Summary:
The American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) has launched a new minority certification program specifically for Middle Eastern and North African (Mena) businesses.
This program helps Mena businesses gain legitimacy, access diversity programs at supermarkets, and receive promotions during heritage months.
The ADC plans to expand the program to reach 25,000 Mena business owners across various industries.
The organization hopes that Mena-certified businesses will eventually be eligible to bid on local and federal contracts.
Mena Startups: Finally Getting the Recognition They Deserve
For years, Middle Eastern and North African (Mena) business owners in the US have been overlooked when it comes to minority business certification. This has meant missing out on valuable opportunities like reduced fees and promotions at major supermarkets, which often have diversity programs in place to support certified minority businesses.
The Problem:
Traditional minority certification organizations like the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) have historically not recognized Mena businesses as minorities. This has left Mena entrepreneurs feeling excluded and at a disadvantage.
The Solution:
The American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) launched a new minority certification program specifically for Mena businesses in July 2023. This program is designed to provide much-needed recognition and support to Mena entrepreneurs.
The Benefits:
- Legitimacy: Certification helps Mena businesses gain credibility with retailers and customers.
- Cost Savings: Access to diversity programs at supermarkets can significantly reduce shelving fees, a major expense for emerging brands.
- Promotions: Supermarkets often allocate funds for promotions during heritage months, providing Mena businesses with greater visibility.
The Impact:
This new certification is not only beneficial to Mena business owners but also to consumers who are increasingly interested in global flavors and diverse representation. It's a step towards greater inclusivity and diversity within the US business landscape.
The Future:
The ADC plans to expand the program to reach the estimated 25,000 Mena business owners across various industries. The organization also hopes that Mena-certified businesses will eventually be eligible to bid on local and federal contracts, just like other minority business enterprises.
This is a significant development for Mena entrepreneurs in the US, paving the way for greater recognition, support, and economic empowerment.
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