Business Growth & Development Intern (French-speaking) - Design Industry

Company Description

Mercana is one of North America's leading wholesalers of residential furnishings. Working with interior designers, retailers, and e-commerce brands across the continent. As a design-driven company, we design and distribute furniture, artwork, lighting, and home décor accessories that help define the way people live in their homes.

Position Summary

The Business Growth & Development Intern — Quebec will support Mercana's expansion into the French-speaking Quebec market through a combination of research, outreach, and customer engagement. Working closely with the Business Development team, the intern will identify potential customers, build a pipeline of business opportunities, and support the onboarding of new accounts across the retail, design, and e-commerce channels, serving Mercana's French-speaking accounts throughout Quebec.

This is a dynamic and entrepreneurial role focused on learning how business development contributes to the real-world growth of a company.

Responsibilities

Business Development

• Prospect, qualify, and support outreach to new business opportunities across retail, design, and e-commerce.
• Assist in building and maintaining a pipeline of target accounts.
• Support outreach activities through email, LinkedIn, and phone.

Market Research

• Conduct research on target markets, competitors, and potential customers.
• Create and maintain account lists and market maps.
• Identify trends and opportunities within the furniture and home décor industry.

Customer Engagement

• Support interactions with current and prospective customers.
• Participate in preparing presentations and product information sheets.
• Contribute to coordinating follow-ups and account onboarding activities.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Business Development, Sales, and Marketing teams.
• Support internal communication regarding new opportunities and account activity.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing studies in business administration, marketing, or a related field.
• Strong interest in business development, sales, or entrepreneurship.
• Outgoing, confident, and comfortable approaching new people.
• Highly motivated, organized, and proactive.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual required: professional proficiency in both French and English, verbal and written.

Language Requirement

French-English bilingualism is an essential requirement for this position. French is the language used to serve the Quebec customer base that the intern will support on a daily basis. English is required because the intern will work continuously with the Business Development, Sales, and Marketing teams based in British Columbia and Virginia, where communication and documentation are conducted in English. English is also required because the intern will represent Mercana to English-speaking clients at the High Point Market in North Carolina. Mercana currently has no equivalent position that could perform these responsibilities without knowledge of English.

What This Internship Will Offer

The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in how a design-driven company builds its sales pipeline, develops new markets, and works directly with its customers.

As part of this role, you will travel to High Point Market in North Carolina, the world's largest residential furnishings trade show. You will meet customers in person, gain exposure to the breadth of the industry, and represent Mercana on the trade show floor.

Compensation

• $21–$25 per hour
• Part-time (Fall term)