Entrepreneurship Education
for Youth in Montenegro

JA (Junior Achievement) Montenegro is the official member of JA Worldwide — the largest global organization dedicated to youth entrepreneurship education. We operate in Montenegro as part of a network spanning over 100 countries. Our mission is to inspire and prepare young people for the future by developing entrepreneurial thinking, financial literacy, leadership, and work-readiness skills through practical, hands-on programs delivered in partnership with schools, businesses, and institutions.

We offer four programs designed for different age groups and goals. Mini Company is for students aged 13–16 who want their first taste of running a business. Student Company is for ages 16–20 and takes entrepreneurship further — participants create real products, manage finances, and compete at national and European level. The Startup Program targets young innovators aged 18+ who want to turn an idea into a viable venture. We also run Girls Go Circular, an EU-backed program that builds digital skills and circular economy knowledge, with a focus on empowering young women in STEM.

Our programs are open to primary school students, secondary school students, and university students across Montenegro. Each program is tailored to a specific age group, so there is an option for almost every young person. Schools can also enroll entire classes. No prior business experience is needed — just curiosity and willingness to learn. Teachers and mentors are welcome to get involved as well.

No — every JA Montenegro program is completely free for participants. All costs are covered through funding from the European Union, our corporate partners, and institutional supporters. Students never pay a fee to join, receive materials, or compete in JA events. We believe that financial barriers should never stand between a young person and a quality education opportunity.

Applying is straightforward. Visit the Opportunities page on our website and fill out the online application form. You can apply as an individual student or as a school representative enrolling a group. Once submitted, our team reviews applications and responds within 48 hours. We also announce open calls for each program cycle on our social media channels, so follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn to stay informed.

Participants develop a wide range of practical skills that are highly valued by employers and universities. These include teamwork and communication, project management, financial planning and budgeting, marketing and sales, public speaking and pitching, critical thinking, and digital literacy. Beyond hard skills, our programs build confidence, resilience, and an entrepreneurial mindset — qualities that benefit you no matter what career path you choose.

Yes. Every participant who successfully completes a JA Montenegro program receives an official certificate recognized across the JA Worldwide network. Top-performing teams may also earn additional recognition through national and European competitions, including the JA Europe Company of the Year and the JA Europe Enterprise Challenge. These credentials are valued by universities and employers throughout Europe and beyond.

JA Worldwide is the world's largest and most impactful youth-serving NGO dedicated to entrepreneurship education. Founded in 1919 in the United States, it now operates in over 100 countries across six continents and reaches more than 12 million young people every year. JA programs have been recognized by the European Commission as a best practice in entrepreneurship education, and JA Worldwide has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 for its work in economic empowerment and peace-building through education.