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Learning how to navigate the challenges for small-business success is often difficult. As a consultant specializing in small businesses, Faye Burch has made a concerted effort to help small business owners achieve success, while finding success for herself at the same time.

For 18 years, Burch was part-owner of five gift shops and a coffee shop at the Portland International Airport. In that role, she managed 38 employees and managers, and through her efforts the construction of those shops was performed by as many minority contractors as possible. For many of those contractors, work on those projects gave them their first experience in the Portland construction market.

In her role as principal consultant at F M Burch & Associates, she serves as a mentor and advisor helping women- and minority-owned businesses grow in the Portland area.

Under the guidance of Burch, many clients in the construction industry have gained a foothold in a competitive environment.

Burch was instrumental in coordinating agencies and funding to rebuild a historic African American Elks Lodge.  She has helped minority-owned and women-owned small contractors obtain contracts, forge partnerships and participate in projects that have led to growth of both the contractors’ companies and their communities.

Burch is a board member of Micro Enterprise Services of Oregon (MESO), an organization that focuses on promoting small businesses in the bidding process for projects.  She also serves on the Clean Energy Works Advisory Committee and the Cully Displacement Services Committee, and is a founder of the Professional Business Development group.