JA COMPANY PROGRAM
Youth gain real‑world entrepreneurial skills by co‑creating and operating a small business from idea to launch.
Program Details
This program empowers youth to transform their ideas into real ventures. Through hands‑on learning, they explore every aspect of entrepreneurship—from brainstorming and prototyping to branding, sales, and budgeting—by creating and operating a functioning small business.
“Junior Achievement has been much more than just starting a company. It’s taught us teamwork, communication, leadership, and how to think like entrepreneurs. We’ve learned that building a business takes creativity, persistence, and a willingness to keep learning.”
Mason – A Two-Time Company Program Student
About JA Company Program
- Program length: 3-4 Months for In-School Company Program, 16-weeks for After-School Company Program
- Program format: In-school (location varies) or after-school in Charlottetown, Montague, and Summerside
- Supports curriculum: Business, math, social studies
- Provided resources: Interactive digital resources and tools
What will youth do and learn?
- 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
JA Experiential Learning Enhancements
Kick Off
A high-level overview of the program, an introduction to JA PEI and the student company experience, and a discussion of company roles and the importance of collaboration. Students will take part in product brainstorming, where they can share ideas, receive feedback, and ask questions one-on-one with the Company Program Manager. The session will also preview key program opportunities such as selling events, Pitch Competition, and Company Program awards.
Selling Events
Selling events are hosted each semester and provide students with opportunities to participate in real business settings, such as craft fairs and the Business Hall of Fame Gala. JA PEI will ensure these opportunities are accessible across regions. Pre-event booth and business etiquette presentations will help students feel prepared to represent their companies professionally. Students gain valuable real-world experience, receive product feedback from the public, and develop skills in communication, sales, customer service, teamwork, confidence, and problem-solving.
Pitch Competition
The Pitch Competition, in partnership with UPEI’s Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship, is held twice a year and brings together ENT521 classes from across PEI. Students receive preparation support from JA PEI, including a rubric, a four-week guide, and a slide deck template, UPEI CCCE delivers a pre-event classroom presentation. JA PEI also supports practice pitches, covers event costs (except substitutes), and works with teachers to fit class schedules. The experience helps students build confidence and presentation skills, connect with industry leaders, and experience a campus space that supports entrepreneurship.
Connect With JA PEI
Program availability varies by location. Please reach out to your local JA PEI office to confirm specific program options in your local community and to register to participate in the program (as an educator or volunteer).
Independent Learning
Learn at your own pace with self‑directed programs on JA Campus. Check out even more free online learning experiences designed to strengthen skills in money management, career exploration, and entrepreneurship.