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Grades 10-12
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Learn how to organize and operate an actual business enterprise!
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In-school, after-school, or online
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Educator-led with the option to include volunteer support (for the after-school program see JA Company Program – After-School)
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Instructional time: 10-16 weeks
View Program Info SheetIn-School
With the support and guidance of business teachers and volunteer advisors from the local business community (optional), JA Company Program will give secondary school students the knowledge needed to organize and operate an actual business enterprise. Students will learn what risks and rewards come with owning a business, and how to build positive relationships with the community.
While operating their business, participants will sell shares, produce and market a product or service and appoint a management team that best suits their company. They will also learn to maintain and analyze financial records that will help them establish and monitor production and sales goals during the span of the program.
JA Company Program supports the curriculum objectives of a range of subjects including entrepreneurship, marketing, general business, career studies, social studies, mathematics, leadership and co-op.
By the end of JA Company Program, students will understand how to run a successful business enterprise.
Like other JA programs, JA Company Program is curriculum-linked, student-centred and skills-focused. It is facilitated through a partnership of business teachers and qualified business volunteers in weekly one or two-hour sessions over the course of 10-16 weeks. The program can be delivered in-school or offered as an after-school club at no cost to schools or groups.
Students who complete this program are eligible for JABC and JA Canada awards and scholarships.
Key Outcomes
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Discover the risks and rewards of starting a business
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Systematically solve actual business challenges
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Demonstrate the importance of ethical standards in business
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Foster positive relationships between youth and business communities
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Learn about incorporation and capitalize by selling shares
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Impart understanding of teamwork and responsibility
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Produce and market a product or service
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Gather data, evaluate alternatives and develop a plan
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Make effective sales pitches and presentations
Look at some recent JA Company Program ventures
Apiculture
Apiculture
Apiculture makes wooden coasters to educate the community about pollinator protection. (Kamloops)
Bacup
Bacup
Bacup creates waterproof covers for your bag or backpack. (Vancouver)
CultureCase
CultureCase
CultureCase celebrates multiculturalism by making pleasingly designed phone cases. (Vancouver)
EcoMesh
EcoMesh
EcoMesh produces eco-friendly washable, reusable, and biodegradable bags meant to carry produce when grocery shopping. (Burnaby)
Flax Pax
Flax Pax
Flax Pax develops hot/cold packs made from 100% natural burlap, whole flaxseed, and dried lavender.
Hulle
Hulle
Hulle creates repurposed leather coffee sleeves.
Juggle
Juggle
Juggle is a video game app that entertains youth while also increasing their awareness of the effects of ocean pollution.
Klick
Klick
Klick Co. is a group of students working together to improve road safety with a bike signalling device that works in addition to hand signals! (Vancouver)
Parabox
Parabox
Parabox creates recyclable boxes for every purpose. (Vancouver)
Pauseedivity
Pauseedivity
Pauseedivity produces lively plants for your home. All proceeds go to the Vancouver General Hospital for Covid-19 relief. (Vancouver)
Planture
Planture
Planture is a mobile reminder app that sends users a daily notification with a task on how they can personally contribute to helping the planet. (Vancouver)
Raindrop Bathbombs
Raindrop Bathbombs
Raindrop supplies pre-packaged, high-quality eco-friendly bath bombs at an affordable price. (Vancouver)
Recycled Sounds
Recycled Sounds
Recycled Sounds creates speakers & smartphone accessories using reclaimed wood & locally sourced materials, to improve your media experience. (Kamloops)
ReNotify
ReNotify
ReNotify makes notebooks with washable, reusable pages that work with most washable markers. (North Vancouver)
Sucseed
Sucseed
Sucseed sells seed paper products, planting success, one seed at a time.
Tao Plants
Tao Plants
Tao Plant sells plant kits with basil seeds to continue to promote sustainability. (Vancouver)
Need more inspiration? Check out these previous JA Student Companies that applied for Awards and Scholarships
Student Questions:
It’s free! Thanks to our many donors and volunteers, we are able to provide this program to students at NO COST! You are only responsible for your transportation to and from meetings and any meals/snacks.
Only students who have registered online can attend the meetings. If there is still room at the location you’ve signed up for, invite your friends to register online to participate.
You and your teammates have the freedom to brainstorm and go through the creative process to decide on any product you’d like. Look a this page for some past student projects for inspiration.
JA Company Program isn’t just for future entrepreneurs. No matter where you are headed, you will acquire real life knowledge that can help you on your career path. You will develop important presentation, teamwork, leadership, problem-solving and communication skills which are valuable in any job.
You can, if your team is interested in the idea as well. For more questions about this please reach out to Alanna Tynan.
Volunteer Questions:
- Volunteers are not required to have previous mentorship experience or be an expert in business/entrepreneurship to volunteer. We encourage volunteers from all professional backgrounds and areas of expertise to participate.
- Qualities we look for in volunteers:
- Passionate about supporting and mentoring young people
- Invested in sharing knowledge and expertise
- Ability to devote the time required to mentor students
- Ability to foster teamwork and collaboration
- Ability to listen actively
- Ability to share and receive constructive feedback
- Ability to motivate, manage conflicts and address challenges
- Ability to demonstrate and encourage fairness, honesty, and integrity
- Ability to demonstrate and encourage resilience and adaptability
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- JA will provide volunteer training, resources, and ongoing support to deliver the program.
- JA will provide volunteer training, resources, and ongoing support to deliver the program.
- Volunteers will be required to work together with their team to review JA resources and prepare for and facilitate the weekly meetings and lessons.
- We encourage volunteers to bring in their own resources and expertise to complement the JA program as long as they align with JA’s mission, values, and policies.
- New volunteers who do not have a current police check on file with JA must be registered and complete the volunteer screening requirements
- Returning volunteers who have completed a police check within the past 5 years must be registered but are not required to complete the volunteer screening requirements
- JA will follow up with volunteers to provide details to complete the volunteer screening requirements
- We are always looking to reach more students, businesses, and volunteers in Central Ontario. Please reach out to our Company Program Lead, Alanna Tynan for more information regarding supporting a Company Program.
Delivery of JA Company Program in BC is generously supported by:
