JA Ottawa’s JA Company Program was a huge success this past 2023-2024 school year. Over 300 students from 19 schools came together to create 20 companies from the ground up with the support of teachers, volunteers, and program coordinators.  

What is JA Company? 

Over a 15-week period, JA Company Program teaches high school students how to organize and operate a real business. Volunteers from the local business community work with students to launch and run a small enterprise. This gives students the real-world skills and experience that they need to fulfill their potential.  

In keeping with this past year’s theme of the environment, students made wonderfully creative and ecological products. From GerminATE’s grow-your-own meal kits to ReRun Revival’s upcycled customizable clothing, to Puri-Vie’s reusable tissues, there was no shortage of innovation. 

2024 JA Company Celebration 

On June 12, 2024, at Sala San Marco Event Centre we gathered to uplift our hard-working students and celebrate their successes and achievements during the Company Program. Numerous community leaders and business professionals joined us as we highlighted youth entrepreneurship. Deputy Mayor David Hill provided some inspiring opening remarks, followed by a motivational keynote address from local entrepreneur Lily Bond, founder of Spyce Girlz.

The esteemed Company of the Year award went to Glebe Collegiate Institute’s in-school company, Wrapped Up. President Maddie Boniface proudly represented her team, with the support of their teacher Mr. Vaughn. For the after-school program, Cozy Tea was presented with the Company of the Year award, led by President Eliana Liu at John McCrae Secondary School. 

We express our sincere gratitude to our 35 mentors and teachers who made the 2023-2024 school year so special for JA Company. All of us at JA Ottawa, delivered by ONFE can’t wait to see what the new school year will bring! Congratulations to all the companies!  

Get Involved with JA Ottawa 

JA Ottawa fosters entrepreneurship and sparks innovation for our next generation of changemakers. If you would like to contribute to our mission, consider making a donation. To discuss sponsorship opportunities, partnerships, and hosting an event in support of JA Ottawa, please contact mmiller@onfe-rope.ca. We are always looking for volunteers to support our entrepreneurial youth! If you would like to get involved with JA Company or any of JA Ottawa’s programs, please fill out our volunteer interest form here, or get in touch with kprice@onfe-rope.ca.  

To learn more about JA Ottawa click here.  

SUCCESS STARTS HERE!