Job Description

About the Role

Title: Business Development Intern

Team: The Shorefast Institute for Place-Based Economies

Location: Remote

Position Type: Part-Time, Winter Semester.

Duration: January - May 2026

Who We Are

Shorefast is one of North America's most creative and notable social enterprises and the charitable organization behind the world-renowned Fogo Island Inn, Fogo Island Workshops, Fogo Island Fish, and Fogo Island Arts. Our work has garnered significant international interest including a feature on 60 Minutes and in The New York Times. The mission of Shorefast is to build, learn, and share economic development practices that catalyse the assets of local places, starting with Fogo Island. Learn more about us: shorefast.org

Opportunity

Shorefast is seeking a graduate-level student enrolled in an MBA, MPP, urban planning, economic development, or a related graduate program - to contribute to the next phase of our Economic Nutrition initiative. This paid role is ideal for someone passionate about using business tools for public good and eager to gain hands-on experience developing a certification model rooted in place-based economics. We are seeking a student that is able to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week.

This role supports the research and planning needed to bring the Economic Nutrition Certification Mark to wider audiences. We are currently piloting the use of Economic Nutrition Labels with a cohort of businesses across Canada. Your work will help us translate insights from that pilot into a public-facing report and operational business plan, with the goal of positioning Economic Nutrition for long-term, scalable impact.

You'll work closely with Shorefast's Financial Innovation Lead, and engage in a combination of research synthesis, certification model design, and program development. This is a unique opportunity to shape the evolution of a novel certification mark that helps consumers and institutions make more informed economic decisions.

What You'll Do

Analyze and synthesize findings from the 2025 Economic Nutrition Certification Pilot, translating insights into clear, actionable recommendations Support the drafting of a public-facing report sharing the outcomes of the Pilot (to be released in December 2025) Support in the development of 2026 Certification program materials and collateral Conduct benchmarking and landscape research related to certification systems, particularly in the areas of supply chain transparency, ESG, or economic development Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to refine the certification criteria and associated implementation supports Work closely with the Financial Innovation Lead to align research and planning deliverables to organizational goals
Qualifications

Currently enrolled in an MBA, MPP, urban planning, economic development, or a related graduate program Demonstrated interest in certification marks, economic policy, business model innovation, or systems change Strong research, synthesis, and strategic thinking skills; able to work with both qualitative and quantitative data Exceptional written communication skills, with experience translating complex information for public or cross-sector audiences Self-directed and collaborative, with comfort navigating ambiguity and emerging initiatives Experience or coursework related to certification systems, IP law, ESG, or social enterprise is an asset
What We Offer

Mitacs internship position, at 20 hours/week for 4-6 months An engaged, highly supportive, and collaborative environment that encourages creativity and curiosity Continued learning and professional development training A balanced work environment to maintain focus on your studies
To Apply

Please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@shorefast.org, with the subject line "Business Development Intern"; Questions about this position may also be directed here.

Deadline for Applications: December 5, 2025

We are grateful for all applications, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We know that diverse, equitable and inclusive teams lead to greater innovation and amplified impact. This is why Shorefast is actively seeking representation from communities that represent the diversity of Canada, including applicants with lived experience in rural communities We endeavour to foster an accessible work environment and to ensure all in our care feel safe and valued. Please reach out if there is anything we can do to accommodate a more accessible or inclusive application process.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: Up to $10,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 per week

Work Location: Remote