Our Impact
Inspiring and empowering young people
JA’s Company Program Trade Show: Inspiring a New Generation of Entrepreneurs
On March 16, 2023, JA Central Ontario hosted our annual Company Program Trade Show. This unique event, presented by Kinross Gold Corporations, was free to attend, open to all, and was held at First Canadian Place in Toronto. This one-day-only event brought together more than 100 JA Company Program student entrepreneurs to showcase the unique products, services and businesses they have built over the school year and was a fantastic opportunity for students to practice their sales pitch, build their confidence and gain the skills to be empowered leaders of the future.
At the end of the day, our student-run companies made a total of $5,875 in sales and sold 543 products, where they presented their businesses to the public for the first time.
“It was an amazing event to engage in, and it made us learn the basics of sales and how to sell and pitch - not only our products but ourselves!” - JA Company Program student.
Another student shared that their favourite part of Company Program Trade Show was “meeting other people, networking, making connections. Overall being able to experience the true, real, sales and business experience”.
Our inspiring youth entrepreneurs spent the last 15 weeks working with like-minded peers and volunteer business mentors to build something incredible - their very own company! Students learned how to develop, run and market a business through this unique event and program. And in the process, they’ve gained valuable skills and experiences that will help shape their future.
What is JA Central Ontario’s Company Program?
JA Company Program is an after-school entrepreneurial experience that empowers high school students to start and run their very own business. With the help of a student group and volunteer mentors, students create, manage, and liquidate a business in 18 weeks. Through Company Program, students not only learn how to run a business - they also meet new friends, connect with mentors, network with professionals, and gain the skills and experience to shape their futures.
Interested in getting involved next year? Find out more information and sign up for notifications here.
About JA Central Ontario
JA Central Ontario envisions a world in which young people have the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities. They want to make sure all young people are economically empowered with the skills, confidence and networks to shape the future.
As a youth-centred charity, JA Central Ontario works together with a dedicated network of volunteers, partners and educators to deliver immersive learning in work readiness, financial health, entrepreneurship and more. JA students benefit from mentorship and real-world experiences, transforming their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and aspirations as they build their futures.
JA Central Ontario impacts students in Halton, Peel, Toronto, York, Durham and Simcoe regions. They are part of one of the world’s most-impactful youth-serving social good organizations – JA Worldwide – and they work closely with our national network, JA Canada
