[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 133, 116th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9924 of September 9, 2019

Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2019

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During Minority Enterprise Development Week, our Nation celebrates the
success of minority-owned businesses and recognizes their significant
role in strengthening our country's robust economy. The contributions of
these enterprises ensure American companies remain world leaders in the
global marketplace.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Minority Business
Development Agency (MBDA), which was originally named the Office of
Minority Business Enterprise. When President Richard Nixon signed the
Executive Order creating the Office of Minority Business Enterprise in
1969, the Nation's minority population was less than 40 million. Today,
the minority population has more than tripled to 130 million, or more
than 39 percent of the total American population. Minorities own almost
30 percent of America's businesses, which employ 7.2 million Americans
and generate over $1 trillion a year in revenue. Indeed, the number of
minority-owned businesses in operation nationwide has increased by 38
percent since 2007.
As President, I have taken critical steps to ensure that all Americans
have the opportunity to prosper. During my first year in office, I
achieved significant regulatory reform and signed into law the historic
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, creating opportunity zones to help those in
distressed communities. These opportunity zones have ushered in a new
era of economic potential and access to capital in areas that need it
the most. From the rural heartland to urban centers, traditionally
overlooked communities are now destinations for financial growth with
potential for unlimited prosperity. I also took action to help minority-
owned businesses expand on their economic success by shedding burdensome
regulations. Under my direction, Federal agencies removed

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14 regulations for every new regulation added during the first 2 years
of my Administration, and we remain committed to freeing minority-owned
businesses from unnecessary Government restraints.
With renewed emphasis on innovation, policy development, international
trade, and digital transformation, MBDA is promoting policies to
encourage the continued growth of minority-owned businesses and prepare
them for new and emerging industries, such as artificial intelligence
and space commercialization. In 2018, I signed an Executive Order
establishing the President's National Council for the American Worker so
that the next generation of our country's resilient workforce receives
the innovative education and job training needed to succeed in a 21st
century global economy. The Pledge to America's Workers, an initiative
created through this Executive Order, is helping minorities and all
Americans become stronger members of our labor force. Today, more than
300 companies and organizations have signed the Pledge and committed to
more than 13 million new education and training opportunities, many of
which will help minority workers and students be better equipped to
succeed.
Minority-owned businesses are helping to power the engine of American
capitalism. The ambition of minority entrepreneurs secures a better
future for their families, their communities, and the Nation. This week,
and throughout the year, we celebrate the great achievements of our
minority-owned businesses.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 8 through
September 14, 2019, as National Minority Enterprise Development Week. I
call upon all Americans to celebrate this week with programs,
ceremonies, and activities to recognize the many contributions of
American minority business enterprises.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
fourth.
DONALD J. TRUMP