Company Program
JA SOUTHERN ALBERTA’S
WHAT IS THE JA COMPANY PROGRAM?
The Company Program is JA Southern Alberta’s flagship student-led business experience, where groups of students work together to build and run a real company while developing leadership, financial planning, and decision-making skills.
The Company Program may run in-school or as an after-school activity.
Are you a student looking to sign up for the JA Company Program?
WHO IT’S FOR: High school (Grades 9–12)
TIME COMMITMENT: 3 hours per week
DURATION: 20 weeks
FORMAT: Student-led, mentor-supported
AVAILABILITY: After-school, teams meet at multiple locations throughout Calgary
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Company Program is an in-class and after-school student-led experience supported by volunteer mentors from the business community. Students work in teams to launch and operate a real business, gaining practical experience in entrepreneurship, teamwork, and financial literacy.
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Together, groups of students build and operate a company with the guidance of a business mentor.
Identify a business problem and develop a product or service to solve it
Work as a team to grow the business, assigning roles that match talent to task
Learn how to pitch to prospects, investors and potential customers
Maintain financial records and analyze them to spot trends and find opportunity
Develop marketing channels, such as a website and social media platforms, and learn how to use these to market a business
Connect with mentors from the local business community who have a genuine interest in guiding Canada’s future innovators
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Leadership
Financial literacy
Teamwork and communication
Problem solving
Entrepreneurship
Work Readiness
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Access to local businesses and opportunities
Learn the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship
Develop key employability skills
Gain leadership skills
Improve communication skills
Build self-esteem and confidence
Potential to make money
Are you a teacher looking to bring the JA Company Program to your classroom?
WHO IT’S FOR: High school (Grades 9–12)
TIME COMMITMENT: 2-3 hours per week
DURATION: 15-18 weeks
FORMAT: Student-led, mentor-supported
AVAILABILITY: In the classroom
-
Company Program is an in-class and after-school student-led experience supported by volunteer mentors from the business community. Students work in teams to launch and operate a real business, gaining practical experience in entrepreneurship, teamwork, and financial literacy.
-
Together, groups of students build and operate a company with the guidance of a business mentor.
Identify a business problem and develop a product or service to solve it
Work as a team to grow the business, assigning roles that match talent to task
Learn how to pitch to prospects, investors and potential customers
Maintain financial records and analyze them to spot trends and find opportunity
Develop marketing channels, such as a website and social media platforms, and learn how to use these to market a business
Connect with mentors from the local business community who have a genuine interest in guiding Canada’s future innovators
-
Leadership
Financial literacy
Teamwork and communication
Problem solving
Entrepreneurship
Work Readiness
-
Access to local businesses and opportunities
Learn the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship
Develop key employability skills
Gain leadership skills
Improve communication skills
Build self-esteem and confidence
Potential to make money
Are you a volunteer looking to sign up as a mentor for the JA Company Program?
WHO IT’S FOR: Teachers, Business Owners, or Volunteers looking to educate and inspire
TIME COMMITMENT: 1.5 hours mentor training
DURATION: 3 hours/week for 18 weeks + attend Company Program events (optional)
TRAINING: Volunteers participate in a 2-hour training session
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Company Program is an in-class and after-school student-led experience supported by volunteer mentors from the business community. Students work in teams to launch and operate a real business, gaining practical experience in entrepreneurship, teamwork, and financial literacy.
-
Volunteers, teachers, or business owners mentor groups of students as they develop a business idea, build and operate their company, and present outcomes.
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Mentoring allows you to make a larger, more lasting impact on the lives of a team of youths
Volunteer hours with JA can often be applied toward your designation and professional development
Work on your leadership, instructional, and public speaking skills
BECOME A SPONSOR
HELP THE NEXT GENERATION THRIVE
The JA Company Program is made possible through the support of local businesses, mentors, and community partners who provide guidance and resources for students.
Thanks to you, our partners, and local businesses across southern Alberta who’ve donated time, space, and people to help teach young entrepreneurs about business through real hands-on learning.
Get Started!
The JA Company Program is delivered across all regions served by JA Southern Alberta through partnerships with schools, businesses, and community organizations.
Company Program strengthened my communication skills and self-confidence by pushing me to speak clearly when resolving conflict, listening actively, and leading discussions.
— 2025/2026 Company Program student
“Company Program taught me not only how to run a company, but it also taught me how to think critically, how to be a responsible leader, and how to be a team member, which will be with me even after I complete the program.”
— 2025/2026 Company Program student
