Empowering Entrepreneurs, Researchers & Students through Knowledge and Experience
Mason Enterprise's Educate pillar offers hands-on programs, expert-led training, and immersive learning opportunities to build the entrepreneurial and innovation talent pipeline. Whether you're a student, founder, faculty member, or small business owner, these resources equip you with the knowledge and tools to thrive.
Educate Programs:
APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC)
Government Contracting Training & Support
The Virginia APEX Accelerator, administered by George Mason University, is a statewide resource for businesses doing business with the government. The APEX Accelerator matches funds from local government and non-profit sources to offer no and low-cost assistance to businesses who want to participate in the government procurement process at federal, state, and local levels. APEX Accelerators are locally-run offices with programming customized to participants’ local market environments and needs.
Advantages of the APEX Accelerator:
- Learn the essentials for government procurement from industry advisors.
- Take part in free monthly educational seminars and webinars covering a variety of procurement topics. Browse the calendar for upcoming classes and plan to join for actionable insights into working with the government.
- The Bid Match Service (BMS) locates bid opportunities that align with your company’s products and services with federal, state, local, and foreign governments.
Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Personalized Advising for Entrepreneurs
The Virginia SBDC is an organization of 25 local offices across Virginia providing professional business advising, training, and business resources to help grow and strengthen Virginia businesses. As part of the Mason Enterprise network and backed by George Mason University's renowned expertise, SBDC offers unparalleled access to cutting-edge research, industry insights, and a vast network of professional resources. This unique partnership allows us to combine practical business knowledge with the latest innovations from Virginia's largest public research university, providing you with comprehensive, forward-thinking solutions to drive your business success.
“Lin Hite, Kelvin Perry, and Michael Duncan from the SBDC all taught classes… Lin, my mentor, helped me with a business plan and pitch for the competition. Throughout the whole experience I felt nothing but support.”
- Catherine Carter, The Dog-Eared Page
Women's Business Center of Northern Virginia
Business Training & Counseling
Women’s Business Center (WBC) of Northern Virginia is part of a national network of over 100 educational centers throughout the United States. WBC of Northern Virginia offers free/low-cost workshops and training and one-on-one technical assistance and counseling to women, minorities and socially disadvantaged clients in Northern Virginia. The program works in collaboration with a number of local, regional and national organizations to promote small business growth in Fairfax County and beyond.
Innovation Celebration
Annual Showcase of Student & Faculty Innovation
Innovation Celebration highlights the best of Mason’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The event includes awards, product demos, pitch showcases, and networking across disciplines.
- Who Should Attend: Students, faculty, community partners
- Features: Pitch competitions, live demos, awards ceremony
- When: Held annually in Spring
Investor In Residence (IIR)
Office Hours with Active Investors
Meet one-on-one with experienced venture capitalists and angel investors to refine your pitch, validate your strategy, and gain insider perspective on fundraising.
- Available To: Mason-affiliated startups, faculty ventures, and ICAP teams
- Format: Weekly virtual office hours
- Topics: Investor readiness, pitch critique, fundraising strategy
NSF I-Corps
Customer Discovery & Research Translation Training
The George Mason University’s NSF I-Corps Regional Program assist faculty, researchers, students, staff, innovators, and founders from across the Commonwealth in exploring the commercial viability of their technology-based innovation ideas to accelerate business exploration and creation and, ultimately, make a real-world/societal impact. I-CORPS Teams will be assigned a mentor to assist them.
Commonwealth Cyber Initiative (CCI) Internships
Hands-On Experience in Cyber Innovation
The CCI Internship Program is a unique opportunity that connects talented students from Virginia’s public universities with cybersecurity startups and innovation-driven companies across the Commonwealth. Students gain industry experience working on CCI-funded research projects and internships. The program bridges the gap between academic theory and applied cybersecurity.
- Fields: Cybersecurity, AI, data analytics
- Opportunities: Paid internships, research assistantships
- Hosted By: Mason’s Northern Virginia CCI Node
MIX Makerspace
Create, innovate and Collaborate
Located within the Mason Innovation Exchange (MIX) at Horizon Hall, the MIX Makerspace is George Mason University's hands-on innovation hub open to all students, faculty, and staff. It offers equipment, expert guidance, and collaborative space to bring your ideas to life. It provides tools for making, from sewing machines to welding and 3D printing.
Why It Matters:
- Hands‑on learning: Integrate with coursework or personal projects
- Interdisciplinary innovation: From engineering prototypes to creative arts
- Mentored support: Student staff and makerspace experts ready to assist.
Computing Lab
Technical Training for Future Innovators
Mason Enterprise offers hands-on computing workshops and bootcamps for students and entrepreneurs. Learn Python, web dev, machine learning, and cloud tools in applied, project-based settings.
- Topics: AI, app development, data science, quantum computing
- Audience: Beginners to advanced learners
- Formats: Pop-up workshops, short courses, self-paced modules