June 30, 2025 – Student company S.E.E.D. (Supporting Entrepreneurship and Empowering Differences) has been named the recipient of JA British Columbia’s 2025 Celebrate Entrepreneurship Award. This $3,000 award, sponsored by the B.C. Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, recognizes the JA student company that best demonstrates innovation.
Formed by a team of seven high school students from Vancouver and guided by volunteer mentors from KPMG, S.E.E.D. creates culturally inspired shirts that reflect the heritage and immigration stories of its team members. Each shirt design features a national flower representing a team member’s country of origin, encouraging others to take pride in their cultural background and share their own stories.
“I want to congratulate the students of S.E.E.D. for their innovative approach to business and their forward-thinking solutions. Young entrepreneurs like those on this team are essential to the future of B.C.’s small business growth and prosperity,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation.
“This year marks a decade of our Ministry’s support for the JABC Student Company Awards Program, which has helped youth to build their business skills for successful careers, create innovative solutions that address real-world challenges, and make a positive impact on our communities.”
All profits from S.E.E.D.’s sales were donated to Trees Canada, supporting environmental initiatives that promote sustainability and positive community impact.
S.E.E.D. was part of the 16-week JA Company Program, which empowers high school students to launch their own start-up. Guided by business mentors, students learn about product development, design thinking, business operations, e-commerce, and more. All student ventures are encouraged to align with one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.