Business Development, Grants & Startup Fundraising Intern
We are an early-stage startup building an AI-powered aesthetic, wellness, and social discovery platform combining everything into one ecosystem focused on AI-powered discovery, creator content, community, provider marketplaces, and commerce.
We are seeking a highly motivated Business Development, Grants & Startup Fundraising Intern to assist with grant research, startup funding opportunities, business planning, crowdfunding preparation, pitch development, market research, and operational growth initiatives.
This role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in:
entrepreneurship,
startup operations,
innovation,
grant writing,
business development,
market research,
accelerators/incubators,
crowdfunding,
startup strategy,
or early-stage fundraising.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, entrepreneurial, resourceful, and excited about helping build an early-stage technology startup from the ground up.
Responsibilities
Research grants, startup competitions, accelerators, incubators, fellowships, and non-dilutive funding opportunities
Assist with grant writing, application preparation, and submission coordination
Help organize and update business plans, fundraising materials, and pitch decks
Conduct market, competitor, and industry research
Assist with crowdfunding and Kickstarter campaign planning and launch preparation
Work alongside software engineers, product/design contributors, and marketing team members to help communicate platform vision and growth strategy
Collaborate with an assigned counterpart/team member to learn, brainstorm, share ideas, problem-solve, and help accelerate company development and execution
Support partnership outreach and business development initiatives
Help organize startup operations, investor tracking, CRM management, and communications
Assist with sponsorship, partnership, and collaboration opportunities
Preferred Majors
Students or graduates pursuing degrees in:
Business Administration
Entrepreneurship
Marketing
Communications
Public Relations
Innovation & Technology Management
Management Information Systems (MIS)
Product Management
Digital Media or Media Strategy
Data Analytics
Healthcare Administration
Economics
Finance (major or minor is a plus)
Public Policy
Nonprofit Management
MBA programs or startup incubator/accelerator programs
Preferred Qualifications
Strong organizational, communication, writing, and research skills
Interest in startups, entrepreneurship, innovation, or early-stage business growth
Experience with grant writing, business planning, fundraising outreach, or startup competitions preferred
Experience creating or assisting with investor pitch decks preferred
Crowdfunding or Kickstarter experience is a strong plus, but not required for fast learners
Comfortable collaborating across product, marketing, and technical teams
Familiarity with Google Workspace, PowerPoint, Canva, Excel, Airtable, Notion, or similar tools preferred
Self-starter mindset with strong attention to detail and ability to work independently
What You’ll Gain
Direct exposure to startup growth and fundraising strategy
Mentorship and hands-on entrepreneurial experience
Opportunity to work closely with founders and early-stage startup leadership
Real-world experience collaborating with developers, marketers, and product contributors
Exposure to startup accelerators, grants, crowdfunding, partnerships, and business development
Resume and portfolio-building experience within a startup/incubator-style environment
Potential opportunity for future leadership growth within the company
Compensation
No stipend for the first 30 days
Performance evaluations at 30, 60, and 90 days
Potential stipend beginning after evaluation periods
Initial stipend expected to begin around $200/month minimum depending on contribution and company growth
Potential opportunity for limited equity participation after 90 days based on performance, commitment, and company growth
