Today we’d like to introduce you to Malcolm Whichard.
Hi Malcolm, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started in the procurement industry working with an electrical contractor. The company was struggling, and I was facing layoff. I offered to find more business to save my job. I happened up government contracting in that search and have been involved in the industry in some for since. That was in 2006. When I got to Georgia, I worked in procurement with the City of Stonecrest and DeKalb County. After getting credentialed and taking on the role of Procurement Manager, I saw an inequality in where contract dollars were going. Minority businesses accounted for less than 7% of the large contracts that were being awarded. As a Procurement Manager, I was not legally able to help minority businesses through the process. They were leaving contract dollars on the table by not submitting their bids properly and not obtaining their minority business certifications. I decided to step away from the public sector and help my community.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. Even with credentials and a long history working in the industry, businesses are leery of companies offering consulting as a service. Unfortunately, there are a lot of companies out there making promises and disappearing with small business owners’ money. Most small businesses cannot afford to lose a couple thousand dollars to someone that does not have their best interest at heart. So, combating the distrust for consultants has been a daunting task.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
MPO Consulting provides consulting services to aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. We Assist aspiring entrepreneurs in getting their idea from concept to functioning business. We offer services ranging from filing corporate paperwork to setting up an online store, logo, and domain. We provide business plan writing services, operational support, and assistance with finding financing for small businesses… We specialize in the government contract space and help small businesses secure and manage government contracts. We write the proposals, help with submittals and assist the business in getting required insurances and documentation to qualify for the contract they are going after. In an effort to make sure it is affordable to all small businesses; I have created a Government Contracting Masterclass that will help entrepreneurs that are not financially able to secure consulting services.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The minority small business community has a larger need than I could’ve ever imagined. From the outside looking in, you see that small minority businesses aren’t getting government contracts, but when you step away from the government grind and become an entrepreneur you see first-hand all of the struggles. I’m still learning to be an entrepreneur first and a public servant second. Having a heart to serve produces a bit of guilt when you have to charge for your services.
Pricing:
- Government Contracting Masterclass – $499
- Consulting Fee – Varies based on service provided
Contact Info:
- Email: Info@mpoconsults.com
- Website: www.mpoconsulting.com
- Instagram: @mpouniversity
Image Credits
John Hope Bryant
Hott923
Broken Believer Apparel
