Governor Proclaims Small Business Week 2021

WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina values the dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of small businesses, which are a crucial pillar of our state’s economy; and

WHEREAS, small businesses are navigating the unprecedented challenges of a global pandemic even as they continue to support their employees and local communities; and

WHEREAS, there were more than 934,000 small businesses in North Carolina in 2020, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Small Business Administration, accounting for more than 99 percent of the state’s businesses; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina’s small businesses accounted for more than 62,600 of the net new jobs in North Carolina pre-pandemic, illustrating the critical role they play in the state’s economic prosperity and opportunities; and

WHEREAS, small businesses contributed significantly to North Carolina’s export activity and global reputation in manufacturing, with more than 9,600 small firms exporting goods from the state before the pandemic, generating 22.5 percent of the state’s merchandise exports; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina public agencies, educational institutions, and private-sector organizations collaborate to help small businesses grow and create new jobs by providing workforce training, business mentoring, financial assistance, research, technical assistance, export support services and more; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina provides many services to small businesses through community college small business centers; the Small Business and Technology Development Center; SCORE; SBA Women’s Business Centers; the Veterans Business Outreach Center; Business Link North Carolina, hosted by the Economic Development Partnership and the Rural Center; and

WHEREAS, during National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration highlights the impact small business owners and entrepreneurs have on our nation's economy and global competitiveness; and

WHEREAS, when we support North Carolina small businesses, jobs are created, local communities thrive, and our economy grows significantly;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim September 12-18, 2021, as “SMALL BUSINESS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.