ADC Launches Minority Certification for MENA-Heritage Businesses
The Arab Diversity Collective (ADC) launched the Mena minority certification program in July 2023 to support Mena-heritage businesses. Previously, Mena-owned firms were generally ineligible for existing minority-certification programs such as those offered by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) or the Small Business Administration (SBA).
This new certification can help reduce retail costs like shelf fees and unlock retailer promotions or diversity programs for small brands. In its soft launch phase, about two dozen Mena-owned brands have been certified through the ADC program. Examples include Zesty Z (Brooklyn), Afia (Austin), Zwïta (Houston), and Ziba (California). Additional brands such as Better Sour and Yaza Labneh are currently in the certification pipeline.
Certification criteria involve proving a Mena connection through documents such as birthplace, passports, or family trees, with each application evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Notably, a Mena box is expected to be included in the 2030 census. Israeli-owned businesses may also apply and will be processed, although none have applied yet.
Looking ahead, the NMSDC may expand its definition in 2025 to include Mena businesses, but no immediate changes are expected. Advocates emphasize that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs are crucial in addressing past exclusions and persistent capital gaps. Current figures highlight a considerable disparity, with women founders receiving about 2% and Mena founders around 0.7% of venture capital funding, according to Carta data from 2024.
