Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2003

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7710 of September 26, 2003

Minority Enterprise Development Week, 2003

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's more than 3 million minority-owned businesses
represent one of the fastest-growing segments of our
Nation's economy. Through skill, hard work, and
determination, these businesses are strengthening our
Nation and our economy. During Minority Enterprise
Development Week, we recognize these businesses, their
owners, and their employees for their commitment to
free enterprise and equal opportunity.

Most businesses in America--including those that are
minority-owned--are small businesses. Small businesses
are a path to the American Dream and must be accessible
to all of our citizens. Through the Department of
Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency and the
Small Business Administration, we are promoting both
the growth of minority-owned businesses and equal
access to Federal contracts, capital, and management
and technical assistance.

Small businesses also create most of the new jobs in
our economy, and my Administration is acting to create
an environment where small businesses grow and thrive.
On May 28, I signed the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief
Reconciliation Act of 2003, allowing entrepreneurs to
keep more of their hard-earned money. My Administration
is also pursuing an ambitious trade agenda. This year,
I signed legislation implementing Free Trade Agreements
with Chile and Singapore. These new Free Trade
Agreements, and others that my Administration is
seeking, not only will provide cheaper goods for
consumers, but also will create new high-wage jobs for
American workers.

I encourage all Americans to recognize the strength and
importance of our country's minority entrepreneurs and
their employees. The talents, skills, and dedication of
these citizens enrich our communities, and we honor
their contributions to our Nation.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim September 28 through October
4, 2003, as Minority Enterprise Development Week. I
encourage all Americans to celebrate this week with
appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities to
recognize the many contributions of our Nation's
minority enterprises.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-six day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand three, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
eighth.

(Presidential Sig.)B