Plant It Forward

Internship – Food Hub Business Development

Background & Mission: Plant It Forward Farms (PIFF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to empower resettled refugees to operate sustainable urban farming businesses in Houston, Texas. We are dedicated to enabling our network of skilled farmers to earn a living through dignified, meaningful work and to providing our community with farm-fresh produce.

Farmers in our program are trained in entrepreneurship skills and bio-intensive vegetable production methods, then matched with urban farm plots where they can grow and sell produce. Key markets include PIFF’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, sales to local restaurants, and local farmers’ markets.

Position Overview: Business Development Interns are responsible for assisting with PIFF Managers to create a long-term (5-10 year) business development plan for the PIFF Food Hub.

In 2018, PIFF created the Food Hub Program to better serve our farmers through increased sales and our customers through improved QA/QC and customer service capabilities. While our Food Hub operations are funded largely through grants & donations, we are examining the feasibility of transitioning the Food Hub Program to a model that is financially self-sustaining.

Interns working on Food Hub Development will assist managers to map out scenarios for financial sustainability within PIFF’s Food Hub Program. Specifically, interns will research best-practices in food hub operations nationally; interns will also assist PIFF Managers to evaluate and improve on current practices based on key metrics assessing cash flow & liquidity, profitability, efficiency, and solvency/repayment capacity. Based on research findings and an evaluation of current PIFF practices, interns will develop recommendations for achieving long-term financial sustainability within the Food Hub Program.

Key Job Duties

  • Research best-practices in food hub business operations
  • Evaluate current PIFF Food Hub Program practices in the following areas: cash  flow & liquidity, profitability, efficiency, and solvency/repayment capacity
  • Develop recommendations for improving financial practices
  • Develop recommendations for achieving financial self-sufficiency within the Food Hub Program

Qualifications

  • Competitive applicants will be enrolled in a MBA/non-profit management program. Exceptionally qualified undergraduates will also be considered.
  • Professional experience or coursework related to financial management in small businesses, and/or non-profit management
  • Strong work ethic & attention to detail
  • Multicultural experience and tolerance for persons of different ethnicities, faiths, genders, and physical capabilities
  • Ability to work independently, flexibly, and with a team

Start Date & Hours: Flexible. Ideally, interns start June 1 and work 30+ hrs/wk.

Compensation: All PIFF internships are unpaid. Students are encouraged to seek funding through their campus career centers, or other university/college funding programs.

Reporting Relationships: Food Hub Business Development Interns report to Operations Manager.

Applications Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis

APPLY: Email cover letter / motivation statement and resume to internships@plant-it-forward.org