Whereas, The Partnership for 21st Century Skills has identified entrepreneurial literacy skills as being critical to the success in communities and workplaces; and,

Whereas, Most of the new jobs created throughout the United States in the past decade have come from the creative efforts of entrepreneurs; and,

Whereas, The National Governors Association encourages educating citizens about entrepreneurship and small business creation to stimulate growth in any economy; and,

Whereas, A broad coalition of partner organizations in Michigan and throughout the United States are actively engaged in enhancing entrepreneurial opportunities through collaboration and cooperation with the National Consortium for Entrepreneurship Education; and,

Whereas, More than 70 percent of young Americans envision starting a business or engaging in entrepreneurial related projects as adults; and,

Whereas, Encouraging youth to be excited about entrepreneurship and working to expand the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of Michigan's youth and adults to become successful entrepreneurs is crucial to long-term growth;

Now, Therefore, be it Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, governor of the state of Michigan, do hereby proclaim the week of February 21, 2009, as Michigan Entrepreneurship Week in Michigan.  I encourage all citizens to explore the idea of becoming an entrepreneur as it is vital to Michigan's growth and prosperity.