WHEREAS, women contribute to the diversity and inclusiveness of businesses nationwide and are vital to the growth of the economy; and
WHEREAS, according to a 2017 study conducted by the National Association of Women Business Owners, more than 11.6 million firms were owned by women, employing nearly 9 million people, and generating $1.7 trillion in sales; according to that same 2017 study, women-owned businesses comprised 39 percent of all private firms, contributing an estimated 8 percent of employment across the United States and 4.2 percent of revenue; and
WHEREAS, in North Carolina, women make up about 57 percent of the workforce, and own approximately 35.6 percent of businesses across our state, according to the 2018 Status of Women in North Carolina: Employment and Earnings Report; and
WHEREAS, since the onset of COVID-19, many minority- and women-owned businesses have closed nationwide, while the gender wage gap continues to see disparity across North Carolina and the United States; women in North Carolina earn a median income of $36,400, averaging $8,600 less than their male counterparts; and
WHEREAS, North Carolina is committed to eliminating inequities for women and communities of color; in 2018, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order (EO) No. 82 to promote the health and wellness of women and families by clarifying protections afforded to pregnant state employees; in 2020, the North Carolina Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses launched a new small business impact grant program under Governor Cooper’s EO 143, titled RETOOLNC, to help certified minority- and women-owned businesses recover from the present pandemic; and
WHEREAS, eradicating extreme poverty across our state and nation depends on ensuring inclusive economic growth that reaches typically excluded populations like women and communities of color; and
WHEREAS, Women’s Entrepreneurship Day is a movement to support women in business by encouraging women leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs to initiate startups, drive economic expansion, and advance communities worldwide; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recognizes and promotes the advancement of women’s entrepreneurship throughout our state and nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim November 19, 2020, as “WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.