Students Shine at Entrepreneurial Market with Junior Achievement of Northern & Eastern Ontario

Creativity, entrepreneurship, and a lot of handmade charm filled the main foyer at TAS, Thomas A Stewart Secondary School, this week as students showcased their entrepreneurial skills through a studentrun market. Groups of no more than four students each created their own small businesses, offering youth services in a range of products, from mystery candy packs and rice crispers to handcrafted candles, charms, wallets, and hot chocolate. The students not only made these items themselves but also took charge of marketing, sales, and even investor relations.

Standout businesses included:

• Wick-ed and Wixie Candles, offering handmade scented candles with wood wicks.

• Mr Candy Bags & Enigma Sweets, selling creative candy packs.

• Stick It Stickers & Ruby’s Wallets, featuring wallets made from recycled materials.

• Dazzle Danglers, with beaded charms made using durable string and wire.

• Glassaholics, producing lip gloss from natural ingredients, is available for pre-order.

• Bulk Bites, selling freshly made rice crispies

• Marshmallow Magic, a hot chocolate station that brought warmth to the chilly day

Students carefully calculated costs and profits. For instance, wallets and candles were produced at about $7 each, candy packs cost $1 to make and sold for $3, and each business had a set target to meet. Melissa Morris, Business Studies Teacher at Thomas A Stewart Secondary School, acted as a guide and temporary shareholder to ensure everyone participated fully. In the next step, as part of the program, students will present their reflections and financial outcomes in a “shareholders meeting,” honing their presentation skills as well.

“It was a learning curve, but so much fun,” said several students. Their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity were clear, and the experience gave them practical insights into finance, marketing, and teamwork.

The student-run market not only engaged the high school community but also inspired young entrepreneurs to take pride in their creations while learning essential business skills. This is what happens when we invest in youth and give them the chance to learn by doing. It’s the crux of our programs at Junior Achievement of Northern & Eastern Ontario, a not for profit organization, and we are so proud of our team working collectively with the Ontario government to help young Canadians find more than just work when they grow up. #thisisSDF #WorkingFromTheGroundUp