Phase 1 – Inspire (Weeks 1 & 2)

Participants learn that JA Company Program is a life-changing, hands-on experience that aims to inspire them to create an exciting entrepreneurial venture through collaboration.

Objectives:

• Get to know each other, including strengths and motivations
• Establish expectations and excite students about the program learning opportunity
• Collaboratively develop group working norms
• Consider a variety of possible products, services, and business models
• Learn about the roles available within the Company and identify leadership styles

1.1.01 Team Builders and Ice Breakers

1.1.02 Company Code of Ethics: Intro

1.1.03 Critical Brainstorming and Pitch Activity

1.1.04 Product or Service Research Assignment Intro

1.1.05 Product or Service Research Worksheet

1.1.06 What’s Your Leadership Style – optional

1.1.01 What is Norming?

1.2.01.5 Whose Norms are These?

1.2.02 Team Norms Activity

1.2.03 Building Your Team Norms Discussion

1.2.03.5 What would you do? Ethical Dilemmas and the JA Company Program

1.2.041 Product Inspiration Slides

1.2.05 Corporate Social Responsibility

1.2.06 Executive Team Role Descriptions

1.2.07 Executive Team Selection Process

1.2.08 Professional Social Media Profile Checklist

1.2.09 Pitch Evaluation Criteria

1.2.10 Prototyping

1.2.11 SMART Goals

Phase 2 – Unite (Weeks 3 & 4)

Participants unite ideas and people to form the leadership framework, innovative market solutions and a business model to achieve the co-created mission.

Objectives:

• Understand the criteria for selecting the nature of the business venture, potential mechanisms for funding business ideas and product pitching
• Establish the details of the student company using the business model canvas and clearly define the proposed value proposition
• Revisit the concept of leadership and define roles
• Finalize the mission and establish the organizational structure
• Establish the department functions and individual responsibilities to the team

2.1.01 Snake Oil Activity (Optional)

2.1.02 Pitch Evaluation Criteria

2.1.041 Business Model Canvas

2.1.05 Build-Measure-Learn

2.1.07 Capitalization Requirements

2.2.01 Interview Process Questions for Candidates

2.2.03 Org Chart with all Department Roles

2.2.04 Organizational Structure Template

2.2.05 Employee Handbook

2.2.06 Code of Ethics Employee Agreement

Phase 3 – Build (Week 5)

Building a new business requires a strong foundation based on planning, strategy and communication.

Objectives:

• Create an accountability framework and department work plans
• Develop and establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and department work plans
• Quantify start-up capital needs, resources, and break-even point
• Create the Lean Business Plan (if applicable)

3.01.02 KPI Worksheet (Optional)

3.01.03 After-School Department Responsibilities

3.01.04 Work Plan Template

3.01.05 Resources Available by Department

3.01.06 Lean Business Plan Template

3.01.07 Formal Business Plan Template – Optional (Only required for Americas CoY)

3.01.08.01 JASWO Product and Service Guidelines

3.01.08 Product or Service Approval Checklist

3.01.09 Mission Statement Template

Department Resources

Phase 4 – Launch (Weeks 6 – 15)

Successful entrepreneurial ventures are results of efficient production, compelling sales and accurate metrics.

Objectives:

• Implement the strategy defined by the Business Model Canvas and/or Lean Business Plan and apply department work plans
• Continue production and marketing of product or service
• Conduct sales
• Maintain accurate records

4.1.03 Sample Meeting Agenda – Interim Status Meeting

4.1.04 Change Management Intro (Video)

4.1.05 Change Management Activities

4.1.06 Your Company Journey

Phase 5 – Achieve (Weeks 16-18)

Personal potential is realized when individuals take risks, engage in new experiences and collaborate with others, and celebrate the success achieved together.

Objectives:

• Understand the steps to close a business
• Share learning outcomes and successes in a variety of formats
• Conduct a final status meeting
• Reflect, appraise, and submit feedback to improve program experience

5.1.01 Final Report and Presentation Outline

5.1.02 Liquidating and Concluding Guidelines

5.1.03 Company Liquidation Overview

5.1.04 Building Financial Statements

5.1.05 JA Audit (Optional)

5.1.06 Sample Meeting Agenda – Final Status Meeting

Local Policies and Procedures

F25 Company Operations Policies

F25 Student Participant Responsibilities

F25 Product and Service Guidelines

F25 Managing Company Finances and Banking

Management Training Slides and Recordings

Slides and Recordings from the Management Training event on Dec. 2nd, 2023.

Record Keeping Video Walkthroughs

Introduction

President

Human Resources

Finance

Production

Sales

Volunteer Mentor Orientation and Training Resources

New Mentor Orientation Slides – Fall 2024

Mentor Training Session – Recording – Fall 2023

Company Program Information and Resources