Business Advisor

Become part of a growing organization that offers a wide array of financial, educational and consulting programs designed to promote economic development in the small business community. Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corporation (PCR) is a private, non-profit 501 (C) 3 corporation formed in 1977 to help entrepreneurs take their place as vital contributors to the Southern California economy. Both the US Treasury and the California Organized Investment Network (COIN) certify PCR as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). PCR is also a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in partnership with the US Small Business Administration (SBA).

A PCR Business Interruption Fund (BIF) Business Advisor is one who:

• Is committed to working with small business owners in a facilitative and supportive manner to determine their eligibility for the Metro BIF program and provide or obtain appropriate business assistance for eligibility as needed.
• Works in a collaborative and supportive manner with PCR (Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corporation) and the PCR Vice President/Program Manager in advising sessions to help the small business owners become eligible for application to the BIF program.
• Guides the eligible small business owners through the Metro BIF application process.
• Understands and values the importance of accurate financial data and other financial metrics in evaluating eligibility for application to the Metro BIF program.
• Provides financial analysis and recommended grant amounts for Metro BIF clients through collection of financial data, written recommendation requests and participation in grant approval process.
• Works closely and effectively with the program team and external program partners to ensure high-quality outreach and delivery of the program.
• Possesses strong planning, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Is a leader, problem solver, effective collaborator, and skillful communicator.
• Develops, manages and coordinates all internal and external relationships for the recruitment of small business owners upon request.
• Is dedicated to the Metro BIF program outcomes of identifying and assisting eligible small business owners.
• Reports to the PCR Vice President/Program Manager and the PCR President/CEO.
  
  

Metro Pilot BIF Program

Metro has established a Business Interruption Fund (BIF) program to assist small 'mom and pop' businesses adversely affected during Metro's construction of the Crenshaw/LAX, the Purple Line Extension Sections 1, 2 and 3, the Little Tokyo and 2nd & Broadway areas of the Regional Connector and East San Fernando Valley.

Businesses eligible for the assistance are those located immediately adjacent to the rail corridors, have been located on the corridor for at least 2 years, have less than 25 full-time employees and suffer a decline in business revenues as compared to the same time in the previous year, as set out in the Metro Business Interruption Fund (BIF) Administrative Guidelines.

Pacific Coast Regional Small Business Development Corporation (PCR) is the Fund Administrator for the Metro BIF program and will process business eligibility and program administration including providing the financial analysis, grant approval and disbursement of grant payments up to $50,000 to businesses that can demonstrate loss of business revenue directly due to light rail construction on the three eligible corridors. PCR will also be responsible for program outreach and work with a variety of program partners including PCR's Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Metro's Business Solution Center (BSC) to provide technical assistance to small business owners that need business support services.

Specific Duties And Tasks

• Reviews intake form and determines eligibility of Metro BIF applicant.
• Notifies Metro BIF applicant (by email/phone) of eligibility status.
• Provides and assists Metro BIF applicant with checklist outlining required documents for grant consideration (face to face or by phone).
• Follows up with Metro BIF applicant for collection of requested documentation.
• Reviews application and makes grant recommendation (per Metro BIF Administrative Guidelines) to PCR Grant Approval Committee (consisting of three senior PCR staff).
• If eligibility is inconclusive or denied, provides advising and or referral to SBDC or Business Solution Center (BSC).
• Ability to provide prompt turnaround time (24 ' 48 hours) to register and verify business eligibility.
• Liaisons with the PCR Vice President/Program Manager weekly to ensure the smooth operation of identifying small business applicants, intake process, collection of financial documentation, Grant Approval Committee Meeting recommendations, referral to technical assistance and business support services, general troubleshooting and/or issues with the process or in the public.
• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with program partners and business support services.
• Participates in all program meetings/conference calls and trainings as requested.
• Participates in program events and outreach meetings as requested.
• Gathers written feedback from grantees or success stories as applicable for program effectiveness/evaluation/promotional purposes.
  
  

Core Competencies/Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree, preferably in business, entrepreneurship, sales or related field, is required.
• Knowledge of how to develop and engage relationships with key stakeholders and a wide range of business, industry, and community small business owners.
• Experience in community outreach and development of business partnerships.
• Experience using program / project management principles, practices, and processes.
• A minimum of three years of successful business consulting and/or entrepreneurship experience.
• A high level of interpersonal communication skills to accurately convey information and increase positive awareness of the Metro BIF program.
• Proven ability to work in a team environment and manage multiple tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• High personal and professional ethical standards.
• Loan underwriting and/or financing experience a plus.
• Experience as a business owner a plus.
  
  

Pay Rate

$42-$45.43 per hour, depending upon experience

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may

be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.