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

HeroMobile.jpg

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.

capacity-building-eyeem-100103007-186812984-thumb.jpg

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.

View Topic
fin-serv-eyeem-100103007-188158853-thumb.jpg

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.

View Topic
market-participation-eyeem-100103007-139236421-thumb.jpg

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.

View Topic
business.jpg

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.

View Topic

Latest Insight articles

8 lessons on driving digital adoption of embedded services for small businesses

This blog post was written by Kseniia Glashkina, Chief Product Officer, and Marcus Schuite, Head of Marketing, at Bizcuit.
Read the article

The network effect: Inside the CDFI networks and associations powering U.S. small business growth

By Araba Sapara-Grant Small businesses need capital to launch and scale their ideas.
Read the article

Building intuitive chatbots for small businesses: The paradoxes of Luca AI

This blog post is written by Eric Bidinger, co-founder and CEO of Luca AI by Valerian, in partnership with the Mastercard Strive EU program.
Read the article

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).
Read the article

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.
Read the article

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.
Read the article