Building Contracting Confidence in Pine Bluff: Arkansas APEX Accelerator Launches Community Cohort

by Kenneth Griffin Jr. - September 1, 2026

When Arkansas APEX Accelerator set out to expand its presence in Pine Bluff, the goal was clear: give more local businesses practical, accessible support for entering the government marketplace. After a strategic conversation with Program Director Melanie Berman, Kenneth Griffin Jr. began exploring ways to bring government contracting education directly to Pine Bluff entrepreneurs and business resource partners.

That effort started with listening. Berman and Griffin met with local business resource centers, including The Generator, a Pine Bluff community innovation hub and business incubator with an existing partnership with the Arkansas APEX Accelerator. They also connected with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s Small Business Incubator, where Interim Director Courtney Strickland offered valuable insight and encouraged the Arkansas APEX Accelerator to engage with the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce.

The next conversation proved to be a turning point. Joni Alexander, president and CEO of the Pine Bluff Black Chamber of Commerce, shared a clear vision for helping local businesses build capacity and confidence. She asked the Arkansas APEX Accelerator to partner with the chamber on a Government Contracting Cohort—an idea the Arkansas APEX Accelerator was ready to bring to life.

Over the next several weeks, Berman, Griffin and Alexander developed the cohort calendar, curriculum, and registration process. The five-week series was designed around hands-on learning, confident instruction, one-on-one assistance, question-and-answer discussion, and networking. Sessions covered key government contracting topics, including business obligations, required registrations, federal certifications, and how to interpret and respond to solicitations. A banking representative also joined in the effort to share financial literacy information relevant to small business growth.

The cohort was a success, and Alexander praised the partnership.

“APEX put a great deal of work into building the program behind the scenes and stayed in constant contact before, during, and after the cohort. That level of involvement helped build real relationships with our members instead of introducing APEX through a single presentation or information session. For our members, the cohort created a more personal and practical introduction to APEX and the support available to their businesses," Alexander said.

Participants also shared positive feedback. Erin Johnson, owner of SAIMRE Legacy Consulting LLC, a management consulting, educational services, and workforce development firm serving Pine Bluff, said, “I highly recommend Kenneth Griffin Jr. and the Arkansas APEX Accelerator. His expert guidance, practical instruction, and genuine commitment provide entrepreneurs with invaluable confidence and resources for government contracting success.”

Arkansas APEX Accelerator continues to help businesses across the state better understand and compete in the government marketplace. To learn more about services, training, and one-on-one assistance, contact Arkansas APEX Accelerator at apex@uada.edu.