Mastercard Strive

When small business thrive, everyone thrives. As part of the Mastercard Strive ecosystem, it is great to see CARE joining this initiative to bridge the gender finance gap to support women entrepreneurs and small businesses. CARE Women's Entrepreneurship #WEFinanceCode #EmpowerWomen #WomenEntrepreneurs #HerMoneyHerFuture

Meet our Mastercard Strive EU Small Business Council member, Hajdi Cenan, a serial AI entrepreneur and business leader who believes in the potential of AI to enhance the productivity, efficiency, and growth of European small businesses. With her guidance and experience alongside other council members, we will accelerate the development of innovative digital solutions that work for small businesses across the EU. In an era where digital transformation is essential, small businesses deserve their share of this transition to navigate challenges, adapt to market changes, and digitize effectively. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dtAGT9-v #smallbusiness #digitalization #InnovationFund

Our partner in the Dominican Republic, INCAE Business School, is inviting Dominican women entrepreneurs to join our new EMPRO program, which leverages digital tools and financial resources to enhance the digital skills and financial resilience of women-led small businesses. The program promotes Mastercard Strive’s Hora de Crecer e-learning platform to small businesses across the country, benefiting nearly 3,000 of them with actionable tips for business growth. Based on their business readiness, a select group of women-led small businesses will be awarded full scholarships for more intensive training and mentorship to go digital, unlock access to credit, and connect with larger clients. Learn more about the program: https://lnkd.in/eeAmDztN #smallbusiness #digitaltransformation #digitalskills Gabriela Lucke

Technical assistance can come in many forms, and as the pace of technology quickens, the complexity of what it provides is ever-increasing — especially for emerging small businesses. Dr. Penny Smith-Mickey and Kenneth Mickey, the husband-and-wife team behind Memphis’ small-batch gourmet popcorn brand, Mickey’s Popcorn, found themselves at a turning point in their business shortly after launching in 2020. While they had the equipment, recipes, and passion to produce the world’s first and only #Tennessee Whiskey Caramel Popcorn as a licensed manufacturer, they had no way to reach potential customers during the early days of the pandemic. Learn more about how Mastercard #StriveUSA grantee, Accion Opportunity Fund, supports small businesses like Mickey’s Popcorn in reaching new heights: https://bit.ly/4b2PD68 #SmallBusiness #InclusiveGrowth #FinancialInclusion #Memphis 

Innovation is central to the work of Mastercard Strive, and we’ve run four innovation funds to date. Recently, we reflected on some of our biggest insights which helped lead to positive outcomes for our innovation fund winners and small businesses alike, including: ⚫ Strong, pre-established partnerships are central to how organizations engage with small businesses to drive impact. ⚫ High-touch approaches are still needed with micro-enterprises to build trust and engagement. ⚫ Digital upskilling content needs to be relevant, accessible, short, and ideally bundled with digital products and services to generate more meaningful outcomes for small businesses. More here → https://lnkd.in/dn9HvMuB #InclusiveGrowth #SmallBusiness #DigitalSkills

Micro- and small enterprises in the EU constitute about 99% of all business enterprises and employ around 50% of the EU workforce. Promoting innovation and accelerating their digitalization will unlock their full potential to thrive in a digital economy, where emerging technologies drive small business growth and foster a vibrant society. With the collaboration and guidance of partners across the EU, along with expert Small Business Council members like Andrew Cave of ESBA - European Small Business Alliance, the Mastercard Strive EU Innovation Fund will equip European small businesses with the digital solutions they need to go digital, get capital, and access networks and know-how. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dtAGT9-v #smallbusiness #digitaleconomy #innovationfund

Sustainability is becoming increasingly critical for small businesses ♻️. By year-end, it’s expected that 92% of large buyers will require ESG data from their smaller partners. Don't risk falling behind - join Mastercard Strive Innovation Fund winner, Vested Impact, for an essential webinar on measuring and reporting your social and environmental impact. This talk is part of the Lunch and Learn series by Strive partner in the UK, Enterprise Nation. Led by Kimberley Abbott, CEO and Founder of Vested Impact, this session will show you how to enhance your impact reporting, leverage data for informed decision-making, and grow your business while helping the planet. Don't miss this opportunity to align with sustainable development and stay competitive in an evolving market. Get your free ticket to the webinar now! 🗓 Date: Friday 19th July 🕒 Time: 12:00 - 12:30 (BST) To learn more about how Strive and Vested Impact are bringing ESG reporting within reach for small businesses visit our website at: https://lnkd.in/e-dAbBaZ #Sustainability #SmallBusiness #ESG #ImpactReporting

Craft — the second largest employer of women around the world — holds the power to educate children, feed families, build communities, and unite cultures.   Founded in 2006, Nest is a new Mastercard #StriveUSA grantee and has been a leading advocate for the handcraft sector for more than 18 years. They believe in the power of craft to advance gender equity and economic equality, particularly in BIPOC and low-income maker communities.   Nest’s Makers United initiative ensures the craft economy is generating equitable opportunity for all creative entrepreneurs by supporting makers who often face disproportionate barriers to access the tools, resources, and support needed to grow their small businesses. Supported by Strive USA, Nest will create a comprehensive e-commerce-focused #TechnicalAssistance program to serve over 1,500 makers across the U.S., enhancing their online readiness and performance so they can thrive in the digital economy.   Learn more about Nest and how they’re investing in the preservation of important craft traditions in the digital age: https://bit.ly/3xVJnQb     #InclusiveGrowth #FinancialInclusion #SmallBusiness

Have you submitted your application? The #AI2AI Challenge by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and DataDotOrg closes this Thursday, July 18th! The Challenge is seeking #SocialImpact organizations with AI solutions that drive inclusion and economic empowerment. Learn more and submit your application here 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eDXngbgC #AIDrivesImpact #AIforImpact #InclusiveGrowth

Over half of small businesses across Europe expect positive developments ahead and recognize technology as a key driver for expansion. But they're also aware of the challenges that stand in their way, from effectively harnessing AI and cybersecurity to unlocking credit and navigating sustainability demands. The Mastercard Strive EU Innovation Fund will enable European small businesses to overcome these challenges by funding and supporting digital and data-first solutions that meet their needs. The Strive EU Small Business Council, chaired by Mark Barnett, will guide and support this approach through its collective expertise, network, and resources. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dtAGT9-v #smallbusiness #digitalization #financialinclusion