NATIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN’S WEEK
2024
BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
A PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, National Business Women’s Week celebrates the accomplishments of women entrepreneurs across the nation and their contributions in the public and private sectors; and
WHEREAS, women-owned businesses are key economic drivers of our nation’s economy, comprising nearly 40 percent of all firms across the country in 2023, a 13.6 percent increase from 2019 according to the National Women’s Business Council’s annual report; and
WHEREAS, women-owned employer firms contributed $2.3 trillion in revenue to the national economy and employed over 12 million workers in 2023, while women-owned non-employer firms generated $419.3 billion in revenue in the same year respectively; and
WHEREAS, while North Carolina ranks 2nd in the nation for women-owned businesses in terms of growth and opportunities, there continues to be a disparity among women entrepreneurs across the state and nation with many lacking access to financial resources, representation and mentorship; and
WHEREAS, the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses and the NC Minority Business Development Agency Business Center support the growth and profitability of minority and women-owned businesses, offering resources that promote economic opportunities, business development and education; and
WHEREAS, in 2022, Governor Roy Cooper issued Executive Order 268, to further the economic development of disadvantaged communities, improve health and wellness outcomes in underserved areas, and advance equitable and inclusive practices within state agencies to continue leveraging opportunities for North Carolina residents and businesses ravaged by the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, state government agencies, advocacy groups and other organizations like the National Federation of Business and the Professional Women’s Clubs remain committed to improving the lives of women and their families by promoting equality and helping create better social, educational, economic, and political conditions for women entering or participating in the workforce; and
WHEREAS, we encourage all North Carolinians to advocate and support women-owned businesses and join in celebrating the many contributions of professional women across the state;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 21 – 27, 2024, as “NATIONAL BUSINESS WOMEN’S WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.
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Roy Cooper
Governor
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this eighteenth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.