WASHINGTON - President George W. Bush has issued a proclamation designating April 9-15, 2006 as Small Business Week. The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council) announced that, during the week, it will participate in numerous briefings, special activities, roundtables, and media events to highlight the importance of a vibrant small business sector to the nation's economy and competitiveness.

As President Bush stated in his proclamation, "The entrepreneurial spirit of America is robust and strong, and small businesses are thriving throughout our great nation. The opportunity to own a business is an important part of the American dream. During Small Business Week, we celebrate small business owners and employees who are willing to take risks and work hard in pursuit of a better life for themselves and their families."

During the week, the SBE Council said it will ratchet up its advocacy and education efforts to help the Congress understand the importance of advancing pro-small business legislation in helping to maintain a robust pace of economic growth, and to enable more Americans to pursue the dream of starting a business.