[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 118, 108th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

Proclamation 7807 of 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 in

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vestment, 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

PROCLAMATION 7808--SEPT. 7, 2004