Phon Sivongxay

Phon has over 25 years of combined experience in banking and real estate. Before joining the Washington SBDC at Highline Community College, she began her career in residential and commercial lending and moved up to Compliance Manager. As Compliance Manager, she oversaw denied applications and adverse loan actions under the ECOA (Equal Credit Opportunity Act). 

Phon owned and operated a Thai Restaurant in Renton, Washington, for eight years. She provided jobs to immigrants and refugee families. Over 70 percent of her work staff were immigrants, refugees, and people with LEP (Limited English Proficiency). In addition to her certification as an SBDC business advisor, she received her B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Phon is fluent in Lao and Thai. 

Phon advocates for immigrants, refugees, women, and people with disabilities to start, expand, and achieve financial success in their businesses. Additionally, she volunteers, providing financial training to immigrant and refugee families. 

Phon’s counseling areas of specialty are:

  • Commercial and residential lending 
  • Purchase and Sale Agreement and Lease Review 
  • Financial and Business Plan development 
  • Business startups 
    • Restaurant
    • ITIN’s
    • AFH (Adult Family Home)
    • Child Care