Junior Achievement Cyprus (JA Cyprus), a prominent non-profit organisation that promotes entrepreneurship among young people, has announced the opening of applications for its flagship entrepreneurship programmes for the academic year 2024-2025. Aimed at fostering business acumen, innovation, and leadership skills among students, these initiatives offer invaluable hands-on experience in building and managing a business from the ground up.

The organisation’s two primary programmes—the “Company Programme” and the “StartUp Programme”—are designed to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in the competitive global economy. Both initiatives aim to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical business application, encouraging students to think creatively and act decisively in real-world scenarios. The programmes are open to students from public and private secondary schools, as well as universities across Cyprus.

Fostering Entrepreneurship from a Young Age

The “Company Programme” targets secondary school students, providing them with the opportunity to form a real company and develop their own products or services. This programme has gained international recognition, having been implemented across over 40 countries. Students are mentored by experienced business leaders and educators, who guide them through the complexities of entrepreneurship, from ideation to execution. Participants not only learn how to develop a business plan but also how to pitch their ideas to potential investors, handle financials, and navigate the competitive market.

The “StartUp Programme,” on the other hand, is tailored to university students and young professionals. This initiative allows participants to create their own startups, offering a platform to explore innovative solutions to real-world problems. Through this programme, aspiring entrepreneurs receive mentorship, access to business networks, and an opportunity to pitch their projects to investors at both local and international events.

The programmes culminate in local competitions, where teams present their business ideas to a panel of judges composed of industry professionals. Successful teams have the opportunity to compete at the European level, representing Cyprus in the Junior Achievement Europe Competitions. These events not only provide international exposure but also offer students the chance to expand their business networks, gain feedback from experts, and potentially secure funding for their ventures.