Better practices based on better evidence

Insights

A synthesis of evidence and analysis from around the globe on how to most effectively support small business growth

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Delve into actionable insights gleaned from Mastercard Strive’s own programs, and beyond. We are passionate about advancing this field, so that small businesses can be better supported by all of us. Search our insights library to find the latest insights or browse topics below.

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Capacity Building

The capacity of a small business can be strengthened through training, engagement with mentors or peers, and outsourcing. We explore how small businesses can build the capabilities they need to grow.

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Financial Services

Access to financial services is not enough to drive impact. We explore how to promote the meaningful use of relevant and affordable digital financial services that truly meet the nuanced needs of small businesses.

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Market Participation

Digital transformation has changed how businesses reach customers. Digital platforms enable more efficient transactions with larger pools of buyers and suppliers. We explore how small businesses can participate in digital marketplaces more effectively.

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Business Operations

Digitizing processes can not only save small businesses time. It can also unlock data that can be used for improved decision-making and access to financial services. See our articles on this topic in our insights library.

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Latest Insight articles

Small business, big change: How are women small business owners going digital in their own way?

This blog post is by Renata Żukowska and Emilia Bartosiewicz-Brożyna from Fundacja LBC Business Women Foundation (LBC).
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Digging deeper roots in a time of change: Looking back on our work supporting small businesses in…

Digging deeper roots in a time of change: Looking back on our work supporting small businesses in 2025 By Sandy Fernandez 2025 has reshaped the U.
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Catalytic capital at work: Scaling rural commerce through WMSEs

By Subhashini (Shuba) Chandran, senior vice president, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, and Leena Datwani, senior advisor, She Leads Bharat:Udyam She Leads Bharat: Udyam (SLB:U), a Mastercard Strive initiative implemented by Frontier Markets in collaboration with Airtel Payments Bank, aims to diversify and elevate the incomes of rural women-owned micro and small enterprises (MSEs) through a technology platform.
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Entrepreneurship and philanthropy in times of change: How more flexible capital can help fix the…

Entrepreneurship and philanthropy in times of change: How more flexible capital can help fix the small business financing gap Philanthropic funding has always played an important role in the small business sector, from helping to de-risk public and private sector investments to supporting early-stage (and still unproven) new innovations.
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Driving EU innovation and market success: The importance of partnerships

In todays dynamic and competitive European market, innovation is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
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Launching the new MARTA Soft POS for small businesses in Uzbekistan: Customer experiences and…

Launching the new MARTA Soft POS for small businesses in Uzbekistan: Customer experiences and lessons learned This blog post is written by Accion and MayaSoft.
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