[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 37 (Monday, September 19, 2005)]
[Page 1377]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7926--Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2005

September 9, 2005

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    Across our country, the entrepreneurial spirit of minority 
businesses is strong and growing. By creating jobs and advancing 
opportunities, these businesses improve lives and transform 
neighborhoods throughout our Nation. During Minority Enterprise 
Development Week, we recognize minority entrepreneurs and their 
employees for their commitment to free enterprise and equal opportunity.
    Minority businesses are an essential part of a society in which 
personal initiative is encouraged and in which opportunity is within the 
reach of all of our citizens. Significant increases in minority business 
ownership are providing an engine for economic growth and helping more 
of our citizens succeed. By fueling job creation and providing goods and 
services to consumers, these businesses are helping to lift communities 
and provide hope.
    In order to extend the promise of our country to all of our 
citizens, our economy must continue to grow and expand. My 
Administration is working to keep taxes low, protect small businesses 
from needless regulation and frivolous lawsuits, and reduce global trade 
barriers to open up new markets for American entrepreneurs. We have 
provided new market tax credits to boost investment and community 
development in low-income areas, and we are working to stimulate and 
support minority businesses by providing training and mentoring.
    Minority businesses help ensure that our country is a land of 
opportunity. Their example reflects the best qualities of America, 
demonstrating that every person has the opportunity to strive for a 
better future and to take part in the promise of our great 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 11 through 
September 17, 2005, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I call upon 
all Americans to celebrate this week with appropriate programs, 
ceremonies, and activities to recognize the important contributions of 
our Nation's minority enterprises.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this ninth day of 
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., September 13, 
2005]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 14. This item was not received in time for publication in the 
appropriate issue.