<p>Job purpose</p> <p>The Business Counselor provides direct technical assistance and training to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, with a focus on Chinatown Los Angeles and surrounding communities.</p> <p>This role manages individual client engagements, supports access to capital, and delivers group training workshops. The position requires bilingual service delivery and the ability to guide clients through business startup, stabilization, and growth stages.</p> <p>The Business Counselor operates with moderate independence while working within established program structures and funding requirements.</p> <p>Note: This is a temporary position, employment ends on 12/31/2026</p> <p>Duties and responsibilities</p> <p>Client Counseling and Technical Assistance</p> <ul> <li>Provide individualized counseling to small businesses across stages including concept development, startup, and expansion </li><li>Assist clients with business planning, financial projections, and operational planning </li><li>Support clients preparing applications for grants, loans, and other capital programs </li><li>Help clients establish and improve online presence, including Google Business and Yelp listings </li><li>Provide referrals to appropriate business, legal, financial, or regulatory resources </li></ul> <p>Training and Workshop Delivery</p> <ul> <li>Deliver small business training workshops and presentations </li><li>Support development and coordination of training programs </li><li>Assist with speaker coordination and workshop logistics </li><li>Help develop outreach materials and marketing for training events </li></ul> <p>Outreach and Client Development</p> <ul> <li>Conduct outreach through community events, networking, site visits, and canvassing </li><li>Promote program services to prospective clients through community and partner networks </li><li>Maintain relationships with community organizations, government partners, and financial institutions </li><li>Represent the organization at public events and meetings </li></ul> <p>Program Operations and Reporting</p> <ul> <li>Maintain accurate client records and case documentation </li><li>Track program activities and outcomes in accordance with grant requirements </li><li>Contribute to required program reports and data collection </li><li>Ensure services and deliverables align with funding requirements and program goals </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <ul> <li>Bilingual proficiency in English and Chinese (Cantonese and/or Mandarin), including reading and writing is required to effectively serve program participants </li><li>Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and 4 years of relevant work experience </li><li>Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple client cases </li><li>Strong written and verbal communication skills </li><li>Ability to work independently while coordinating with program staff </li><li>Strong computer literacy including document preparation, spreadsheet use, and client record documentation </li><li>Ability to travel to outreach locations and community events. Access to reliable transportation is required. </li><li>Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for workshops, community events, and outreach activities </li></ul> <p>Direct reports</p> <p>CED Manager</p>