A Business of Our Own

Introducing Grade 3-6 Students to the Possibilities of Business

Entrepreneurs drive the Canadian economy, strengthen communities and create jobs. However, children are often not encouraged to become entrepreneurs.

In JA’s new A Business of Our Own program, elementary school students put on entrepreneurial hats and run their own retail business.

Students learn how to start a business, produce and promote their products, track their finances and manage a team. In addition to in-class lessons, budding entrepreneurs are able to continue learning at home through JA's online business simulation.

Self-Directed ABOO

The Self-Directed version of A Business of Our Own can be used in two ways:

  1. If you are a student and wish to complete this program on your own, then this option is for you. It allows you to self-enroll and work your way through the course at your own pace. Once you’ve completed the program, you will be able to download a digital Certificate of Accomplishment.

    No code is needed to participate in the program independently.

  2. If you are a teacher and wish to assign a JA program for your students to complete independently, then this delivery method is for you. If you request an enrolment code from your local JA office, you can monitor your students’ progress through the program; if you do not wish to monitor your students' progress, no code is required. Once they’ve completed the program, students will be able to download a digital Certificate of Accomplishment.

    An enrollment code is required if you wish to track your students’ progress, and can be obtained by contacting your local JA office.

Please note: a small number of users may experience a tracking issue whereby program progress isn't accurately captured. If this happens to you please contact Andre Gallant (agallant@jacanada.org) for assistance resolving the issue.

Virtual ABOO

The Virtual version of the program is optimized for virtual deliveries through a web platform such as Microsoft Teams. This type of delivery can be done by either a teacher or a volunteer. The instructions for the program are found alongside the activities, and those activities have been structured such that they can be delivered to a group. There are no printed portfolios or activities required; if desired, a digital copy of the Student Portfolio can be downloaded within and shared with the class via email.

An enrollment code is required, and can be obtained by contacting your local JA office.

Classroom ABOO

The Classroom version of the program includes a printed Facilitators’ Guide, printed Student Portfolios, board and/or card games, etc… This type of delivery can be done by either a teacher or a volunteer. The digital content found here is intended to complement the printed materials, and includes resources such as videos, presentations, graphics, etc… Your local JA office will coordinate the delivery of a Program Kit beforehand in order to facilitate this mode of delivery.

An enrollment code is required, and can be obtained by contacting your local JA office.