WHEREAS, we celebrate the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs across the nation and their contributions in the public and private sectors; and
WHEREAS, women-owned firms contributed nearly $1.8 trillion in revenue and employed over 10.1 million workers with an annual payroll of $388.1 billion in 2018; and
WHEREAS, women-owned businesses made up nearly 20 percent of all firms across the country in 2019 according to the United States Census Bureau; and
WHEREAS, while women in North Carolina comprised 57 percent of the state’s work force in 2018 and owned over 35 percent of businesses, they earn an average of $8,600 less than men according to the North Carolina Council for Women and Youth Involvement’s Status of Women in North Carolina: Employment and Earnings Report; and
WHEREAS, in response to the effects of COVID-19 on minority communities and businesses across the state and nation, the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses launched the NC Minority Business Development Agency Business Center in Research Triangle Park in 2021, and continues to administer resources in collaboration with advocacy partners to aid historically underutilized businesses post-pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 268, to further the economic development of disadvantaged communities, improve health and wellness outcomes in underserved communities, and advance equitable and inclusive practices within state agencies; and
WHEREAS, the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs remains committed to improving the lives of women and their families by promoting equality and helping to create better social, educational, economic, and political conditions for women entering or participating in the workforce; and
WHEREAS, we encourage all North Carolinians to join in celebrating the many contributions of professional women in our state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 16 – 22, 2022, as “NATIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN’S WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.