Business Advisor

Position Title: Business Advisor

Reports To: Community Development Director

Employee Classification: Regular, exempt

Hours: 1.0 FTE, 32-hours per week (hybrid)

Compensation: $60,657- $67,210 per year, DOE

Benefits: 90% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401K plan with employer contribution, subsidized transit pass, work-from-home stipend, professional development opportunities, paid time off & up to 14 paid holidays annually, and flexible family-friendly schedule.

About APANO CUF:

APANO Communities United Fund (CUF) unites Asian and Asian Americans to build power, develop leaders, and advance equity through organizing, advocacy, community development, and cultural work. We envision a just world where Asians, Asian Americans, and communities who share our aspirations and struggles have the power, resources, and voice to determine our own futures, and where we work in solidarity to drive political, social, economic, and cultural change. APANO CUF is a 501(c)(3) organization that works closely with its affiliate 501(c)(4) organization, APANO Action Fund.

About the Position:

APANO is looking for a Business Advisor to develop, grow, and manage the small business program. This will include attending networking and partner events outside of APANO. There will be opportunities for advocacy and outreach to agencies serving small businesses in the Tri-county metro region. Growing the department's work as economic trends and practices evolve is also required. Additionally, this position will provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small business owners and eventually may supervise one or more business advisors.

The position provides technical assistance for small businesses and coordinates resources and opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs. The Business Advisor is responsible for several grant deliverables, including reporting, narratives, and managing multiple grant budgets. Writing grant proposal applications and seeking future funding for the department is required. This individual will join a growing, seasoned team of member-leaders and staff working to win concrete change in the lives of Asian Americans in Oregon and the larger world.

Our ideal candidate has experience working with diverse populations, enjoys engaging with people, and is skilled at guiding them through the business process and connecting them with resources and experts. The Business Advisor reports to the Community Development Director.

Position Responsibilities:

Business Advising (80%)

• Evaluate where a business in its lifecycle
• Provide services that include program enrollment, financial wellness coaching, business plan development, and ongoing coaching for general small business support.
• Recruit clients and reach out to local business owners
• Guide clients to access additional programs to further their business, marketing, and finance plan
• Work collaboratively with program staff to ensure participants reach their goals.

Program Management, Administration and Data (20%)

• Submit program activities to funders on a weekly and/or quarterly basis (depending on terms in contract agreement with each funder)
• Track and manage multiple budgets
• Write grant proposal applications as available
• Seek and develop collaborative opportunities with other social justice organizations.
• Learn about the other programs at APANO and develop cross-programmatic enrichments to departments as available.
• Collaborate with contractors and consultants on workshops/courses around related popular topics
• Manage data and maintain contractually required information database systems (or develop them) to track client progress and work.
• Track and submit reports, information, and deliverables for funders.
• Plan, develop, and create program offerings to include appropriate workshops and educational opportunities for clients in a group setting
• Attend and participate in monthly and quarterly meetings with various funders
• Track concerns and issues facing small business owners and provide advocacy, testimony, and follow-up as required.

The Business Advisor will have:

Required Qualifications:

• Experience and understanding of the small business landscape in the Portland Metro region.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Background in small business operations and management and/or ownership.
• High level of emotional intelligence required to navigate the sometimes challenging circumstances presented by business clients.
• Self-starter: ability to initiate client contacts, pursue growth opportunities, and anticipate community needs.
• Ability to work closely with individuals and community partners with confidence and strong interpersonal skills within a wide range of cultural and social groups.
• Highly organized, with extensive experience with tracking data and reporting.
• Sufficient written and spoken English proficiency to communicate thoroughly
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, including public presentation skills
• Effective ability to navigate a personal computer and relevant software for word processing, calendaring, e-mail, data entry, and social media (Use of Microsoft Office, Adobe, Canva, and Google products - Gmail, Google Docs, etc.). Efficiently research and perform various tasks via the internet.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check.
• Reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associates or Bachelors degree in business, public administration or related field.
• Grant writing and budget management experience.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Experience facilitating workshops or group training.
• Prior experience supervising or mentoring staff or volunteers.
• Bilingual or multilingual ability, especially in languages spoken in Asian American communities in Oregon (Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Tagalog, Hmong, etc.)
• Lived experience or deep connection with immigrant and refugee or BIPOC communities.

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and this position will be open until filled, with priority given to applicants who apply by November 11th, 2026. Applications should be emailed as a single attached document (PDF preferred) to jobs@apano.org with subject line “Business Advisor”

Complete applications include:

• Cover letter (1 pages max) clearly outlining the specific skills and knowledge you bring to the job and how they are a good fit with the responsibilities of the position.
• A resume detailing relevant experience, work history, education and accomplishments.
• If you proceed to a final round of review, we will ask for 3 references with contact information and your relationship to the reference. (You may include these references in your initial application, but it is not required.)

APANO Communities United Fund and APANO Action Fund are actively seeking to increase representation and develop the leadership of women, LGBTQ+ people, people with lived experience of economic injustices, and other underrepresented groups, including diverse Asian and Asian American communities, both within the organization and the broader racial justice movement in Oregon and Asian and Asian American communities. APANO Communities United Fund and APANO Action Fund are equal opportunity employers. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other legally protected classification.

Benefits: 90% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401K plan with employer contribution, subsidized transit pass, work-from-home stipend, professional development opportunities, paid time off & up to 14 paid holidays annually, and flexible family-friendly schedule.