Tennessee APEX Accelerator client William Selmon, a Memphis-based businessman who specializes in facility support services, was recently awarded a janitorial services contract with the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). 

William, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, first became aware of the APEX Accelerator while attending a conference in San Diego. A former shipmate of his had been working with an APEX Counselor in California who directed him to the Tennessee APEX Accelerator and West Tennessee Counselor Veronica Clark. 

According to Veronica, “Willliam had submitted bids on several government contracts without securing an award. During our initial session, we discussed several areas that could strengthen the company’s government contracting strategy. We spent time updating his SBA profile to help improve the company’s visibility and marketability to federal agencies and prime contractors as well as exploring strategic growth options to strengthen the business’s competitive edge.” 

William said, “The Tennessee APEX Accelerator helped me understand the government contracting process from start to finish. They provided guidance on SAM.gov registration, identifying contracting opportunities, interpreting solicitations, preparing proposals, understanding compliance requirements, and developing a strategy for pursuing federal and state contracts with confidence.”

Earlier this year, William attended an in-person APEX Accelerator-sponsored state government procurement certification workshop in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Business Initiatives and Development (GO-BID) to learn more about government contracting at the state level. During the event, he took the opportunity to begin building relationships with key stakeholders. As a result of those connections and conversations, he was made aware of an Invitation for Bid (IFB) opportunity that fit with the company’s capabilities. He quickly submitted a responsive bid and was ultimately awarded the contract. 

“William’s success demonstrates what we stress to our clients: government contracting is not solely about responding to solicitations – it is also about relationship building, visibility, and taking advantage of networking opportunities. By simply being in the room, engaging with resource partners, and making meaningful connections, he gained access to an opportunity that resulted in a contract award,“ Veronica stated. 

 “As a Navy veteran and entrepreneur, I view this award as just the beginning. I am committed to building a company known for professionalism, integrity, and exceptional service. My vision is to continue expanding our capabilities, creating meaningful employment opportunities, and becoming a trusted partner to government agencies across the country. I am thankful to the Tennessee APEX Accelerator for helping make that vision possible,” said William.

Of his experience working with the Tennessee APEX Accelerator, William had this to say, “The Tennessee APEX Accelerator has been an invaluable resource in helping me launch my government contracting business. Their knowledge, responsiveness, and willingness to guide me through every step made what initially seemed overwhelming much more manageable. I highly recommend their services to any business owner interested in government contracting. Their support helped turn my goal of winning a government contract into a reality.”

Join the Tennessee APEX Accelerator in congratulating William Selmon on his success!