For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 4, 2004
Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2004
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Minority businesses are a key component of the American economy and
reflect the values that make our country strong. They create
opportunities for workers, provide goods and services to consumers, and
strengthen our communities. During Minority Enterprise Development
Week, we celebrate the achievements of minority businesses and
emphasize our commitment to creating an environment in which these
entrepreneurs can succeed.
All of America benefits from the strong and vibrant entrepreneurial
spirit of our small business owners. By reducing taxes, encouraging
investment, and removing obstacles to growth, my Administration has
helped American businesses thrive and create nearly 1.7 million new
jobs since August 2003. In addition, the number of Small Business
Administration loans to minorities increased by 40 percent last year to
a 50-year record level. And my fiscal year 2005 budget request
includes a 21 percent increase in funding for the Department of
Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency, the largest increase
in more than a decade.
To help provide sustainable outreach to minority enterprises, my
Administration is working with the National Urban League to create an
entrepreneurship network to further expand minority business
ownership. With the help of government agencies, the private sector,
and faith-based and community organizations, this network will include
one-stop centers for business training, counseling, financing, and
contracting and will focus resources toward facilitating economic
growth and enterprise in historically neglected areas.
More minorities own small businesses than ever before. That is
good for our citizens and good for our country. Together, we can
create an environment where entrepreneurs can flourish and everyone can
realize the American Dream.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 5 through
September 11, 2004, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I call
upon all Americans to celebrate this week with appropriate programs,
ceremonies, and activities and to recognize the countless contributions
of our Nation's minority enterprises.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand four, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
twenty-ninth.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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