Business Development Intern / Local Business Connector

Business Development / Entrepreneurship Internship (Paid, Flexible, Real Clients)

Interns Encouraged to Apply
Southeast Michigan & Toledo, Ohio

Company Description

Metro Trading Association (MTA), established in 1978, is the oldest trade association in the Great Lakes Region and a leader in organized barter services. Dedicated to helping businesses enhance cash flow, reduce surplus inventory, and increase profits, MTA fosters a strong barter economy for its members. Through partnership with the International Reciprocal Trade Association, MTA connects its members to businesses worldwide, facilitating mutually beneficial transactions. MTA is committed to providing exceptional service and support to ensure the success of its members.

Role Description

This is an independent contractor (1099) role for a Local Business Connector serving Southeast Michigan and the Toledo, Ohio area. While MTA is headquartered in Rochester Hills, this role is field‑focused, flexible, and relationship‑driven, working directly with local business owners in your territory.

This is a multi‑function opportunity designed for individuals interested in marketing, sales, entrepreneurship, small business, finance, and social media marketing.

Interns, students, recent graduates, and career‑changers are strongly encouraged to apply.
✅ No degree required
✅ No prior sales or barter experience required

This role provides real‑world experience through direct exposure to business owners, live transactions, and relationship‑based growth — not simulated projects or busy work.

What You’ll Do

• Meet and engage with local business owners (coffee meetings, introductions, networking, outreach)
• Introduce businesses to Metro Trading Association’s barter network
• Explain how the MTA system works at a practical, high level
• Assist prospects with the membership application process
• Help new members understand how to activate and complete their first transaction
• Collaborate with the MTA team to support onboarding and long‑term success

This role gives you a legitimate reason to meet, greet, and build relationships with local business owners, while expanding your professional network.

Compensation & Incentives

This role combines cash and trade incentives:

• $100 Trade Dollars upon signing a new business, paid after their welcome call is completed by a broker.
• $100 additional Trade Dollars when a business you referred completes their first sale
• Cash per approved signup: 
  • $400 application fee collected
  • $50 retained by MTA for processing
  • Remaining $350 split 50/50
  • You earn $175 cash per approved member
• No cap on signups

High performers can generate meaningful income while building long‑term professional relationships.

Who This Role Is For

This opportunity is ideal for anyone who wants to:

• Build or diversify their portfolio of local business contacts
• Gain real experience in sales, marketing, entrepreneurship, or business development
• Have a professional, credible reason to meet local business owners
• Expand their network while earning cash and trade value
• Learn how businesses actually buy, sell, and trade

This role works well for:

• Students and interns
• Aspiring entrepreneurs
• Small business owners
• Marketing or sales professionals
• Anyone looking to strengthen their local presence and connections

Qualifications

• Strong communication and people skills
• Interest in business, networking, or entrepreneurship
• Comfortable speaking with business owners
• Self‑motivated and reliable
• No degree required
• No prior experience required (training and support provided)

Territory Focus

This role is best suited for individuals working in the areas where they already live and network. Our membership footprint stretches from Genesee County north, west to Brighton, south to Toledo, and east to the water, allowing connectors to build within familiar communities and existing local relationships.