Student Company — Entrepreneurship Education for High School
The leading international entrepreneurship education program — students incorporate a real company, run it throughout the school year, and compete nationally and at European level. Recognized by the European Commission as a Best Practice.
15–19
years old
360K+
students per year in Europe
30K+
companies per year
Best Practice
European Commission
Real business experience
The JA Company Programme, launched in 1919, is JA Europe's flagship program that enables secondary students to form their own real enterprise and discover first-hand how a company functions. Students manage genuine business operations throughout an academic year.
Students raise capital by selling company shares, open and manage actual bank accounts, conduct market research, create business plans, develop and market products, participate in trade fairs, and compete in "company of the year" competitions.
"The European Commission recognized the JA Company Programme as a Best Practice in Entrepreneurship Education. Winners from Montenegro compete at the GEN-E festival in Europe."
Recognized by
European Commission — Best Practice
Level 02 of 03
How it works
Company Formation
Students elect a board of directors, define roles, and register their company. They raise capital by selling shares.
Market Research
Teams research market needs, analyze competition, and develop a business strategy.
Business Plan
Create a comprehensive business plan covering product, marketing, finances, and operations.
Development & Sales
Develop a product or service, run marketing campaigns, participate in trade fairs, and make direct sales.
Financial Management
Manage a bank account, track revenue and expenses, and prepare financial reports for shareholders.
Competitions
Compete in national "company of the year" competitions with a chance to represent Montenegro at GEN-E in Europe.
What students develop
- Creative problem-solving abilities
- Communication and presentation capabilities
- Confidence and entrepreneurial mindset
- Collaborative teamwork and leadership
- Negotiation and analytical decision-making
- Goal-setting and time management
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
Since 1919
The longest-running entrepreneurship education program in the world — over a century of transforming young people into leaders.
Student Company in action
Ready to start your company?
Apply your school or sign up as a student — places are limited.