Business & Loan Counselor
Compensation : $65,000 to $90,000 annual plus excellent benefits
This position is on site in our DTLA office
Organizational Background
PACE is a local community non-profit founded in 1975 originally to provide job training and placement services for the Asian Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles. PACE has since expanded into a variety of service areas, all tailored to meet the growing and changing needs of the multi-ethnic communities in Los Angeles County. Now, in addition to job training and employment services, significant PACE programs encompass : business development; early childhood education (Head Start); financial education and asset building; housing and rehabilitation services; weatherization and energy-conservation programs; and affordable housing development. PACE serves more than 60,000 people each year with our wide scope of services with approximately 350+ staff. PACE is recognized as a leader in addressing problems of poverty and economic inequity in ethnic minority communities and has a reputation of being responsive to community needs and is known for creating innovative solutions to the myriad of challenges faced by our clients.
Program Summary
The PACE Business Development Center (PACE BDC) promotes the economic growth and expansion of diverse Los Angeles communities by providing capital infusion, business consulting services, and financial literacy training.
Position Summary
PACE BDC is seeking an experienced and dedicated BUSINESS & LOAN COUNSELOR to join a passionate team working to uplift and empower communities. Under the supervision and collaboration with the Business Counselor Manager, the individual will carry out all day-to-day program activities for meeting and exceeding all program performance outcomes & requirements. Additionally, the individual will collaborate with other business counselors, loan / credit counselors, program assistants, interns, and volunteers to meet performance outcomes, requirements, and compliance. The Business & Loan Counselor will also act as the representative of PACE in cultivating and maintaining collaborative working relationship with all partners, key stakeholders and other community partners.
This is a wonderful opportunity to build a fulfilling career while making a real difference and impact in the community!
Key Responsibilities & Duties
Working Relationships :
- Actively engage and collaborate with staff of PACE Business Development Center (BDC), community partners, consultants and other PACE departments, consultants, speakers, interns, and volunteers
- Network to establish and build relationship with business services providers and community leaders to gain loan referrals and increase visibility
- Collaborate with BDC and PACE staff to offer assistance and service to clients
Program Implementation :
Outreach and RecruitmentDirect outreach, via strategic partners, attending events, conduct workshop to recruit business owners and entrepreneurs.Providing business needs assessment using successful screening toolManaging and tracking clients progress through CRM systemEstablishing appropriate community partnership to increase enrollment and completion goalsProactively seek out and cultivate external relationships to generate loan leadsFulfilling and exceeding enrollment and programs' goals through effective outreach and recruitmentTraining & Technical AssistanceUpdate and create training curriculums as needed by the DepartmentConduct entrepreneur, microenterprise, and other business-related workshopsBusiness and Loan CounselingProviding one-on-one business and mentoring.Report client enrollment, case notes, and supporting documents in Salesforce CRM on an ongoing basisCollecting all necessary business clients' facts and documents to complete business enrollment.Conduct regular business needs assessment using program screening toolAssist clients apply for DBA, EIN, sellers' permit, business license, and any other required license / permitsProvide procurement (contract support) assistance; RAMPLA Registrations, Certifications, Capability Statements, etc.Loan and Loan PackagingProviding business loan counselingObtaining all necessary loan documents and assist with completing loan packagingProvide assessment of micro / small business loan needsKeep informed about PACE Finance Corporation loan products and other lending partners' products and assist clients with loan preparation and submitting complete applicationsCollect clients' application, facts, financial data, and all other supporting documentsFill out loan application forms, prepare underwriting summary and financial forecast, and package loanMake presentation on clients' loan file to the loan committeeAssist in loan closingSustainabilityBuild and maintain constructive relationship with fundersKeep informed of the state and data collection for microenterprise fields and the clients in Los AngelesMonitor and assist in funding application for microenterprise and related programsStrategic and Funding Duties :
Participate in the strategic planning to develop, market, and deliver PACE BDC and Microloans programsCreate and distribute materials to help market the PACE BDC and Microloan programsCollaborate with counselors to evaluate the PACE BDC, Microloan products and BDC servicesInitiate and build constructive relationship with community partners to perform outreach for BDCMonitor and attend needed trainings and conference locally and nationally as assignedQualifications, Experiences, and Skills
Education and Experience :
Minimum AA degree, Bachelor's Degree preferred; in business administration, finance, marketing or other related field; 3+ years of equivalent work experience may be considered in lieu of Degree.Minimum 3+ years of progressive work experience in providing technical assistance and training to start-up entrepreneurs and microenterprises, or business development, or equivalentWork experience in nonprofit, family or self-owned business, or for-profit companies desirableWork experience in underwriting loans or loan packaging desirableWork experience in assisting small business in market access or procurement highly desirableSkills and Abilities :
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with experience using Word, Excel, Social Media and On-line MarketingExperience working with database and client relation management (CRM) software / system such as Salesforce highly desirableExcellent, proven interpersonal, public speaking and written communications skillsDemonstrated ability to work in a proactively diverse and inclusive organizationAbility to work with low-income individuals and diverse group of multi-backgroundAbility to make public presentation in a clear, concise, and convincing mannerExcellent organizational and management skillsExcellent knowledge of local businesses and resourcesDemonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced office setting.Proven ability to cope with conflicts, stress and crisis situations.Effective problem-solving and mediation skills.Demonstrated ability to share skills and knowledge with othersBi-lingual Spanish or Chinese is preferred and highly desirable but not requiredSpecial Requirements
Must have reliable transportationMust satisfactorily pass background and employment / reference checkCOVID vaccination required; must have two-dose series of Pfizer or Moderna or a single-dose of Johnson & Johnson. Those that need a medical or religious exemption must reach out separately.Application Process :
All applicants MUST upload a resume AND complete application on our website and to be consideredApplications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until positions have been filled. We will only reach out to candidates who have been selected to move forward in the process.Physical Demands
The working conditions and physical demands of this position will be those that must be met to successfully
