
Driving innovative solutions for small businesses: Reflections from our first Strive Innovation Fund
Digital technology plays a big role in supporting the resilience and growth of small businesses around the world.

Digital technology plays a big role in supporting the resilience and growth of small businesses around the world.

This post is part of a series on our findings from Mastercard Strives Small Business Digital Evidence Map.

This guest post is co-authored by Kim Abbott, CEO and founder of Vested Impact, and Rosie Afia-Ford at Caribou Digital.
Today, Mastercard launched its latest Strive Innovation Fund.
New Strive EU grants fund AI solutions helping small businesses boost productivity, access finance, improve customer engagement, and stay competitive in Europe’s digital economy.

This is the first blog of two highlighting the winners of our innovation fund.

This post is part of a series on our findings from Strive Communitys Small Business Digital Evidence Map.

This post is part of a series on our findings from Strive Communitys Small Business Digital Evidence Map.

The following is a guest post written by Ika Rodriguez from ChatGenie, an organization that enables businesses to sell within the worlds biggest apps.

Strive Innovation Fund winners are reshaping small business support by integrating technology, partnerships, and new digital solutions across the ecosystem.

EU firms that adopted digital tools during COVID-19 performed better, but a widening digital divide shows more funding, skills training, and support are urgently needed.

Small businesses are exploring Web3, NFTs, and the Metaverse to stay competitive, driving demand for advanced digital skills and updated small business support.

A new Strive report explores how digital tools are transforming small business support and highlights five key ways organizations can scale impact together.

A global study shows small businesses accelerated digital adoption during COVID-19, with smartphones and social media driving the shift to online sales and marketing.

Corner stores are becoming key to the digital economy. Investment is rising, but inclusive growth will require partnerships and digital skills to truly empower small retailers.

Women-owned small businesses adopted digital tools faster during COVID-19, but lower tech investment risks widening the long-term gender gap in digital transformation.
