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.
Register Now for 2025's Competitive Company Program!
Our next Company Program will begin in January 2025 and run through to the end of June. Sign up now to ensure you get all the program updates and information.
Girls! Sign up for She LEADS Company Program
She LEADS is a mentorship movement to involve more girls in entrepreneurship. Improve your confidence and build your leadership skills with opportunities to learn from successful local businesswomen.
Divided into five phases, the program allows students to take ownership of their success by giving them the resources necessary to run their businesses.
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
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
Aura
Fleur Eternelle
Foldify
Foldiboards simplify folding laundry, while ensuring every fold is uniform and perfect. Made of recycled hardboard, they are easy to store.
Give a Garden
Give a Garden’s seed bombs, made of biodegradable paper in brightly coloured designs, make gardening fun.
Lumin
LUMIN candles are completely homemade, scented, 100% pure soy wax candles embedded with hidden jewelry.
Pura Sano
Pura Sano sells handcrafted, sustainable soaps made from goat’s milk with variations that include citrus shavings, honey, and sugar.
Revive
Revive room sprays are made from pure, natural ingredients with blissful scents that promote well-being through locally sourced products.
Scentimental
These handcrafted, scented fresheners, called Scentiments, are made from eco-friendly, recycled material in a variety of fun designs..
UTumble
Designed for convenience and durability, these matte-finish tumblers are customizable and keep your drinks hot or cold wherever you go.
YggDrasil
YggDrasil bracelet phone add-ons keep your phone drop-safe using 80% environmentally sustainable & upcycling materials.
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