Young entrepreneurs in the Okanagan will have a new opportunity to turn their ideas into real businesses this fall as Okanagan College's (OC) Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship welcomes Junior Achievement British Columbia's (JABC) Company Program to its Kelowna and Vernon campuses.
The JA Company Program is open to high school students in Grades 9 to 12 and will run weekly on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through March 2, 2027. The program launches on Oct. 20 at OC's Vernon campus and Nov. 3 at OC's Kelowna campus.
JABC is a non-profit organization that provides youth with experiential learning opportunities focused on entrepreneurship, financial literacy and work readiness. Through programs supported by educators, volunteers and business mentors, students build practical skills and gain experience that help prepare them for further education, careers and entrepreneurship.
The JA Company Program takes that learning a step further by giving students the opportunity to create and operate a real business. Over the course of the program, participants work in teams to develop a business idea, create a product or service, take on leadership roles and gain hands-on experience in areas including marketing, sales, finance, teamwork and problem-solving.
Hosting the program at Okanagan College provides students with more than entrepreneurial experience. It also offers an introduction to post-secondary education, connections to local business leaders and mentors, and opportunities to explore future educational and career pathways.
"We are excited to bring the JA Company Program to Okanagan College's Kelowna and Vernon campuses," said Craig Lovell, senior manager, Company Program, JA British Columbia. "The program gives young people the chance to move beyond learning about entrepreneurship and actually experience it, developing an idea, working as a team and building a real business. Having the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship as a host provides an inspiring environment for students to develop their confidence, skills and entrepreneurial mindset."
For Okanagan College, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to cultivating the next generation of business leaders and innovators.
"Entrepreneurship is about seeing possibilities and having the confidence and skills to turn ideas into action," said Joe Baker, dean of the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Okanagan College. "By welcoming JA students to our Kelowna and Vernon campuses, we can introduce young people to entrepreneurship in a hands-on way while giving them an early connection to Okanagan College and our business community. We are excited to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and to create more opportunities for young people throughout the region."
The Vernon program is currently full but there are still spots available in the program in Kelowna, which can accommodate up to 30 students. Participation in the JA Company Program is offered at no cost to students.
The initiative supports the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship's growing focus on entrepreneurship education, community partnerships and creating pathways that connect students with practical, real-world learning opportunities.
Program details:
JA Company Program - Vernon Campus
Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
October 20, 2026 - March 2, 2027
Okanagan College, 7000 College Way, Vernon
Capacity: FULL
JA Company Program - Kelowna Campus
Tuesdays, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
November 3, 2026 - March 2, 2027
Okanagan College, 1000 KLO Road, Kelowna
Capacity: 30 students
For more information or to register, visit the JA British Columbia Company Program website at jabc.org/companyprogram. To learn more about the Hall School of Business and Entrepreneurship at Okanagan College, visit okanagancollege.ca/business.
