Norcal APEX Accelerator

McWoods Distribution

“Norcal APEX Accelerator helped us build the infrastructure and systems we needed to grow our company with government contracting”

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Decorative Image: Joel McGill and an employee in their companies warehouse
McWoods Distribution Company is a minority-owned diverse supplier located in Alameda county that provides medical, janitorial, and construction supplies directly to government agencies and firms that do business with the government. McWoods Distribution President Joel McGill was inspired to begin his business by his mother, an entrepreneur in her own right, and was referred to Norcal APEX Accelerator by a colleague in 2019 so that he could expand his business into the government contracting market.

Challenges

McWoods Distribution came to Norcal APEX Accelerator wanting to learn more about selling to the government and what opportunities exist in the government marketplace for small businesses like theirs. Being fairly news to the government contracting world, there was a lot to learn like how to locate open bids with the State of California, local government agencies, and quasi-governmental organizations like colleges and utility companies. McWoods Distribution wasn’t sure where to begin with registering as a vendor, establishing relationships, or marketing their firm to buyers but once they had connecting with Norcal APEX Accelerator, they knew they would not have to navigate it alone.

Actions

With Norcal APEX Accelerator behind them, McWoods Distribution began to develop their brand identity as a government contractor. While learning about California’s contracting process and the state tier system to purchase goods and services, McWoods distribution was perfecting their capabilities statement and power pitch. Through regular meetings with their APEX Accelerator counselor, McWoods Distribution was able to explore caleprocure.ca.gov, work though their CA Small Business and Local Business Enterprise certification application, and compile a list of State buyers who they wanted to connect with. These meetings allowed the client to prepare a marketing plan and system for seeking out informal, set-aside opportunities within State of California agencies. The process to get all of these items in place was daunting and time consuming, but McWoods Distribution sough guidance from Norcal APEX Accelerator and found much more in their counseling.

Results

With Norcal APEX Accelerator’s mentorship, McWoods Distribution was able obtain their Local Business Enterprise and CA Small Business certifications. Prepared with a marketing plan, Mc Woods distribution won their first contract in 2021 and have continued to find success in government contracting. Most recently, they won a contract with San Francisco State University to bring their  accumulative total to $100,000 in revenue from SFSU and they continue to utilize Norcal APEX Accelerators counseling services and training.

If you have more questions, please contact us at info@apexnorcal.org or (707) 267 – 7561