The JA Student Marketplace marked a defining moment in students’ entrepreneurial journeys. It’s the first opportunity for many to bring their businesses directly into the community and experience the realities of selling in a live marketplace. 

On April 18th 2026 Hosted at Southgate Centre, the Tradeshow welcomed 11 of 13 student companies for a full day of customer engagement, sales, and brand storytelling. From designing and decorating their booths to showcasing their products and interacting with shoppers, students stepped into the role of real entrepreneurs and experienced the excitement, challenges, and rewards of operating a business. 

Throughout the event, students gained valuable hands-on experience in communication, customer service, sales strategy, and adaptability. Some teams experienced overwhelming demand, with several companies selling out within the first three hours of the event. 

The Tradeshow created opportunities for students to connect with the Edmonton community and build confidence in the products and ideas they created. It also strengthened relationships within each team as students worked together in a fast-paced, real-world environment.