The Secret Ingredients to Thriving Small Businesses
Why did the COVID-19 pandemic cause some businesses to close, while others persisted? Here’s the support economists say small businesses need most.
Our programs
Small businesses make up 99% of all U.S. businesses. Yet half fail within five years—often because they can’t access the capital, tools and networks they need to stay afloat. The small business ecosystem that’s meant to support them is inefficient and fragmented, heightening inequities and stifling growth. Those inequities further stifle striving businesses in underserved communities that are grasping for opportunities.
The Strive USA program, funded by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and implemented by DAI, is designed to provide small businesses with the support they need to achieve sustainable growth and financial resilience.
Over five years, Strive USA aims to connect five million small businesses to resources and networks that enable them to succeed. Ultimately, the goal is even broader: help set into motion a virtuous cycle of inclusive growth across the country.
Strive USA brings together financial service providers, small business support organizations and tech platforms to empower small businesses to overcome three common roadblocks:
Our initial partners include:
BeyGOOD
BeyGOOD believes in a society where everyone has an opportunity to prosper. They focus on economic equity by supporting marginalized and under-resourced programs, and are committed to serving people through educational scholarships, the advocacy of internships, and access to resources for advancing entrepreneurship and small business sustainability. BeyGOOD is also the lead sponsor and organizer of the Black Parade Route, a program that celebrates and supports Black entrepreneurs in cities across the United States through grants, technical assistance, and media visibility.
CNote
CNote is a women-led impact platform that uses technology to unlock diversified community investments to increase economic mobility and financial inclusion. CNote makes it easy for institutions and individuals to invest in the economic prosperity of financially underserved communities across America. These investments help women and people of color start businesses, construct affordable housing, create jobs, and fund other community-centered projects.
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) is a national non-profit organization with a mission to improve lives and strengthen communities through innovative financial solutions. A leading Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), CRF supports mission-driven organizations, increases economic mobility, and builds strong local economies through the development of solutions in pursuit of a just economy that works for all.
Inclusiv
Founded in 1974, Inclusiv empowers its member credit unions to advance financial inclusion through advocacy, education, technology, and impact investment. Inclusiv is a certified CDFI intermediary instrumental in driving private and public investment in credit unions to build wealth for individuals, households, businesses, and communities formerly excluded from the financial mainstream.
Momentus Capital
Momentus Capital is transforming how capital and investments flow into communities to provide people access to the capital and opportunities they deserve. Through their family of mission-driven organizations including Capital Impact Partners, CDC Small Business Finance, and Ventures Lending Technologies, they are working to reinvent traditional financial systems that have failed to address systemic issues of inequality, economic empowerment, and the widening racial wealth gap.
Next Street
Next Street designs and develops solutions to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with the right resources at the right time, with a focus on small businesses facing disproportionate barriers. With a proven track record of nearly 20 years, an ongoing commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization, and an extensive network of small business advocates, operators and investors, Next Street is accelerating the impact of institutions and advisors on small businesses and providing millions of business owners with the experts, tools, and capital they need to thrive.
Our Village United
Our Village United supports the growth of Black solopreneurs and microbusinesses by delivering targeted technical assistance and shared professional services that empower business owners to grow their operations and scale their businesses. Dedicated to serving the whole business, Our Village United not only focuses on the health of the business, but also the health of the business owner by partnering with licensed wellness coaches and mental health practitioners to serve as mentors to small businesses.
“Small businesses need opportunities and resources to grow their business. That’s why we’re connecting business owners to capital, technology and information to help small businesses and their communities thrive.”
Shamina Singh
President and Founder of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
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