March 27, 1985
By the President of the United States
of America
A Proclamation
The history of America is the history of a nation at work -- a nation of farmers, manufacturers,
and merchants joining together to build a better society. The dedication and commitment of these
early citizens provided the foundation for a growing and prosperous America -- an America built
on individual initiative, a competitive spirit, and an intense pride in the achievements of a new
nation.
Today, this enterprising determination to work and to prosper is embodied in more than 14
million small businesses, which provide the technology to keep the economy growing, the
manufacturing and marketing skills to keep the nation competitive, and the innovation to guide us
into a better future. It is this enterprising genius that has helped small business create most of our
news jobs and provide economic opportunities unsurpassed by any nation in the world.
Our sustained economic expansion is encouraging young Americans to form their own businesses.
These aspiring entrepreneurs have always been on the leading edge of invention and progress in
our society, and their confidence in the future has led to the creation not only of new jobs but of
whole new industries. We all benefit from the contributions of small businesses and those who
create them.
Now, Therefore, I, Ronald Reagan, President of the United States of America, do hereby
proclaim the week of May 5 through May 11, 1985, as Small Business Week and ask that all
Americans join with me in saluting our small business men and women by observing that week
with appropriate activities.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-seventh day of March, in the year of
our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of
America the two hundred and ninth.
Ronald Reagan
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:44 a.m., March 28, 1985]