Company Program - YEC 2027
Every community faces challenges – environmental issues, social gaps, and unmet needs – but turning those problems into solutions is possible through innovation, bold ideas, and teamwork.
Company Program (CP) gives high school and university students the tools to tackle these challenges head-on. Over seven months (December 2026–June 2027), you’ll work with a team, build a prototype, develop your business model, and prepare your pitch with guidance from business mentors.
The program combines hands-on workshops, teamwork, leadership, and entrepreneurship skills, leading up to National Youth Entrepreneurship Celebration (YEC 2027), where teams compete for the title of Best Company. The winning teams from the High-school and University Tracks will then have the chance to represent Lebanon at the regional competition.
Company Program is part of JA Worldwide’s global entrepreneurship education network, delivered by Junior Achievement (JA) and its member chapters in countries around the world.
It is organized in Lebanon under the umbrella of the "EmpowerME" initiative launched by INJAZ Al-Arab across the MENA region and funded by Alshaya Group.
Two Tracks
Each track is designed to progressively build entrepreneurial skills, with hands-on mentorship and resources.
High School Track
Duration: 7 months -December 2026 to June 2027
Who? High School Students (Aged 14-18)
Team Size: 3+ students per team
Sessions: 12 sessions focusing on core entrepreneurship skills
Focus: Foundations of business development, entrepreneurship, teamwork, leadership, sales, marketing, and more
Outcome: A prototype ready to exhibit and pitch at the national YEC 2027
Prize Opportunity: Potential participation in the regional competition YEC 2027 by INJAZ Al-Arab
University Track
Duration: 7 months - Dcember 2026 to June 2027
Who? University Students (Aged 18+)
Team Size: 3+ students per tea
Sessions: 12 sessions with a deeper focus on sustainable business concepts
Focus: Advanced knowledge in business development, leadership, project management, sales, marketing, and sustainable business concepts
Outcome: Have a market-ready sustainable business model to present and pitch at the national YEC 2027
Prize Opportunity: Potential participation in the regional competition YEC 2027 by INJAZ Al-Arab
Themes
This year, teams will develop their business ideas around one of the following themes:
Innovation & Technology (SDG 9)
Digital Media & Creation (SDG 12)
Circular Economy & Sustainability (SDG 11)
Artificial Intelligence (SDG 9)
Renewable Energy (SDG 7)
FinTech (SDG 12)
Youth Entrepreneurship Celebration - YEC 2027
Company Program culminates with the Youth Entrepreneurship Celebration (YEC) in Beirut, during which the final teams pitch their businesses in front of a panel of judges, and compete for the Best Company award.
Winners of the Best Company award – for the High-school and University Track – might have a chance to compete against winners from other MENA countries at the regional YEC 2027 organized by INJAZ Al-Arab for its 21st edition - if all requirements are met.*
*Please note that winning the national YEC does not guarantee the team’s participation and travelling to the regional celebration. There are specific conditions that should be met at the time of the competition, including a minimum score and a commitment throughout the program (among others), that will be make you eligible to participate.