THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT CELEBRATES SMALL BUSINESS WEEK IN THE ATLANTA REGION

ATLANTA - Small businesses are the lifeblood of cities and towns across the country. President George W. Bush proclaimed April 22 - April 28, 2007, as Small Business Week. In observance of the celebration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is proud to announce in the Atlanta Region that the 2006 goals for Small Businesses and Women-Owned Small Businesses had a significant increase in HUD's Procurement Activity.

HUD's Regional Director Bob Young celebrates the increase among small businesses in the Atlanta Region. The Small Business Administration (SBA) Goals for Small Businesses were at 45%, however, HUD's Small Business Goals Achievement was 70.6% in 2006. SBA Goals for Women-Owned Small Business was 20% while HUD's Small Business Goals Achievement for Women-Owned Small Business was 21.4%.

Regional Director Young declared, "HUD is excited and committed to continuing the pro-growth economic policies
that encourage enterprise and make America the best place in the world to do business". HUD will continue to
promote small and disadvantage businesses through its many outreach activities that are being planned throughout the Region to increase more participation of small businesses in HUD contract and procurement opportunities.

HUD is the nation's housing agency committed to increasing homeownership, particularly among minorities; creating affordable housing opportunities for low-income Americans; and supporting the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and people living with AIDS. The Department also promotes economic and community development and enforces the nation's fair housing laws. More information about HUD and its programs is available on the Internet
and espanol.hud.gov.

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For more information contact Gloria Shanahan at (305) 536-5678 x2254