In this episode, host Taylor Baker speaks with Mick McKeown, founder of Penovia, about navigating and winning government contracts. Mick shares his unconventional path into procurement and how businesses can tap into public sector opportunities to drive long-term growth.

What You’ll Learn

• How government procurement works and why it’s often misunderstood by businesses
• The advantages of pursuing government contracts as a growth strategy
• Why small businesses are uniquely positioned to win a share of public spending
• The importance of understanding compliance, processes, and timelines in government work
• How to position your business effectively to stand out in competitive bids
• The role of persistence and consistency in securing long-term government clients
• Why government contracts can create stable, high-value “anchor” clients for scaling businesses
• How storytelling and relationship-building can differentiate you in a highly structured environment

Mick McKeown highlights that government contracting is one of the most overlooked yet powerful avenues for business growth, offering stability and long-term revenue potential. By demystifying the procurement process and encouraging businesses to see opportunity where others see complexity, he makes a compelling case for why more companies should pursue public sector work—and why there’s no reason your business shouldn’t be one of them.

To learn more about Mick McKeown and their work, visit penovia.com.