[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 40, Number 37 (Monday, September 13, 2004)]
[Pages 1850-1851]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7807--Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2004

September 4, 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

[[Page 1851]]

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

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 8, 
2004]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 9.