324-2022

Whereas, despite a world-wide pandemic, our resilient small businesses continue to pioneer innovative solutions to our country’s greatest challenges and create opportunities for families and workers; and

Whereas, there are over 32,000 small businesses of less than 50 employees in the City of Portland, including brick-and-mortar retail shops serving neighborhood needs, small manufacturers driving our competitiveness on the global stage, and world-renowned restaurants, all of which comprise the backbone of our local economy; and

Whereas, these local small businesses employ over 176,000 people in the Portland area, generating $10 billion in payroll; and

Whereas, we must continue to do more to support small business, especially in historically under-served and under-represented parts of our community, in order to create equitable opportunities for all Portlanders and to empower communities to preserve their unique cultures; and

Whereas, because this country’s 32.5 million small businesses create nearly two out of three jobs in our economy, it is critical we continue to prioritize inclusive economic growth, provide technical support, and focus on job creation measures that directly support our entrepreneurs ; and

Whereas, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week every year since 1963 to highlight the programs and services available to entrepreneurs through the U.S. Small Business Administration and other government agencies; and

Whereas, the City of Portland supports and joins in this national effort to help America’s small businesses do what they do best – grow their business, create jobs, and ensure that our local communities remain as vibrant tomorrow as they are today.

Now, Therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim May 1 through May 7, 2022 as

National Small Business Week

In Portland and encourage all residents to observe this week.