Youth Gain Hands-On Entrepreneurial Experience
Columbia Basin Trust and JA British Columbia (JABC) are offering Basin youth opportunities to take part in after-school programming that provides hands-on business-development experience. “These programs enable youth to explore […]
Columbia Basin Trust and JA British Columbia (JABC) are offering Basin youth opportunities to take part in after-school programming that provides hands-on business-development experience.
“These programs enable youth to explore entrepreneurship and the business world and consider if they might wish to pursue it as a career path,” said Angie Elsmore, Manager, Special Initiatives, Columbia Basin Trust. “They get to challenge themselves, have fun, develop leadership skills, work as a team and build self-esteem, helping prepare them to contribute to their communities.”
The initiative targets youth aged 14 to 18 and is delivered in collaboration with local community youth networks through the Basin Youth Network. Two programs are offered: one has participants develop a business idea and pitch it to judges; the other has youth build and operate a real small business as a team, providing a service or product needed in the community.
“At JA British Columbia, we believe in helping young people develop the skillset and mindset to build thriving communities,” said Glenn Dodge, Vice President, Programs, JABC. “As demonstrated by our recent successful summer camp held in Trail, these programs are not only inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs but also encouraging young people to consider how they can contribute to their communities in the future.”
To launch the new programming, a free, five-day summer entrepreneurship and innovation camp was held in August 2026, co-hosted by the Trail Youth Action Network. Youth worked with mentors to build business ideas, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and pitch their ideas for prizes.
“With the objective of creating a business within a small timeframe with new peers, the JABC Summer Entrepreneurship experience strengthened skills such as leadership,” said participant Malina Zmavc. “The experience further strengthened my communication skills through presentations and discussion periods. I am very grateful that Columbia Basin Trust partnered with JA British Columbia to bring this program to the Kootenays.”
The Trust also supports programming and activities for youth through the Basin Youth Network, which supports 27 community youth networks throughout the region.
To learn more, visit ourtrust.org/BYN. To learn more about JABC, visit jabc.org.
Banner photo: Keri Knapp
