Become A Volunteer Advisor for PCV's Business Advising Program

Why Join You've got a lot to give. And you want to share your high-caliber skills to create deep impact. Join a community of top-tier business executives who are offering their time and networks to give back to their communities. “My involvement with PCV is all about giving back to the community. My knowledge and experience can be leveraged to help PCV companies create jobs and economic opportunities in California. Plus, it’s a lot of fun-to see the clients I advise come to their own solutions through my guidance.” Volunteer Advisor Sanjay Sinha Vice President & Relationship Manager California Bank and Trust

Volunteer Opportunities

PCV volunteer advisors help unlock the potential of small businesses across California to create lasting and meaningful economic change. Advisors work with brick-and-mortar, socially responsible small businesses that operate in or hire from lower-income communities. PCV’s advised companies are established businesses with annual sales between $250,000 to $20 million.

PCV advisors understand the challenges small businesses face. Our Business Advising program offers numerous opportunities to contribute strategic guidance and build practical plans for small companies. Current opportunities include:

• Strategy Roundtables — Participate in an intensive, two-hour session as a single company presents its business strategy and current challenges to a team of advisors. You’ll provide immediate feedback and advice to help the business makes its next move with confidence. And PCV will update you on the results of your impact on that company three months later.
• One-on-One Advising — For up to five hours per month, you’ll be available to a specific PCV Member company for focused, one-on-one advisory session in either your area of expertise or for broader strategic assistance.
• Network Referrals — Recommended professional service providers from your own network, eliminating the risk and time involved for entrepreneurs to find and vet these resources on their own.
• Community Network – Offer your guidance and support to our network by attending workshops, mixers and other PCV functions throughout the year. You’ll become an integral part of the PCV community, which is working to drive resources to lower-income neighborhoods.

Eligibility

PCV advisors have experience in a diverse set of industries and bring skills from a wide range of business functions. All are committed to PCV's philosophy of spurring economic growth and reducing poverty by building the capacity of small businesses and the quality jobs they help support.

Business Advisors generally meet the following criteria:

• 10+ years broad business management and/or ownership experience
• Start-up or small business experience is helpful, but not required
• Functional expertise in areas such as: marketing, sales, finance, manufacturing, operations and general management
• Interest in local economic development and entrepreneurship
• Commitment to take the time required to prepare for or attend any PCV offering that the advisor elects to participate in
• Willingness to participate in an annual evaluation (phone interviews, surveys, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring and improving the delivery impact of the Advising program at PCV

Apply Now

We invite individuals who fit our eligibility requirements to apply to become a volunteer advisor by submitting an application:

Submit the Advisor Interest Form

Upon receipt of your application, a member of PCV's Advising program staff will contact you to invite you to our next advising orientation. Advisor orientations are useful to gain a better understanding of your skills and experience as well as your volunteer interests and how they might be addressed through the Volunteer Advising Program at PCV. Following this meeting, we will notify you regarding our ability to accommodate you in our program. We welcome new advisors on a rolling basis.

Click here to see PCV's current member companies