Mastercard Strive

Refresh and refocus. These two themes anchored the second annual Mastercard Strive USA grantee convening in Detroit, a program of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, where our partners gathered last week to reflect on the crosscurrents shaping today’s U.S. #SmallBusiness landscape. Over two days, more than 50 participants from 25+ partner organizations reconnected, shared what they’re experiencing on the ground, and discussed the shifts they think are necessary for small businesses to strengthen their resilience and grow in 2026. Highlights included learning from local ecosystem builders about their work in #Detroit, joining workshops on resilient communications and strategic foresight, dyeing fabrics with a local artisan entrepreneur, and, perhaps most importantly, countless side discussions that surfaced meaningful insights, learnings, and hopes for the road ahead. To all our partners, thank you for the perspective, candor, and momentum you brought to Detroit — and to the broader Mastercard Strive USA network. 

Micro- and small businesses are the backbone of Europe’s economy and vital to its digital and green transitions, yet many still face barriers to digitalization and sustainability. Our new report explores how EU-based Innovators are helping close this gap with tailored, affordable, and practical digital solutions—and what they need to grow their impact. ⚫ 84% of Europe’s micro-businesses see digitalization as critical, yet 41% lack the capacity to adopt tools, and 32% find them too complex. ⚫ Innovators are stepping up but face challenges in accessing funding, navigating regulations, and forming strategic partnerships. ⚫ Funders, policymakers, and ecosystem stakeholders should expand funding pathways, improve matchmaking with strategic partners, and align regulatory frameworks to help Innovators reach the micro-businesses that need it most. Grounded in the real-world experiences of Mastercard Strive EU Innovation Fund winners, the report’s insights point to concrete actions for building a more inclusive and competitive European economy. Dive into the report: https://lnkd.in/dE2RgyPB Fagura, Idea Morph, Cresco Cybersecurity, Lupasafe, Redamp.io, Luca by Valerian Funds, Bizcuit, It Goes Forward, tilt, Ragna - AI Sustainability Advisor for small businesses, IVÆKST Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Caribou #InnovationFund #DigitalSolutions #InclusiveGrowth

Last chance to apply! The application period for the 2025 Mastercard Strive USA #InnovationFund closes this Friday, November 21. We’re seeking innovative AI and digital solutions that help #SmallBusinesses simplify daily operations, reduce complexity, and build durable #FinancialHealth. Learn more and apply here: bit.ly/4ho3it9 Mastercard Strive USA is a program from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

Digital payment acceptance is transforming how small businesses operate and grow. For small businesses, especially in rural, cash-dominant areas, simple and affordable digital payment solutions can be incredibly impactful. They streamline operations, reduce cash-handling risks, expand customer base, and open new opportunities for sales and profitability. Mastercard Strive is working with partners worldwide, including Mercy Corps Indonesia, MayaSoft JSC, and Accion, to unlock access to these tools, and provide the skills, support, and guidance small businesses need to adopt and grow with digital payments. Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, Natasha Jamal, Ade Soekadis, Nodir Badriddinov #PaymentAcceptance #DigitalEconomy #InclusiveGrowth

Join us on November 19 for our faiVLive webinar introducing the Small Firm Diaries USA. Through a discussion with expert panelists, we’ll also explore how the shifting U.S. business landscape—from policy changes to economic pressures—is affecting the smallest employer firms in low-income areas. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gXiWFqDb #faiVLive #financialinclusion #smallfirmdiaries #smallbusiness #financialaccess Barbara Magnoni Timothy Ogden Laura Freschi Jonathan Morduch Mastercard Strive Sandy Fernández SFD USA is funded by Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, JPMorganChase, and The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program.

Smarter and faster access to finance, right where small businesses need it. Learn more about our program with Fagura in Romania. Their AI-powered credit scoring widget provides real-time credit assessments to help small businesses secure working capital faster and more efficiently: https://lnkd.in/dfGydK-t Plinschi Catalina Tudor Darie

“Bridges don’t hold unless they are supported.” That idea came up again and again at the sixth Mastercard Strive USA Summit in #Alabama, a program of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Leaders from across the state discussed how economic growth and new investment are creating opportunities — and challenges — for small businesses. From Birmingham to Gee’s Bend, they explored what it takes to bridge gaps, coordinate action, and build an ecosystem that works for every entrepreneur in Alabama. Read more here: https://bit.ly/491UcjR #SmallBusiness #InclusiveGrowth #FinancialHealth

With the MARTA point-of-sale app, micro and small businesses in Uzbekistan are unlocking faster, easier, and more flexible ways to get paid — using just their smartphones. In partnership with MayaSoft JSC, Mastercard Strive is helping bring this solution to scale. In just 10 months, over 14,000 small businesses have adopted MARTA, with strong retention driven by human-led onboarding and localized support. See what we’ve learned so far from local merchants:. https://lnkd.in/dbMuyVei  This Mastercard Strive program in Uzbekistan is delivered by Accion and Caribou Nodir Badriddinov #SmallBusiness #DigitalPayments #FinancialInclusion

Interested in applying to the 2025 Mastercard Strive USA Innovation Fund but want to learn more? Join our upcoming Q&A webinar this Thursday, November 6th from 3–4 pm ET / 6-7 pm PT for an overview of the fund’s goals, eligibility, and application process — with time for live questions. Register here: https://bit.ly/4nwqln3 The 2025 Mastercard Strive USA Innovation Fund seeks impactful AI and digital solutions that help small businesses simplify daily operations, reduce complexity, and build durable financial health. Mastercard Strive USA is a program from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. #InnovationFund #SmallBusiness #FinancialHealth

Impact starts with strong partnerships. At Mastercard Strive, we’ve seen firsthand how local partners make the difference through trust-building and tailored support. They know what works best (and what doesn’t) for small businesses and communities, and how to build the trust needed to drive their adoption of new digital tools and resources. Read how, in partnership with Mercy Corps Indonesia, we’re working with local partners to make that happen: https://lnkd.in/dKsbinBJ #SmallBusiness #Digitalization #DigitalEconomy #InclusiveGrowth Nur Hasan National Council for Financial Inclusion of Indonesia