Empowering Indigenous youth to shape their futures and strengthen their communities
Adapted from our globally recognized JA Company Program, The JA Company Program for Indigenous Learners equips Indigenous youth with essential business skills to organize and operate their own enterprises. This program is:
Free of Charge
Culturally appropriate
Available to all schools and organizations in urban and rural communities
Offering unique networking opportunities
Providing a post-program alumni community
In-School
Grades 10-12 (10-16 weeks)
A hands-on experience that inspires high school students to create and operate business ventures aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They develop teamwork, decision-making, and critical thinking skills valuable for their future.
Curriculum Match: ADST, Career Education
After-School
Ages 16-29 (10-16 weeks)
Enrol in this unique program to launch your entrepreneurial journey and receive seed funding to support your business startup.
Program Dates: November 12, 2024 – February 4, 2025
Program Times: Tuesdays, 6:00-8:00 PM PT or Thursdays 5:00-6:30 PM PT
Location: Online
Capacity: 24 students
(No sessions on these dates: December 24 and 31 due to Winter Break)
For more information, please contact:
Jacqueline Bay, Program Manager, Indigenous Communities at J.Bay@jabc.org
This hands-on experience inspires Indigenous learners to create and operate business ventures aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on how these global goals can be applied to address the unique needs and priorities of their own communities.
Here are some examples:
Empower Indigenous learners through culturally relevant education and entrepreneurship.
Develop curricula that integrate Indigenous knowledge and history to foster business skills.
Broaden learning opportunities by offering in-depth mentorship and real-world, hands-on business experience, empowering participants to gain practical knowledge.
Foster entrepreneurship among Indigenous communities, providing tools for financial independence.
Encourage sustainable economic growth through practical business development training.
Create pathways to meaningful employment by building local businesses and increasing economic opportunities within Indigenous communities.
Encourage innovation in business models tailored to Indigenous traditions and modern entrepreneurial needs.
Support Indigenous-led businesses through mentorship and infrastructure improvements.
Strengthen digital infrastructure in Indigenous communities to promote connectivity and access to markets.
Reduce economic and social disparities for Indigenous communities by providing equitable access to entrepreneurial opportunities.
Empower individuals from underrepresented Indigenous communities to overcome systemic challenges.
Promote inclusivity by ensuring equal access to resources and opportunities for all Indigenous entrepreneurs.