JA Company Program

This program is a dynamic, hands-on entrepreneurship experience that brings students, educators, and mentors together to build real businesses from the ground up. Over 16 weeks, student teams create, launch, and operate their own ventures—developing practical skills in leadership, teamwork, marketing, finance, and problem-solving. Students also have the opportunity to take on executive roles in an area of interest within the student company.

Offered at no cost to students, the program is flexible, accessible, and designed to inspire. Whether you’re a student ready to lead, a volunteer eager to give back, or an educator seeking hands-on learning, the Company Program offers a powerful and practical experience for everyone involved.

Look at some recent Company Program ventures

Klick

Klick Co. created a bike signaling device that worked to improve road safety in addition to hand signals.

Recycled Sounds

Recycled Sounds created speakers & smartphone accessories using reclaimed wood & locally sourced materials.

Enchanted Co.

Enchanted Co. created custom keychains and charms made from printable shrink paper.

Dicestination

Dicestination is an interactive digital game featuring souvenir dice and a scavenger hunt experience.

Hulle

Hulle created repurposed leather coffee sleeves with handcrafted designs.

Why Join the Company Program?

STUDENTS

Ever dreamed of starting your own business?

The Company Program gives you the tools, team, and real-world experience to make it happen.

In this 16-week program, you will:

  • Launch your own student-led business from scratch
  • Build skills in marketing, sales, finance, and leadership, with the opportunity to take on an executive role in your area of interest
  • Work with experienced mentors
  • Strengthen your resume and post-secondary applications
  • Meet other motivated students and have fun along the way

  • Open to Grade 9–12 students in BC with interests in any field, and able to commit to a 16-week after school program.

  • Commitment: Weekly 2-hour sessions for 16 weeks, during evenings or after school (from Fall to Spring). The schedule follows the school calendar, with no sessions during breaks or holidays.
  • Format: In-person (with potential for virtual or hybrid programs)
  • Team size: 6 to 10 students launch a business and take on executive roles
  • Program features: Competitions, pitch events, scholarships, and awards
  • Leadership: Led by trained mentors from the local business community and JA staff

1. Do I need to have a business idea before joining?
No. You’ll brainstorm and choose a business idea as a team during the early sessions.
2. What’s the time commitment each week?
About 2 hours per week, plus up to 30 minutes for prep, over 16 weeks. Some teams may meet outside of those hours closer to sales or events.
3. Can I participate if I’ve never taken a business course?
Absolutely. No experience is required. The program is designed to benefit students interested in all fields.
4. Will I work alone or with others?
You’ll work in a team of approximately 6 to 10 students. The exact team size will be determined based on the size of your program.
5. What will I learn?
You’ll gain real-world skills in marketing, sales, finance, leadership, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
6. Do we actually sell products or services?
Yes! Your team will create, launch, and sell a real product or service, with guidance from your mentors.
7. Is there a cost to participate?
No, the JA Company Program is offered at no cost to students.
8. Are there any awards or competitions?
Yes, there are local and national pitch competitions, scholarships, and recognition opportunities for top-performing teams and individuals.

VOLUNTEERS

Want to give back and inspire future leaders?

As a Company Program mentor, you will guide students as they launch and run a real business, using your experience to shape their journey.

As a mentor, you will:

  • Support a team of students through a 16-week business journey
  • Help them build skills in marketing, finance, operations, and leadership
  • Encourage confidence, resilience, and collaboration
  • Build meaningful connections with other professionals
  • Make a lasting impact with a commitment of ~2 hours/week

  • Professionals, entrepreneurs, retirees, or passionate individuals willing to mentor and support youth development. No teaching background required.

  • Commitment: Weekly 2-hour sessions + 30 minutes of prep for 16 weeks, during evenings or after school (Fall to Spring). The first 6-7 weeks are mentor facilitated with the balance of the program being totally student led/operated. The schedule follows the school calendar, with no sessions during breaks or holidays.
  • Format: In-person (with potential for virtual or hybrid programs)
  • Team Size: for flexibility the ideal teams consist of 3 mentors; supported by JA staff and curriculum
  • Training: Orientation provided by JA (online, live)
  • Impact: Directly support students in launching and operating their own company
  • Recognition: JA provides reference letters, volunteer recognition, and networking opportunities

1. Who can be a JA mentor?
Anyone with a passion for youth development: professionals, entrepreneurs, or retirees. No teaching experience needed, just a passion for empowering youth.
2. What’s the weekly time commitment?
About 2.5 hours per week (2-hour sessions + up to 30 minutes for prep), over 16 weeks. Working within a mentor team provides flexibility.
3. Is this an ongoing commitment?
Yes, your commitment is for one 16-week program. That said, if you have occasional scheduling conflicts, you can coordinate with your co-mentor to support each other and ensure continuity for the students.
4. Will I be mentoring alone?
You’ll be part of a mentor team and be supported by JA staff and curriculum.
5. Will I be provided with the curriculum?
All materials have been prepared, including the PowerPoint presentations, a facilitator’s guide with speaker notes, and activities for the students to engage with. No additional research or material creation will be required.
6. What training do I receive?
JA will provide an orientation and walk you through the program format and delivery. Ongoing support is available throughout the 16 weeks, including 1:1 check-ins if needed. There are also opportunities to network with other mentors.
7. What are the benefits of mentoring?
As a mentor, you’ll support students in building and running a real business, helping them develop practical skills and confidence. You’ll also strengthen your own leadership and communication abilities, expand your own professional network by connecting with fellow mentors, educators, and community leaders, and gain new perspective by working closely with the students. JA provides letters of reference and volunteer recognition.
8. Can my company host a JA Company Program?
Absolutely! Companies can host a JA Company Program on-site or virtually. It’s a meaningful way to engage your team, support youth, and give back to the community. JA also recognizes corporate partners for their contributions, providing opportunities for public acknowledgment and community impact stories. Reach out to JA staff to explore hosting options.

EDUCATORS

Looking to bring experiential learning into your classroom?

Add the Company Program to your curriculum, a 10-16-week hands-on entrepreneurship experience where students plan and have the opportunity to launch and run their own business.

As an educator, you’ll receive:

  • A ready-to-implement curriculum aligned with BC learning goals
  • Flexible delivery options (in-person, virtual, or hybrid)
  • Support from JA staff and guest speakers
  • An engaging way to build students’ leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
  • The ability to give your students access to awards and scholarships exclusive to JABC

  • Teachers and school staff ready to deliver experiential entrepreneurship with full JA support. No business background needed.

  • Duration: School-based programs typically run for 10–16 weeks. The first 5–6 weeks focus on core instruction, while the remaining weeks are dedicated to hands-on application, such as launching a student-led company or exploring alternate learning outcomes through guided activities and supplemental materials.  
  • Format: In-class with potential for virtual (Guest Speakers)
  • Structure: Student teams create and launch a business, with the opportunity to participate in competitions, pitch events, and scholarships and awards
  • Support: Supported by JA staff and curriculum

1. Who is the JA Company Program for?
The program is designed for Grade 9–12 students from any background. No prior business experience is needed. Whether you teach Entrepreneurship, Business, Marketing, Career Life Connections, or even ADST or Woodworking, the JA Company Program can be integrated into your class in a meaningful and engaging way. It is also common to integrate it into your school’s business club. Have an idea? We’d love to explore it with you.
2. Do I need a business or entrepreneurship background to deliver this?
No. JA provides a complete, easy-to-follow curriculum with lesson plans, presentations, and student activities. All materials are prepared for you.
3. Can this program be run as part of a business club?
Yes! Many schools have successfully integrated the JA Company Program into their business clubs. It’s a great way to provide structure, real-world experience, and meaningful outcomes for students interested in entrepreneurship. Business Clubs require a teacher sponsor and a minimum of 6 students to operate.
4. What support will I receive from JA?
You’ll receive full curriculum materials, training, and ongoing support from JA staff. We’re available throughout the program to assist with planning, delivery, and troubleshooting.
5. How many students can participate?
Each team typically includes 6–10 students. Multiple teams can run within the same class or school, depending on interest and capacity.
6. What outcomes can I expect for students?
Students develop real-world skills in leadership, communication, marketing, finance, teamwork, and problem-solving, all while building and running a real business.
7. Is there a cost to participate?
No, the JA Company Program is offered at no cost to schools or students.
8. What makes the JA Company Program unique compared to other entrepreneurship programs?
Unlike other programs, students actually create and run a real business: from idea to final sale. It’s fully student-led, hands-on, and focused on real-world skills like leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving. Plus, it’s free and includes access to pitch competitions, scholarships, and national recognition.

  • Only open to students in Barriere, BC
  • ⏰ Weekly meetings: Once per week. Date/time TBD.
  •  Location: 4811 Barriere Town Rd, Barrière, BC V0E 1E1 (Hosted at Barriere Secondary School)
  • Register here

  • ⏰ Weekly meetings: Every Wednesday, 4:30-6:30PM PT
  • Start Date and End Date: January 14, 2026 – April 29, 2026
  •  Location: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park Boardroom (3735 Capilano Rd, North Vancouver, BC V7R)
  • Register here

Please contact Craig if you have any questions.

Check out this video of Student Company MomentoVan., the recipient of JA British Columbia’s 2024 Celebrate Entrepreneurship Award

Need more inspiration? Check out these previous JA Student Companies that applied for Awards and Scholarships

Apiary Logo

–SEPARATOR–

–SEPARATOR–

Klick Logo

–SEPARATOR–

Sign Up for the Alumni Newsletter!

Delivery of JA Company Program in BC is generously supported by:

Provincial Partners