Company Program
There are many ways to help bring the JA Company Program to life for students across Northern Alberta. Your support gives youth the opportunity to experience running a real business, while building essential skills in financial literacy, investment planning, and entrepreneurship. Together, we can equip the next generation with the tools, confidence, and experience they need to succeed in business—and in life.
The cornerstone of Junior Achievement, the JA Company Program, sees groups of students working together to operate their own business venture.
There are two ways for students to participate in the Company Program, see below for more details.
AFTER-SCHOOL (COMPETITIVE)
Hosted once per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) in the evening from 4-7 pm for school-based teams and 6-9 pm for business-based teams throughout Edmonton and Northern Alberta. All sessions have an in-person meeting location.
Students participate in exciting events like JA’s Big Pitch! The Northern Alberta Business Hall of Fame and student Executive Training.
By successfully completing the program, students are also eligible to apply for over $25,000 in awards and scholarships every year.
IN-SCHOOL (NON-COMPETITIVE)
Facilitated in schools by teachers, the Company Program can be part of their regular class program or as a school club. This option must be organized by the school or teacher, and students are not able to join independently. This program is recognized as a Locally Developed Course (LCD) by many Alberta School Districts.
Details:
- Level: Grade 7 – 12
- Commitment: flexible, 10-16 weeks recommended.
- Program Format: Project-Based, teacher-led or modified to fit your classroom
Student company program events
Throughout the year, our Company Program comes to life through exciting events that showcase student talent, teamwork, and innovation. From pitch competitions to trade shows and year-end celebrations, each event offers students the chance to share their journey, connect with the community, and shine as young entrepreneurs. These milestones are more than just dates on the calendar—they’re moments where learning turns into real-world success.
13
Sept
2025
JA Ignite
Concordia University of Edmonton | 8:00 am
Fuel your entrepreneurial drive at JA Ignite 2025- our dynamic kickoff to the new Company Program Year!
Competitive Company Program
Turn Your Ideas into a Real Business – Before You Graduate!
The JA Company Program is your chance to step out of the classroom and into the boardroom. Over several months, you and a team of like-minded peers will launch and run your own real-world business – making the decisions, managing the money, and selling the product you create. Guided by experienced business mentors, you’ll gain hands-on skills in leadership, marketing, finance, and teamwork that most people don’t learn until years into their careers.
From your very first brainstorming session to your final pitch to a panel of business leaders, you’ll experience the thrill (and challenge) of entrepreneurship in a competitive, fast-paced environment. Along the way, you’ll build a professional network, develop your confidence, and discover just how much you’re capable of achieving.
If you’re ready to challenge yourself, work with inspiring mentors, and take part in a program that has launched the careers of countless young leaders, this is your moment.
Spots are limited – join the JA Company Program today and start building the future you want.
Details:
- Level: Grade 9 – 12
- Commitment: 16- 18 weeks
Register Now for 2026 Competitive Program
Our next Company Program will begin in January 2026 and run until June. Sign up now to ensure you get all the program updates and information.
Company Program Phases
Divided into five phases, the program allows students to take ownership of their success by giving them the resources necessary to run their businesses.
Phase 1: Inspire
Participants learn that JA Company Program is a life-changing, hands-on experience that aims to inspires them to create an exciting entrepreneurial venture through collaboration.
KEY OBJECTIVES
- Get to know each other including strengths and motivations
- Collaboratively develop group working norms
- Consider a variety of possible products and business models
- Learn about the roles available within the company and identify leadership styles
Phase 2: Unite
Participants unite ideas and people to form the leadership framework, innovative market solution, and business model to achieve the co-created mission.
Key Objectives
- Understand the criteria for selecting the nature of the business venture, potential mechanisms for funding business ideas and product pitching
- Establish the details of the student company using the business model canvas and clearly define the proposed value proposition
- Finalize the mission and establish the organizational structure
- Establish the department functions and individual responsibilities to the team
Phase 3: Build
Building a new business requires a strong foundation based on planning, strategy and communication.
Key Objectives
- Create an accountability framework and department work plans
- Develop and establish Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
- Quantify start-up capital needs, resources, and break-even point
- Create the Lean Business Plan
Phase 4: Launch
Successful entrepreneurial ventures are results of efficient production, compelling sales, and accurate metrics.
Key Objectives
- Implement the strategy defined by the Lean Business Plan and apply department work plans
- Continue production of product
- Conduct sales
- Maintain accurate records
Phase 5: Achieve
Personal potential is realized when individuals take risks, engage in new experiences and collaborate with others, and celebrate the success achieved together.
Key Objectives
- Understand the steps to close a business
- Share learning outcomes and successes in a variety of formats
- Conduct a final status meeting
- Prepare a Shareholder’s Report
Interested in this program?
Want this program in your classroom?
Want to inspire the next generation?
SCHOLARSHIPS
Each year, JA Northern Alberta awards scholarships to outstanding Company Program students who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and dedication. These scholarships celebrate the hard work and achievements of young entrepreneurs, helping them take the next step in their education and career journey. Learn more about eligibility, application deadlines, and past recipients on our detailed scholarships page.
2025 JA Company Program Businesses & Products
Each year, we are inspired by the innovation, creativity, and determination of our Company Program teams. From unique product ideas to impressive marketing strategies, these student-led companies bring fresh perspectives and entrepreneurial spirit to life. Their hard work, teamwork, and passion leave a lasting impact—and set the bar high for the year ahead.
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