Governor Proclaims Small Business Week 2023

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, there were more than 994,500 small businesses in North Carolina in 2022, according to the latest figures from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), accounting for more than 99 percent of the state’s businesses; and

WHEREAS, these small businesses employed 1.7 million people, which is nearly 45 percent of the state's private-sector workforce; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina’s small businesses accounted for more than 111,100 net new jobs in 2021, illustrating the critical role they play in the state’s economic prosperity and opportunities; and

WHEREAS, small businesses contribute significantly to North Carolina’s export activity and global reputation in manufacturing, with more than 9,100 small firms exporting goods from the state in 2020, generating 21.4 percent of the state’s $26 billion in 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; the Rural Center; and a toll-free information and referral service known as the Small Business Advisors hotline; and North Carolina also encourages eligible small businesses to participate in North Carolina’s Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) program; 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 April 30 – May 6, 2023, as “SMALL BUSINESS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.