Locally Grown Market Research Internship
Summer 2026 (May–August)
Spend the summer helping grow a mission-driven startup strengthening local food systems. Support the founder and growth team by researching farm networks, engaging directly with farmers, and supporting market discovery that expands the Locally Grown platform across North Carolina. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged.
About Locally Grown
Locally Grown is building the digital infrastructure for local food systems by connecting consumers directly with farmers. The platform enables farms to sell products online, manage orders, and reach new customers while maintaining control of their operations. By lowering barriers to digital commerce, Locally Grown helps strengthen regional food systems, support small farms, and expand access to fresh, locally sourced food.
About the B&M Impact Foundation
The B&M Impact Foundation works to fuel generational health and wealth by expanding opportunity through investments in food, health, and education. The Foundation empowers untapped potential through scholarships and mentorship while also investing in early-stage, mission-driven startups developing scalable solutions that improve food access, health outcomes, and economic opportunity. Its work combines philanthropy and catalytic impact investing, with a particular focus on communities in North Carolina and Indiana. B&M Impact Foundation internships are co-hosted by echo, a non-profit organization focused on transforming lives through entrepreneurship.
Internship Overview
The Market Research Intern will support Locally Grown’s growth team by conducting customer discovery and outreach with farms across North Carolina. The intern will engage directly with farmers to understand their needs, introduce the Locally Grown platform, and help build a strong statewide network of farm partners. This role provides hands-on experience in market research, entrepreneurship, and startup growth while contributing to a mission-driven effort to strengthen regional food systems and support small farms.
Key Responsibilities
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Collect and analyze feedback from farmers to inform product development and outreach strategy
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Support ecosystem mapping of farms, farmers markets, and local food networks across North Carolina
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Prepare concise research summaries and insights to inform growth strategy
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Conduct outreach and customer discovery conversations with farms to better understand their needs, challenges, and business models
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Introduce the Locally Grown platform to potential farm partners and support the identification and onboarding of farms that are strong candidates for the network
Qualifications & Preferred Skills
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Current undergraduate student (sophomore or junior) or graduate student (e.g. MBA, public policy, public health, agriculture, economics, or related field)
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Interest in entrepreneurship, agriculture, food systems, business, economics, public health, or social impact
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills
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Self-motivated and comfortable working remotely
Students from rural communities in North Carolina are especially encouraged to apply. Locally Grown and the B&M Impact Foundation strongly encourage applications from students who are first-generation college students or who come from underserved or underrepresented communities.
Internship Details
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Dates: May 27–August 1 (10 weeks)
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Hours: Approximately 32 hours per week, totaling 320 hours for the internship
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Compensation: $22 per hour
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Location: Primarily remote, with periodic virtual meetings and check-ins
The schedule may be arranged flexibly across the week in coordination with the Locally Grown and B&M Impact Foundation teams, while ensuring progress toward internship projects and responsibilities.