Part-Time Business Operations Assistant

Part\-Time Business Operations Assistant Grow The Earth (GTE) Lansing, Michigan \| Hybrid Approximately 8–10 hours per week The Role The Business Operations Assistant will work directly with the Founder of Grow The Earth to support business operations, research, product development, e\-commerce, events, and special projects as the company enters its next stage of growth. This is a hands\-on opportunity for a student or emerging professional interested in entrepreneurship, sustainability, business operations, product development, or e\-commerce. The role is designed for someone who is organized, resourceful, intellectually curious, and comfortable taking an assignment from initial research through recommendation and execution. Current priorities include GTE's relaunch, coffee business operations, pop\-up experiences, supplier and product sourcing, marketplace development, and development of the GTE Box. Key Responsibilities Business Operations \& Administration Support day\-to\-day business and administrative operations. Maintain project trackers, deadlines, documents, research, and organizational systems. Coordinate follow\-up with vendors, suppliers, partners, and other business contacts. Support purchasing, inventory, shipping, and operational logistics. Develop and improve processes that help GTE operate efficiently as the company grows. Product Development \& Supplier Research Research products and suppliers through Alibaba and other sourcing platforms. Compare pricing, minimum order quantities, customization capabilities, certifications, shipping considerations, and supplier qualifications. Organize findings and provide clear recommendations. Communicate with prospective suppliers to obtain quotes, samples, specifications, and other information. Support product research and development for the GTE Marketplace and GTE Box. Research sustainable products, materials, packaging, and emerging consumer trends. Pop\-Ups, Events \& GTE Relaunch Support planning and execution of GTE pop\-up experiences and community events. Research potential locations, vendors, partnerships, equipment, and event opportunities. Maintain event timelines, operational checklists, and project deliverables. Assist with inventory planning and event preparation. Support initiatives associated with GTE's relaunch and continued market expansion. Research \& Business Development Conduct research related to sustainability, competitors, markets, partnerships, products, and business opportunities. Synthesize research into concise findings and actionable recommendations. Identify potential partnerships, community connections, and growth opportunities. Research opportunities within the Greater Lansing and Michigan State University communities. Support special projects and new initiatives as GTE continues to grow. What We're Looking For The ideal candidate is currently enrolled in or recently graduated from an undergraduate or graduate program and demonstrates strong organization, research, written communication, critical thinking, and follow\-through. The individual should be comfortable working independently, managing multiple priorities, learning new systems, communicating professionally with external partners, and taking initiative when appropriate. Experience with Google Workspace, spreadsheets, Canva, Shopify, e\-commerce, sustainability, event planning, entrepreneurship, or product sourcing is helpful but not required. What the Candidate Will Gain The Business Operations Assistant will gain direct, hands\-on experience working alongside a founder and participating in the growth of an emerging sustainability\-focused business. The position provides exposure to entrepreneurship, sustainable business strategy, e\-commerce operations, supplier sourcing and negotiation, product development, event production, research, project management, and business development. Rather than observing these functions from a distance, the Business Operations Assistant will have opportunities to contribute directly to active business initiatives and see projects move from concept through execution. What Success Looks Like Success means helping GTE move projects forward while becoming increasingly capable of independently managing assignments. Over time, the Business Operations Assistant should be able to receive a desired outcome, determine the research or operational steps required, execute those steps, and return with either a completed assignment or a thoughtful recommendation for next steps. Pay: $160\.00 per week Benefits: Flexible schedule Work Location: Remote