Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto was joined by Junior Achievement of British Columbia students at Lambrick Park Secondary school today to launch the new smartphone application, Boss Yourself.

Boss Yourself is designed to encourage youth to consider business ownership as a career choice. This free app helps youth explore some of the skills needed to start a business and become a successful and savvy boss in British Columbia.

Some of the app's features include:

• An inspirational video to get youth started.

• "Challenges" that quiz knowledge and sharpen business sense.

• Information on the basics of starting and running a business.

• Links to business resources.

A lesson plan has also been developed for Boss Yourself in which the app can be used in classrooms to teach students about entrepreneurship.

A WorkBC initiative, Boss Yourself was developed by the Small Business Branch and Labour Market Programs Branch in the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training with federal Research & Innovation funding as part of the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement. The app is available for iPhone, Android and web browsers.

Quotes:

Minister of State for Small Business Naomi Yamamoto -

"The Boss Yourself app is a great, new innovative way to let youth know that being your own boss is a great option for a rewarding career. It also helps those already wanting to own their own business learn the skills and knowledge needed to get started."

Junior Achievement of British Columbia president and CEO Jan Bell-Irving -

"Boss Yourself is a wonderful new technological resource. It provides just the kind of encouragement and support we hope will inspire B.C. youth to unlock their entrepreneurial potential and excel in our global economy."

Learn More:

Check out the web version of the Boss Yourself app at: www.bossyourselfbc.ca

Find the Boss Yourself app in the Apple store at: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/boss-yourself/id553939195?mt=8

Find the Boss Yourself app in the Android store at: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t4g.bossyourself

Contact:

Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour
250 356-8177