DOD OSBP spurs innovation and economic growth in Miami

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP), in partnership with MoveAmerica and Lab22c, proudly announces the launch of the Rapid Innovation Accelerator (RIA) initiative in Miami, a groundbreaking resource designed to strengthen small business participation in the defense industrial base while boosting economic growth in South Florida. Through the collaborative efforts of the DOD Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP) and the APEX Accelerators, the RIA-Miami initiative will unlock new opportunities for the region’s innovative businesses.

The DOD MPP, a pivotal OSBP initiative, will foster long-term relationships between experienced defense contractors and small businesses, enabling them to grow and thrive in the competitive defense marketplace. Additionally, the APEX Accelerators will play a central role in helping small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in Miami navigate the complex federal procurement process and connect with defense contracting opportunities.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our nation’s economy, and the OSBP’s programs, including the Mentor-Protégé Program and APEX Accelerators, are designed to help them succeed while contributing to our national security," says Farooq Mitha, OSBP Director. "The Rapid Innovation Accelerator in Miami is a key part of our strategy to harness the technological potential of the region and integrate it into the national defense supply chain, ultimately benefiting both local businesses and the security of our nation."

The RIA-Miami initiative will provide vital support for SMBs developing cutting-edge technologies for defense and commercial applications. MoveAmerica and Lab22c will leverage the resources of the DOD MPP and APEX Accelerators, along with additional support from state and local agencies, to help non-traditional suppliers break into the defense sector, fostering growth and diversification in the South Florida business ecosystem.

“The collaboration between MoveAmerica, Lab22c, and the DOD OSBP initiatives, like the Mentor-Protégé Program and APEX Accelerators, will drive the innovation necessary to maintain our country’s technical edge,” says MoveAmerica Executive Director Earl Wyatt. “By connecting small businesses with these invaluable resources, we are not only empowering them to grow but also ensuring our defense supply chain remains strong and diverse.”

“The Rapid Innovation Accelerator is a transformative initiative for Miami’s business and tech community,” says Lab22c CEO Saif Ishoof. “With the support of DOD OSBP, the DoD Mentor-Protégé Program, and the APEX Accelerators, we are creating pathways for local businesses to contribute to national defense while fueling economic growth in South Florida.”

The launch of the Rapid Innovation Accelerator marks a significant step in establishing Miami as a critical hub for defense innovation where small businesses can thrive and make a meaningful impact on the economy and national security. Through this collaboration, DOD OSBP is not only expanding the defense supply chain but also shaping the future of innovation in South Florida.