What Greenhouse Academy does

Greenhouse Academy (GHA) is a registered not-for-profit social enterprise operating a youth-run native tree nursery in Thames Centre (Thorndale), Ontario, Canada. Founded in 2017 with approximately 11 employees, the organization cultivates Ontario-native tree species — Spruce, Pine, Oak, Maple, and Cedar — through a two-year seed-to-planting cycle, producing nursery plugs, caliper trees (45mm and 50mm wire basket), and 1–10 gallon potted stock. The core operational model is that participants in GHA programs coordinate every aspect of the nursery business end-to-end, from seed-zone selection and seed procurement through irrigation, transplanting, packaging, marketing, delivery, and planting coordination with conservation authorities.

GHA serves three primary customer segments: (1) school-aged youth and students (via Thames Valley District School Board co-op placements, SHSM programs approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education, and community-service hours); (2) vulnerable populations and job seekers including developmentally disabled adults through a partnership with Woodstock District Development Services; and (3) green-industry employers (Sheridan Nurseries, TLC Landscaping, TRY Recycling, BlueJay Irrigation) that actively recruit GHA graduates. Secondary segments include fundraising organizations (schools, sports teams, charities) buying products at $4/unit with a 50% retained margin, corporate sponsors eligible for CRA tax-receipted donations, and direct retail consumers via an e-commerce storefront selling GreenKits ($29.99), GrowKits ($34.99), TREE TEAM apparel ($25–$49), and specialty items.

Revenue is generated through five streams: tree sponsorship and seedling sales (with 100% of sponsored seedlings donated to community projects); fundraising program sales at $4/unit with 50% partner margin; direct product sales through an own WooCommerce storefront with PayPal and credit-card checkout; CRA-qualified corporate sponsorships; and program fees for the 6-week Employment Training Program and co-op placements. Distribution is exclusively direct — own website, email/phone, and on-site program delivery at the Thames Centre facility, with free local delivery for the London area. Marketing relies on partner referrals, word-of-mouth, and a basic website/blog, with no evidence of paid advertising or active social media investment.

Name

Greenhouse Academy

Legal name

Greenhouse Academy

Website

https://greenhouseacademy.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Greenhouse Academy is a not-for-profit social enterprise operating a youth-run native tree nursery in Thames Centre, Ontario. It serves students, vulnerable job seekers, and green-industry employers through hands-on training programs (SHSM, co-op, certificate) that grow seedlings for community reforestation, funded via sponsorships, fundraising sales, and direct e-commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Horticultural Education and Youth Workforce Training

NAICS

Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products (113210), Nursery and Tree Production (111421)

SIC

Forestry (800), Agricultural Services (700), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Tree Nursery Stock Production (Seedlings, Saplings, Clonal Material) (AFAMACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Nursery Contract Growing & Reforestation Stock Supply (AFAMADAK), Seedling & Sapling Production (Bare-Root) (AFAMADAC)

Keywords

• Youth skills training
• Tree nursery services
• Experiential education programs
• Native tree cultivation
• Horticultural social enterprise

Headquarters

HQ city

Thames Centre (Thorndale)

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Tree Sponsorship & Seedling Sales: Corporate sponsors and individuals purchase tree seedlings ($4 per tree for fundraising, $1 per tree for schoolyard planting). Growing cycle up to two years. 100% of seedlings from sponsorship programs are donated to community beautification, conservation and naturalization projects. Revenue subsidizes GHA educational and social training programs.
2. Fundraising Program Sales: Organizations (schools, sports teams, charities) sell GHA products (poinsettias, trees, growing kits) to raise funds. Products are sold at $4 per item with 50% profit margin retained by the fundraising organization. All funds stay local and support wrap-around services for clients. Fully contactless, low administration process via online platform.
3. Direct Product Sales (Shop): Direct-to-consumer and organizational sales of nursery stock (greenhouse plugs, caliper trees, potted stock), educational GreenKits ($29.99), GrowKits ($34.99), merchandise (hoodies $49, T-shirts $25), and specialty items (Earth Day planters, phone cases $39). Sold through own e-commerce storefront with PayPal and credit card checkout. Free local delivery for London area.
4. Corporate Sponsorships & CRA Tax-Receipted Donations: GHA accommodates CRA-qualified corporate sponsorships with tax receipts. Sponsors provide financial support that keeps the Academy viable. In-kind support from local businesses provides tools, training resources, and expertise that modernize the greenhouse. Every tree sponsor of 5,000+ trees is permanently displayed on the 'Future Builder' recognition wall.
5. Program Fees (Co-op Placements, Certificate Programs): GHA delivers certificate programs (6-week Employment Training Program), Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) programs approved by Ontario Ministry of Education, co-op placements, and community service hours. As a not-for-profit social enterprise, program fees reinvest into training delivery.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Greenhouse Academy operates a native Ontario tree nursery in Thames Centre, Ontario, where youth participants cultivate native tree species (Spruce, Pine, Oak, Maple, Cedar) from seed to planting stage as part of hands-on skills development programs. The organization delivers experiential education services including the Tree Team Green Legacy Program, Certificate Programs (6-week Employment Training), Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) approved by the Ontario Ministry of Education, and the Passport Membership Program. Revenue is supported by sales of nursery stock, educational kits (GreenKit, GrowKit), merchandise, CRA-qualified corporate sponsorships, and fundraising products at $4/unit with 50% profit margin retained by partner organizations.

Product overview

Greenhouse Academy is a not-for-profit social enterprise operating as a tree nursery where every tree is planned, grown, and managed by youth in GHA programs. The organization offers a portfolio of experiential education programs (Tree Team Green Legacy Program, Certificate Programs, Passport Membership Program, SHSM, and All in a Day's Workshops) alongside nursery products and fundraising offerings. Products include greenhouse plugs, caliper trees, potted stock, various GreenKit and GrowKit educational kits, TREE TEAM branded apparel, native tree and pollinator boxes, seasonal poinsettias, and the Tree Team Sponsorship program at $4/tree. The programs are subsidized through sales of seedlings, trees, and educational kits, with 100% of sponsored seedlings donated to community beautification, conservation, and naturalization projects.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tree Team Green Legacy Program: Hands-on, practical skills development program that empowers participants to nurture a community legacy and equips participants with future-ready skills.
• Passport Membership Program
• GreenKit
• GrowKit

Products and services

• Tree Team Green Legacy Program Hands-on practical skills development program that empowers participants to nurture a community legacy and equips participants with future-ready skills through tree planting activities.
• Certificate Programs (6-Week Employment Training) 6-week Employment Training Program that earns Certificates of Achievement weekly while meeting and working with prospective employers from the green industry. Delivered on-site at the GHA greenhouse facility.
• Passport Membership Program Program offering people of all ages and abilities opportunities to collect qualifications and transferable skills for personal development and employment goals.
• Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) Ontario Ministry of Education approved program allowing students to gain credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma while focusing on Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture and Landscaping, and 16 other sectors.
• All in a Day's Workshops Experiential learning sessions where participants engage in employer-led activities, mentorship from local business people and community leaders, and conversations with potential employers.
• Group Workshop Skills development workshop for classes or community groups, contact for availability and pricing.
• Greenhouse Plugs Container-grown coniferous and deciduous seedlings available for purchase from the nursery section.
• Caliper Trees 45mm and 50mm Wire Basket Trees available in the nursery section.
• Potted Stock 1 to 10 gallon coniferous and deciduous trees available for purchase.
• Schoolyard Tree Planting Sponsorship Sustainable sponsorship activity at $1 per tree supporting educational programming. Includes 2-year seedlings grown and donated on behalf of the sponsor; varieties include Spruce, Pine, Oak, Maple, and Cedar.
• GreenKit – Vegetable Garden Activity Educational kit priced at $29.99 that provides an introduction to growing food, including 4 compostable pots, 2 seed trays, pelletized compost, wooden labels, and 9 varieties of vegetable seeds.
• GreenKit – Wildflower Farm Activity Educational kit introducing native Canadian plant species, including 2 seed trays, ProMix Soil, wildflower seeds, and 4 spruce tree seeds.
• GreenKit – Terrarium Jar Activity Educational activity engaging youth in environmental discussion about soil creation and Earth layers, including terrarium jar supplies and chia seeds.
• GrowKit – Herb Garden Herb garden kit priced at $34.99, pre-planted in a 14"x12" nursery pot including herbs such as Basil, Parsley, Thyme, Chives, Cilantro, Mint, Rosemary, and Sage.
• TREE TEAM Cotton Hoodies Eco-branded sweatshirt priced at $49 in Black (S/M/L/XL). For every hoodie sold, one tree is planted in the London region.
• TREE TEAM Cotton T-Shirt Eco-branded T-shirt priced at $25 in Moss Green (S/M/L/XL). For every T-shirt sold, one tree is planted.
• Tree Team Sponsorship and Fundraising Tree sponsorship and fundraising program at $4 per tree with $1 profit per tree for fundraising organizations. 100% contactless process. Includes 2-year seedlings in Spruce, Pine, Oak, Maple and Cedar varieties.
• Sapling Tree saplings cared for and planted by local students, available for EcoPark sponsorship and Scout programs.
• Poinsettia Products Poinsettia fundraiser products in various sizes (4.5" to 10") and colors (Red, Pink, White, Tri-Colour) supporting school and community fundraisers. Pricing ranges from $10 to $35.
• Native Pollinator Perennials Box Kit priced at $29 containing six herbaceous perennials (Blazing Star, Echinacea, Little Blue Stem Grass, Rudbeckia, Coreopsis, Wild Bergamot) in a 24"x6" rectangular fibre pot.
• Native Trees Box Kit containing four native tree species including Red Bud, White Pine, White Spruce, Red Oak and Sugar Maple.
• Earth Day Seed Paper Indoor-Outdoor Planter 100% biodegradable indoor/outdoor planter priced at $11, minimum order 25 units. Includes everything needed to grow wildflowers with no assembly required.
• Tree-Planting Wooden Eco Phone Case GHA-branded wooden phone case priced at $39 made from FSC Certified Canadian materials. Custom made in Canada. For every purchase, one tree is planted.
• Pizza Garden Kit Fundraising kit priced at $39 including nursery pot with ready-to-grow ingredients: Bell Pepper, 2 Basil and Parsley.
• Spaghetti Garden Kit Fundraising kit with nursery pot containing ready-to-grow ingredients: Parsley, Basil, Cherry Tomato, Bunching Onions and Garlic chives.
• Garden Salad Kit Fundraising kit with nursery pot containing ready-to-grow ingredients: Snap peas, Basil, Cilantro, Dill and Cucumber.
• Fundraising Programs Contactless, low-administration fundraising programs with seasonal plant-based products where 100% of funds stay local and support wrap-around services for clients.

Quantifiable outcome

• Thousands of students served annually across all programs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Sheridan NurseriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSheridan Nurseries, recognized as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2020) and Canada's largest fully integrated garden centre, retailer and grower, actively recruits GHA program graduates. With approximately 280 full-time employees (rising to 1,000 in spring), Sheridan Nurseries values GHA's specific training in plant treatment and customer service. Norval Propagation Manager Mary Jane Ash states: 'We support GHA and its training program because we know it is an investment in our future team.'
• TLC LandscapingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOwner/Manager Dave Leff of TLC Landscaping describes GHA as a way to meet future employment prospects and discover energy and skill sets for their business needs. TLC participates as an employer partner providing mentorship and career pathway visibility for GHA participants.
• TRY RecyclingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPresident Jim Graham states TRY Recycling has observed GHA's 6-week certificate program organization and caliber of skills participants gain. TRY Recycling is proud to support next-generation workforce training and recognizes practical employment readiness value when prospective employees list GHA on their resume.
• BlueJay IrrigationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSales Representative Rob Brown describes collaborating with GHA as an opportunity to share their business with eager, knowledge-hungry youth and cultivate career paths. BlueJay Irrigation participated in GHA training workshops and shared their expertise with participants.
• Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTVDSB students participate in GHA programs including co-op placements, SHSM programs, and community service hours. WDDS participants work alongside TVDSB students at the facility. TVDSB's Director of Education (2018) Laura Elliott described GHA as making the school board 'the envy of the province.'
• Woodstock District Development Services (WDDS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWDDS participants attend GHA weekly for physical activities and skills development. Working alongside Thames Valley District School Board students, WDDS participants show real passion for their work and take on increasing responsibility in greenhouse tasks. Support Worker Sharon Burton describes GHA as an 'invaluable experience' for their participants.
• Junior Achievement London and DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJA London and District is listed as a key community partner and logo displayed on the GHA homepage. JA programs work in conjunction with GHA to deliver business and financial literacy skills to youth participants.
• Ontario Ministry of EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program delivered by GHA is a Ministry of Education approved program. Students earn credits toward their Ontario Secondary School Diploma while focusing on the horticulture/green industry sector.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests): Toronto/Ontario-based urban forest non-profit delivering tree-planting and education programs in Ontario. Comparable to GHA in target geography (Ontario), target audience (community groups, schools), and native-tree urban forestry focus.
• Forests Ontario: Ontario-based non-profit focused on forest restoration, tree planting, and stewardship. Comparable to GHA in mission (reforestation, biodiversity) and ecosystem (conservation authorities, schools, corporate sponsors) at provincial scale.
• St. Williams Nursery & Ecology Centre: Ontario-based native tree nursery and ecology centre in Norfolk County producing seedlings for reforestation and restoration. Operates a similar native-tree, conservation-focused model to GHA and serves overlapping Ontario conservation and reforestation customers.
• Tree Canada Foundation: National Canadian tree-planting charity operating greening programs with corporate sponsors and community planting events. Comparable to GHA in mission, fundraising/sponsorship model, and CRA-qualified charitable status.
• Evergreen (formerly Evergreen Foundation): Canadian non-profit focused on urban sustainability, green cities, and schoolyard greening. Overlaps with GHA in Ontario, youth environmental education, and corporate partnership model.

Broad incumbents

• Sheridan Nurseries: Canada's largest fully integrated garden centre, retailer, and grower (~280 FTE, ~1,000 in spring). An employer partner of GHA, it operates at vastly larger scale in commercial nursery production, overlapping GHA on tree production and employer training.
• Connon Nurseries (CBV Collection): One of the largest wholesale nursery growers in Ontario, producing nursery stock for landscape and retail channels. Comparable to GHA in Ontario nursery production but at commercial scale and without the youth-training overlay.

Others

• 4-H Canada: National youth development non-profit delivering hands-on skills programs across agriculture, environment, and leadership. Comparable to GHA in target audience (school-aged youth), experiential learning model, and Canadian footprint.
• Junior Achievement Canada: National youth business and financial literacy non-profit. Already a GHA partner via JA London and District; comparable in delivering real-world business and entrepreneurship skills to Ontario youth.

Regional players

• Conservation Ontario: Provincial umbrella for Ontario's 36 Conservation Authorities that deliver tree planting and stewardship. Comparable to GHA as a planting partner ecosystem with overlapping reforestation mandate in Ontario.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/greenhouse-academy

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Greenhouse Academy