The Company Program
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:
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): Teachers may provide Company Program as 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.
Program Details:
Level: Grade 9 – 12
Commitment: 18 weeks
Program Format: Project-Based, teacher-led or after school volunteer-led
Languages: English
Curriculum Links:
Entrepreneurial Skills, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Finance, Language Arts, Math, Career & Technology, Health & Life Skills
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 join the after-school program?
2024 JA Company Program Businesses & Products
Agrivita
AgriVita keeps produce fresher for longer, via an easy-to-use ethylene absorber that slows the ripening of fruits and vegetables by up to 10 days, helping families get more out of their groceries.
Aurora Bloom
Aurora Bloom creates stunning, handcrafted floral arrangements that bring joy, fun, and cherished memories to every occasion. Committed to sustainability and quality, these ribbon roses are designed to never fade, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Bloom
Bloom brings nature indoors with beautifully crafted, eco-friendly terrariums that offer a low-maintenance touch of greenery for any space.
Cinch
CINCH DENIM is the solution to misfit jeans for all. CINCH is 100% produced by repurposed materials because jeans should fit you, not the other way around.
Cliptote
Cliptote is a foldable tote bag that can easily transform into a compact keychain pouch, offering both functionality and fashion in one compact accessory.
Diffu
Diffu promotes mental wellness through aromatherapy reed diffusers that help reduce stress and create a calm atmosphere, while encouraging conversations around mental health.
Eunoia
Eunoia’s Anxiety Jars promote mental well-being through 21 cards which feature calming prompts, self-reflection exercises, movement-based activities, or connection-building tasks to help reduce stress.
Nova
NOVA transforms jeans once well-loved into functional and captivating bags, reducing textile waste and promoting eco-friendly fashion. Every bag is unique and made with care.
Pawfect
Pawfect is on an eco-friendly mission to entertain our furry friends with safe, durable, and affordable toys. By repurposing materials, they are working diligently towards a sustainable and clean environment.
Picturesque
Picturesque aims to frame your memories -so you can relive the nostalgia-with handcrafted, magnetic, durable, and stylish frames that keep your cherished moments alive.
Pillify
Pillify simplifies medication management with a stylish, compact, and accessible storage solution. By prioritizing convenience, personalization, and social responsibility, they are committed to helping you manage your medications.
Saucee
SAUCEE encourages self-expression through stickers and keychains inspired by global flavours! From spicy to sweet, the designs embrace multiculturalism and celebrate diverse identities in the sauciest way!
The Story Board
The Story Board crafts handmade charcuterie boards from 100% Canadian reclaimed wood, giving it a second life so you can create unforgettable moments. Turn every bite into a memory!
Agrivita
AgriVita keeps produce fresher for longer, via an easy-to-use ethylene absorber that slows the ripening of fruits and vegetables by up to 10 days, helping families get more out of their groceries.
Aurora Bloom
Aurora Bloom creates stunning, handcrafted floral arrangements that bring joy, fun, and cherished memories to every occasion. Committed to sustainability and quality, these ribbon roses are designed to never fade.
Bloom
Bloom brings nature indoors with beautifully crafted, eco-friendly terrariums that offer a low-maintenance touch of greenery for any space.
Cinch
CINCH DENIM is the solution to misfit jeans for all. CINCH is 100% produced by repurposed materials because jeans should fit you, not the other way around.
Cliptote
Cliptote is a foldable tote bag that can easily transform into a compact keychain pouch, offering both functionality and fashion in one compact accessory.
Diffu
Diffu promotes mental wellness through aromatherapy reed diffusers that help reduce stress and create a calm atmosphere, while encouraging conversations around mental health.
Eunoia
Eunoia’s Anxiety Jars promote mental well-being through 21 cards which feature calming prompts, self-reflection exercises, movement-based activities, or connection-building tasks to help reduce stress.
Nova
NOVA transforms jeans once well-loved into functional and captivating bags, reducing textile waste and promoting eco-friendly fashion. Every bag is unique and made with care.
Pawfect
Pawfect is on an eco-friendly mission to entertain our furry friends with safe, durable, and affordable toys. By repurposing materials, they are working diligently towards a sustainable and clean environment.
Picturesque
Picturesque aims to frame your memories -so you can relive the nostalgia-with handcrafted, magnetic, durable, and stylish frames that keep your cherished moments alive.
Pillify
Pillify simplifies medication management with a stylish, compact, and accessible storage solution. By prioritizing convenience, personalization, and social responsibility, they are committed to helping you manage your medications.
Saucee
SAUCEE encourages self-expression through stickers and keychains inspired by global flavours! From spicy to sweet, the designs embrace multiculturalism and celebrate diverse identities in the sauciest way!
The Story Board
The Story Board crafts handmade charcuterie boards from 100% Canadian reclaimed wood, giving it a second life so you can create unforgettable moments. Turn every bite into a memory!
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