February 13-17, 2023: Entrepreneurship Week

WHEREAS, according to the EY Study, more than half of people considered Generation Z (under 25 years old) said they hoped to own their own business in the next 10 years; and,

WHEREAS, entrepreneurship is a key building block to success in the workplace and communities as it brings ideas, creativity, and innovation to life and drives economic growth on local, state, and national levels; and,

WHEREAS, according to the Statistics of U.S. Businesses, U.S. Census Bureau, 886,557 small firms have established themselves in the state—that’s 99.6% of all businesses in Michigan; and,

WHERAS, 1.9 million individuals are employed by small businesses in the state, comprising 49% of the private workforce; and,

WHEREAS, during this week and as we work toward a better Michigan, we encourage youth and all citizens throughout the state to explore innovative ways in which entrepreneurship education can bring together the core academic, technical, and problem-solving skills essential for the success of our state's future entrepreneurs; and,

WHEREAS, according to the American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), the median income for self-employed individuals at their own incorporated businesses was $51,171 in 2018. For self-employed individuals at their own unincorporated firms, median income was $22,563; and,

WHEREAS, during this month, we join with the National Governors Association and other states in engaging public and private organizations to spark entrepreneurial initiatives that can serve as a catalyst for new economic opportunities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, Governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim, February 13-17, 2023, as Entrepreneurship Week in Michigan.