CIBC Student Company of the Year Award - $3,000
This award recognizes a JA Student Company that demonstrates excellence in creativity and innovation, financial performance, business viability, and overall planning and operations.
The selected team will receive $3,000 and may be nominated by JA British Columbia to advance to the JA Canada Company of the Year Championship, hosted nationally by JA Canada. The national champion may go on to represent JA Canada at the JA Americas Company of the Year Competition, subject to eligibility and selection.
Celebrate Entrepreneurship Provincial Innovation Award - $3,000
This award recognizes a JA Student Company that demonstrates the highest level of innovation in its business idea or execution. Innovation may include creating a new or improved product or service, using novel or unconventional distribution methods, applying cutting-edge marketing tools or media, or operating under an business model that is emerging or rarely seen in today’s marketplace. This award does not require a separate application.
The selected team will receive $3,000. This is a provincial award and does not automatically advance to the national competition.
Eligibility
These awards are open to all JA British Columbia Student Companies participating in the JA Company Program during the 2025–26 school year.
Application Requirements
Applicant teams must submit the following by the stated deadline:
- Online application (see below)
- Final report (Shareholder or Company Report)
- Financial report (template linked)
- Business Model Canvas or business plan (template linked)
- Links to learn more about the company (e.g., pitch video, website, or social media) – optional
Judging Process
Applications will be reviewed by JA British Columbia. Five (5) shortlisted teams will be invited to present their company in a five-minute presentation, followed by a brief Q&A, to a panel of local business leaders during the week of May 18. Final award recipients will be selected following these presentations.
Deadline & Award Presentation
Application deadline: May 1
Judging will conclude in May.
The Student Company of the Year Award will be formally announced and presented at the Youth Leadership Conference Banquet on the evening of May 23, and the award winner must be willing and able to attend the banquet and awards ceremony.