Governor Stein Proclaims National Business Women's Week

National Business Women’s Week

2026

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 country, recognizing women as key economic drivers of our nation’s economy; and

Whereas, according to the National Women’s Business Council’s annual report, women-owned businesses comprised nearly 40 percent of all firms across the country in 2024, a 13.6 percent increase from 2019. These businesses also contributed $3.3 trillion in revenue to the national economy and employed approximately 12.9 million workers; and

Whereas, although North Carolina ranks second in the nation for women-owned businesses in terms of growth and opportunities, according to the 2025 Impact of Women-Owned Businesses Report by Wells Fargo, 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 North Carolina Division for Women & Youth’s 2025 Status of Women: Investing in Economic Opportunity for Women in North Carolina report recommends investing in women’s education, career pathways, and small business ownership to improve outcomes; and

Whereas, the North Carolina Department of Administration’s Small Business Enterprise Program supports the growth and profitability of all businesses, providing state government contracting opportunities to entrepreneurs across the state; and

Whereas, state government agencies, advocacy groups, and other organizations such as 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, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 19 – 25, 2026, as “National Business Women’s Week” in North Carolina and commend its observance.

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 fifth day of October in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first.