Jews Granted Minority Status By U.S. Department Of Commerce, Opening Access To Billions In Benefits

In a landmark agreement, the U.S. Department of Commerce during the Biden administration announced it has officially recognized Jewish-owned businesses as Minority Business Enterprises (“MBE”). This designation, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (“MOU”) between the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce and the Minority Business Development Agency (“MBDA”), enables Jewish entrepreneurs to access a plethora of federal programs, contracts, loans, and grants previously unavailable to them.

Since 1969, the MBDA has provided significant benefits to minority groups such as Hispanics, who make up 19% of the population, African Americans at 15%, and other minority communities, offering access to numerous programs and grants amounting to billions of dollars.  According to statistics published by Brandeis University, Jews make up about 2.4% of the American population, yet until this recent decision Jewish businesses were not previously included in these opportunities.

As part of the MOU signed on January 13, 2025, the federal government is developing a new application process for MBE certification including the exact methods for verifying Jewish heritage. The updated application will no longer require applicants to specify their minority background; instead, verification will occur during the certification process.

Benefits To Jewish Businesses

The MOU will leverage MBDA and OJCC’s collective abilities, networks and assets; helping each other expand the public’s awareness of their priorities, initiatives, and resources available to the Jewish community. This MOU will also help both MBDA and OJCC identify opportunities to participate in conferences, workshops, seminars, and other educational outreach activities.

“The Minority Business Development Agency is excited to collaborate with the Orthodox Jewish community and help break down barriers and expand opportunities for the global Jewish community’s entrepreneurs,” said Eric Morrissette, performing the non-exclusive duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development. “This MOU will help expand access for Jewish businesses and professionals, and the business world at large.”

“The Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce is a tremendous partner, helping to fuel the business creation and growth that are driving forces for the nation’s economy,” said Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves. “The Biden-Harris Administration, the Department of Commerce, and MBDA are committed to ensuring Jewish business and entrepreneurs have access to the resources and opportunities needed to grow their business.”

This MOU is built upon a long history of collaboration between the MBDA and OJCC, centered on fostering economic development, enhancing access to opportunities, and supporting MBEs within the Orthodox Jewish community.

“It’s a tremendous honor to work with leaders like Deputy Secretary Don Graves, Deputy Under Secretary Morrissette, and Joann Hill from MBDA, whose efforts have led to closer and more intentional collaboration between MBDA and OJCC,” said Duvi Honig, Founder & CEO of the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce. “This MOU signing marks a significant opportunity for the Jewish community and is a testament to their outstanding leadership.”

The Big Picture:

The recognition of Jewish-owned businesses as MBEs marks a significant step toward equitable access to resources and opportunities. It acknowledges the unique challenges faced by the Jewish community and provides a framework for fostering growth and resilience among Jewish entrepreneurs across the United States. This MOU signing is a part of an initiative by MBDA to expand overall MBE access to contracts, capital, and to increase participation with various new industries within the public and private sectors for a wide variety of business demographics.

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