WHEREAS, entrepreneurs and small businesses play a vital role in the economic success of our cities, State, and Country; and

WHEREAS, Alaska has a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem that creates new businesses and helps local communities preserve their unique culture and enjoy new opportunities to build generational wealth statewide; and

WHEREAS, entrepreneurs demonstrate resiliency, passion, and the ability to overcome challenges through the hard work, ingenuity, and persistence it takes to start and run a business; and

WHEREAS, technical assistance, education, training, and mentorship can support entrepreneurs and help them successfully start and grow their business; and

WHEREAS, Alaska’s unique history, geography, and demography presents both challenges and opportunities that make our entrepreneurial ecosystem distinct and worthy of celebration and support; and

WHEREAS, Alaska Entrepreneurship Week is a volunteer-led effort supported by federal agencies, State and local municipalities, organizations, non-profits, and businesses to showcase existing resources, create meaningful connections, build support networks, and create opportunities around entrepreneurship in Alaska; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alaska recognizes the contributions of entrepreneurs and their importance in ensuring that our local communities thrive.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim October 7 – 11, 2024 as:

Alaska Entrepreneurship Week

in Alaska and urge citizens to consider the ways we can support local entrepreneurs, encourage new growth and development, and improve our economy for the benefit of all Alaskans.

Dated: October 7, 2024