Governor Proclaims Small Business Week 2024

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

2024

BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA

A PROCLAMATION

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 1 million small businesses in North Carolina according to the latest figures from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in 2023, accounting for more than 99 percent of the state’s businesses; and

WHEREAS, these small businesses employed 1.8 million people, which is nearly 45 percent of the state's private-sector workforce; and

WHEREAS, North Carolina’s small businesses contributed more than 154,000 jobs in 2023, 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 9,600 small firms exporting goods from the state in 2021, generating $7.1 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

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 28 – May 4, 2024, as “SMALL BUSINESS WEEK” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.

________________________________________

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 twenty-sixth day of April 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-eighth