program has been instrumental in helping local businesses secure roughly 20,000 federal contracts, totaling more than $1.1 billion in awards. This impressive performance has translated into a remarkable return on investment; during the previous year, every dollar spent on the program generated over $1,500 in economic impact. Such figures are evidence of the profound benefits the program has delivered not only to individual businesses but also to the broader regional economy.

U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer weighed in on the expansion, emphasizing its significance for local communities and the national industrial base. “This expansion of Monroe County’s APEX Accelerator across the entire Upstate NY-SMART I-Corridor boosts local job growth by helping local businesses compete for and win federal contracts,” Schumer asserted. “By connecting businesses from Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse with the tools to land federal contracts, we’re creating more good-paying jobs, sparking innovation, and building a stronger industrial base that keeps America competitive on the world stage. I fought tooth and nail to pass my CHIPS and Science Act, which powers the NY-SMART I-Corridor, because I know that Upstate New York has the talent, ingenuity, and grit to lead the industries of the future. I was pleased to partner with County Executive Bello and Congressman Morelle to expand the Accelerator’s reach, giving more businesses – large and small, urban and rural, established and emerging – the chance to compete, win contracts, and grow jobs across Upstate.”

The program’s expansion represents a confluence of resources from various governmental agencies and private stakeholders. It is supported through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense and the County of Monroe Industrial Development Agency (COMIDA), ensuring that all services are offered free of charge. This collaboration highlights the role that public-private partnerships can play in fostering an environment that nurtures innovation, economic development, and job creation.

Local business leaders have also conveyed their support for the initiative, highlighting its value in providing crucial guidance and infrastructural support. Victoria Reynolds, District Director of the SBA’s Buffalo District, which serves 14 counties in Western New York and the Finger Lakes, remarked, “We know when organizations like the US Small Business Administration and DOD’s APEX Accelerator unite our efforts, we create a powerful force for the growth and success of small business. The expansion of MCFL APEX into Erie and Niagara Counties will be a valuable asset to Buffalo area entrepreneurs and we look forward to our continued collaboration.”

Read also: State Police continue investigation into death of 9-year-old child found unresponsive at Watervliet residence

The expansion story is punctuated by concrete examples of how the Accelerator has made a lasting impact. Rochester Optical Manufacturing, a thriving business in the region, has directly benefited from the program. Patrick Ho, President of Rochester Optical Manufacturing Company, expressed his appreciation for the Accelerator’s transformative support. “As an advanced ophthalmic supplier with DoD, we have utilized APEX services to discuss critical partnerships and supply chain integrity,” said Ho. “The continuous innovative work we offer the Department of Defense has led us to additional new products and a newly let contract valued in excess of $50 million.” This testimonial is a powerful indicator of the tangible results that businesses can expect when given the right support.

Similarly, Aurora Machine and iSecure, LLC have been among those who have experienced significant gains through their engagements with the Accelerator. Jordan Amoia, President of Aurora Machine, noted, “The APEX Accelerator has been an invaluable partner, elevating our region’s manufacturing reputation nationwide and providing hands-on guidance to navigate complex DoD contracts. Their dedicated support has empowered our growth, and we are deeply grateful for their transformative impact.” Annette Warren, president of iSecure, LLC, added further praise: “We have worked with the APEX Accelerator team on a number of projects and events this year. We love working with the team for matchmaker events, have received great direction from the staff and best practices to do business in government contracting.”

What makes the APEX Accelerator so compelling is its unwavering commitment to supporting a diverse range of businesses. From large contractors to small, underserved communities, the program delivers customized assistance that addresses each company’s unique challenges. Its readiness work includes critical tasks such as required registrations, certifications for the procurement process, training, and even networking opportunities that link local businesses with federal contractors. In this way, the Accelerator is not only a pathway to lucrative contracts—it is a pillar of regional economic resilience.

The expansion of the program is expected to open new avenues for tech and manufacturing companies, further reinforcing Upstate New York’s reputation as a critical hub for innovation and defense manufacturing. With the consolidation of service areas across the NY-SMART I-Corridor, government agencies, industrial partners, and other stakeholders now enjoy a unified, seamless point of contact for federal contracting matters. The collaborative nature of the program underscores the belief that when local government, federal agencies, and private enterprises work in tandem, the resulting synergy can lead to transformative economic outcomes.

It is clear that the expansion is timely. In an era where supply chain vulnerabilities and the need for national security are top priorities, initiatives like the APEX Accelerator are essential. They provide businesses with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in a competitive environment where federal contracts can serve as crucial lifelines. The rebranding and geographic extension of the program serve as a testament to Monroe County’s commitment to innovation and economic diversification—a commitment that resonates with businesses across the region.

Looking ahead, the expanded APEX Accelerator is poised to help even more businesses harness the power of federal contracting. By delivering industry-specific training, offering strategic insights for navigating the often-complex landscape of government procurements, and creating a robust network of contacts, the program is set to become a cornerstone of economic policy in Upstate New York. As these businesses grow and succeed, the benefits will ripple through local communities in the form of job creation, technological advancement, and increased investment in the region’s industrial sectors.

In summary, the expansion of the Monroe County-Finger Lakes APEX Accelerator into Erie and Niagara Counties marks a significant milestone for Upstate New York. Spearheaded by County Executive Adam Bello and Rep. Joe Morelle, the initiative is being rebranded as the Monroe County-Upstate NY APEX Accelerator—a move that symbolizes its broadened mission and increased capacity to foster economic growth. With powerful endorsements from leaders such as Senators Chuck Schumer and industry stakeholders like Victoria Reynolds, Patrick Ho, Jordan Amoia, and Annette Warren, the future of the program looks incredibly promising.

By ensuring that businesses across a sprawling 13-county region have access to vital government contracting support and training, the expanded APEX Accelerator is set to drive innovation, create quality jobs, and reinforce the competitive edge of the NY-SMART I-Corridor. As County Executive Bello and Rep. Morelle continue to work in partnership with federal agencies, local governments, and private stakeholders, the program will undoubtedly remain a pivotal asset in Upstate New York’s economic landscape for years to come.