Small Business Administration recognizes young entrepreneur’s role in building a strong American economy; Bryant to highlight “Silver Rights” mission to promote wealth and empower the spirit
LOS ANGELES, CA – April 30, 2008 – In celebration of the American entrepreneurial spirit and accomplishments of small business owners, each year, the President of the designates one week as “National Small Business Week”.
Serving as vice-chairman of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, John Hope Bryant spoke at the hailed event in New York City on April 25th. Representing the interest of all the men and women who contribute to the nation’s fiscal health, including minority entrepreneurs and small business owners, the Operation HOPE (HOPE) founder, chairman and CEO’s remarks focused on “Achieving ‘ Silver Rights ‘ Returns on 21st Century Community Reinvestment: Unleashing a New Generation of Young Minority Entrepreneurs Throughout America.”
“With April being Financial Literacy Month, I’m honored to share HOPE’s mission for “Silver Rights”—our goal to propagate economic opportunities that exist across this country and beyond,” said Bryant. “It’s critical that small business owners realize that financial literacy is as much about the enriching of the spirit as it is about growing net worth and advancing economic standing.” Bryant continued, "I started out as an entrepreneur in Compton, California at age 10. I am still an entrepreneur, but today more of a philanthropic entrepreneur, seeking to empower those left behind and to show them how capitalism and free enterprise can work for them too."
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) honored more than 100 small business owners at five major award events. The SBA will continue promoting its new web site, http://www.NationalSmallBusinessWeek.com. Visitors to the site will find it richer, deeper, and easier to navigate, with a look and feel that conveys the spirit of excitement surrounding this year ‘ s Small Business Week events.
"National Small Business Week.com is a leap forward for the SBA, and represents a new platform for how the agency can engage in a dialogue with small businesses online," said Anoop Prakash, SBA Associate Administrator for Entrepreneurial Development. The flurry of activity kicks off with scheduled events in both Washington, D.C. (April 21-23), and in New York City (April 24-25).
Among the other prominent business leaders, CEOs and politicos confirmed to attend are Secretary Mike Leavitt, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, United States Trade Representative; David Latimore of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City; and Newt Gingrich, former House Speaker.