Governor Gregoire emphasizes the importance of supporting small business development

For Immediate Release: June 11, 2008

Gregoire addresses hundreds of women business owners

SEATTLE � Speaking to women business owners from five Northwest states, Gov. Chris Gregoire today discussed the advantages of developing business in Washington at the �Count Me In for Women�s Economic Independence� conference in Seattle.

�We have strategies to lower the cost of doing business in Washington, and at the same time make targeted investments to promote small business and commerce,� Gregoire said at the conference. �A good example would be our significant new investments in promoting international trade and our progressive efforts to diversify our economy.�

Throughout her administration, Gregoire has championed women- and minority-owned business efforts, signing legislation to help minorities and women gain easier access to low-interest business loans, and calling on Washington agency directors to work with the state�s Office of Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises to utilize women- and minority-owned businesses.

�For the first time in sixteen years, we have also increased funding to our Economic Development Councils,� Gregoire stated. �The development councils look for opportunities to promote regional business growth, all of which help to fuel the state�s export engine.�

More than 400 women entrepreneurs attended the conference at Seattle Center�s Fisher Pavilion. Gregoire helped recognize finalists in the �Make Mine a Million $ Business� competition, which provides winners with financial and mentoring assistance to build their business.

# # #