SNOHOMISH COUNTY, Wash. — A federal program that helps small businesses win government contracts is in danger of losing much of its funding.
Among those who have benefitted from the program is Patricia Cleary, who started her underwater construction business underground -- in her basement.
Patricia plunged into the world of small business eight years ago when she opened Crux Diving, a commercial diving business.
She hoped to win lucrative deals with federal, state and local governments but had no idea how.
That's where the Apex Accelerator program comes in.
"In some ways, it was hand-holding through the entire system," Patricia says. "I just don't think people understand how beneficial Apex is."
Apex guides small business owners through the complexities of the contract system, providing access to resources that can save them money and help them earn more.
And Apex does it all for free.
It has helped Crux bring in 60-70% more business over the past four years.
It also helped Crux get certified as a "woman-owned business," which saved Patricia 2.5% on loans to buy equipment.
Apex is paid for through the U.S. Department of Defense, but now the federal government wants to cut 60% of its funding -- eliminating access to valuable information.
"Without those resources the word that comes to mind is chaos," says Patricia. "I think it will be chaotic for governments to do business with small businesses without having that educational link."
Last year alone, Apex helped 2,500 small Washington businesses win government contracts, bringing in $540 million dollars and 3,700 jobs.
Apex advisor Cara Buckingham says federal cuts would hurt the very businesses the government is trying to help.
"Apex affords a really great opportunity for businesses to either diversify their markets or build a portion of their business and if they're hindered in their understanding of how to do that, it will definitely have an impact," says Buckingham.
Cuts would mean substantially fewer opportunities for businesses like Crux Diving which are always working to keep their heads above water.
"We just take it one day at a time," says Patricia.
Apex is hoping for a federal budget amendment to keep the funding alive. Anyone concerned about it should contact Washington Senators Murray and Cantwell.