“NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 14 through November 20, 2010, as National Entrepreneurship Week. I call upon all Americans to commemorate this week with appropriate programs and activities, and to celebrate November 19, 2010, as National Entrepreneurs’ Day.”
“IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.” From the Office of The Press Secretary at the White House.
Well, that makes it official – and the first time I have ever cited the White House – entrepreneurs all over the United States, now have a day recognizing their tireless work and determination.
Back in May of 2010, this petition was started by David Hauser and Siamak Taghaddos, both founders of Needham Mass-based Grasshopper Group. In 6 months, this initiative has gained incredible support from some of most recognized entrepreneurs as well as thousands of other supporters and has actually been acknowledged by the President himself.
This announcement is incredibly inspiring and finally displays the White House’s recognition for the entrepreneurs and the small businesses out there who are actually creating jobs. These small business will be the future of this country, the aged financial institutions and banks had their run, but it’s time for a new breed to drive economic growth.
Congratulations and thank you to David and Siamak as well as all of you for joining together and making this initiative happen.
Check out Siamak’s blog post today where he encourages you to do these four things on Friday Novemeber 19 2010:
- Thank. If you know an entrepreneur, thank them for the ways in which they’ve made an impact on our economy thus far; the simple act of giving thanks can strengthen a connection or start a new one. If you’re an entrepreneur yourself, thank the individuals who brought you to where you are today. This is what National Entrepreneurs’ Day is all about.
- Mentor. Perhaps there was someone who urged you to start your first business or helped you bring your first big idea to life; if so, they’ve played a part in making you the entrepreneur you are today. Return the favor and find an entrepreneur you can mentor through thick and thin.
- Give. Kiva is an organization that promotes micro lending to alleviate poverty around the world. With corporate and institutional partners from Google to Ashoka, you can feel confident that your donation is going to reach a deserving entrepreneur somewhere in the world, and that, in turn, your donation will serve as a catalyst for change (if you doubt this, might I remind you that anything is possible?).
- Pay it forward. You can help support fellow entrepreneurs by paying it forward with products, services, and/or your time. What’s easy for you may not be easy for another aspiring entrepreneur. Remember: a little help can go a long way.
Here is a video by the Grasshopper Group back in 2009 titled “Entrepreneurs Can Change The World.”
