[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 39, Number 40 (Monday, October 6, 2003)]
[Page 1273]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7710--Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2003

 September 26, 2003

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    America's more than 3 million minority-owned businesses represent 
one of the fastest-growing segments of our Nation's economy. Through 
skill, hard work, and determination, these businesses are strengthening 
our Nation and our economy. During Minority Enterprise Development Week, 
we recognize these businesses, their owners, and their employees for 
their commitment to free enterprise and equal opportunity.
    Most businesses in America--including those that are minority-
owned--are small businesses. Small businesses are a path to the American 
Dream and must be accessible to all of our citizens. Through the 
Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency and the 
Small Business Administration, we are promoting both the growth of 
minority-owned businesses and equal access to Federal contracts, 
capital, and management and technical assistance.
    Small businesses also create most of the new jobs in our economy, 
and my Administration is acting to create an environment where small 
businesses grow and thrive. On May 28, I signed the Jobs and Growth Tax 
Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, allowing entrepreneurs to keep more 
of their hard-earned money. My Administration is also pursuing an 
ambitious trade agenda. This year, I signed legislation implementing 
Free Trade Agreements with Chile and Singapore. These new Free Trade 
Agreements, and others that my Administration is seeking, not only will 
provide cheaper goods for consumers, but also will create new high-wage 
jobs for American workers.
    I encourage all Americans to recognize the strength and importance 
of our country's minority entrepreneurs and their employees. The 
talents, skills, and dedication of these citizens enrich our 
communities, and we honor their contributions to our Nation.
    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 28 through 
October 4, 2003, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I encourage 
all Americans to celebrate this week with appropriate programs, 
ceremonies, and activities to recognize the many contributions of our 
Nation's minority enterprises.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-six day 
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand three, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 30, 
2003]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on October 
1. This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.