[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8382--MAY 15, 2009

Proclamation 8382 of May 15, 2009
Small Business Week, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

The entrepreneurial spirit lies at the core of our Nation's economy and
identity. If Americans with good ideas can work hard, put their plan to
the test, and succeed, the American economy will continue to create jobs
and lead the world in innovation and productivity. During National Small
Business Week, we honor the entrepreneurs and small business owners who
are the engine of our economy. Their ingenuity and hard work are
critical to our Nation's prosperity.
Small businesses are the lifeblood of cities and towns across the
country. Over the last decade, small businesses created 70 percent of
new jobs, and they are responsible for half of all jobs in the private
sector. They also help enhance the lives of our citizens by improving
our quality of life and creating personal wealth. Small businesses will
lead the way to prosperity, particularly in today's challenging economic
environment.
My Administration is committed to economic policies that encourage
enterprise and make America the best place in the world to do business.
To support the free flow of credit, I have worked to increase loan
guarantees, reduce borrowing fees, quicken loan processing, and unlock
the secondary markets that support small business lending, among other
measures. I also support tax policies that promote investment in small
businesses, as well as health care reform that will help these
businesses provide more workers with quality health care services.
Our Nation's success depends on America's small businesses and
entrepreneurs. Their contributions are necessary to rebuild our economy
so that it once again offers the opportunity to succeed to all who seek
it. This week we thank small business owners, entrepreneurs, and
employees for helping America achieve that promise.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, 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 May 17 through May 23,
2009, as National Small Business Week. I call upon Government officials,
industry leaders, and advocates across the Nation to encourage our
citizens to celebrate the achievements of small business owners and
encourage the creation of new businesses.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of
May, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the

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123 STAT. 3652

Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.

BARACK OBAMA