Mastercard Strive Czechia
Explore a curated collection of articles, insights, news, updates, and programs reflecting key developments and initiatives across Mastercard Strive Czechia. Stay informed on the perspectives and priorities shaping the region's evolving landscape.
Our focus
Supporting sustainable growth for small businesses in the region
Through a digital and data-first approach, we work with partners to equip entrepreneurs with practical tools, access to capital, and trusted networks that help them navigate an evolving economy. By meeting small businesses where they are, we strengthen their operations, expand their market participation, and unlock inclusive growth in communities in the region.
Our approach
Empowering small businesses to overcome common roadblocks
Get capital
By funding community financial institutions including local banks, minority depository institutions, and credit unions, we make it easier for businesses to get the funding they need, when and where they need it.
Go digital
We connect small businesses with mission-driven technology partners and essential digital tools that eliminate bottlenecks and enable access to lending and investment.
Grow networks and know-how
Through local and national partnerships, we connect small businesses with expert organizations to develop new skills and grow their capabilities.
Our programs
Redamp.io: Redefining cybersecurity for small businesses to grow and become more resilient
Enabling small businesses to bolster their cybersecurity with an affordable, cloud-based and user-friendly platform.
Mastercard Strive in Czechia: supporting 250,000 small businesses to succeed in the digital economy
How is Mastercard Strive in Czechia supporting 250 000 small businesses to help them succeed in the digital economy.
Become a partner
Interested in being a partner for change?
Together we can empower millions of small businesses globally with innovative digital solutions that boost resilience, growth, and inclusion. Your organization's expertise can help bring impactful programs to scale, deepen local reach, and create meaningful change in the small business ecosystem. Be part of a vibrant partner community driving real economic impact.
Report
Digitalization of small and micro enterprises in the region
Tailored support is needed to advance the digitalization of MSEs, with regional ecosystems – comprising universities, innovation centers, and local entities – playing a crucial role. While EU and central government funding exists, regional collaboration ensures effective implementation. MSEs with growth ambitions benefit most from digital tools for marketing and process efficiency. Insights from selected Czech regions highlight disparities, emphasizing the need for localized strategies and motivation.
Report
Striving to thrive Part 3: Czech MSEs in 2024
A closer look at how MSEs access, use and think about financing: A closer look at how MSEs access, use, and think about financing, highlighting the need to build financial awareness, simplify access to finance, and develop gender-responsive financial products to improve growth and resilience for Czech micro and small businesses.
Report
Striving to thrive Part 2: Czech micro and small enterprises in 2023
A closer look at technology, gender, and perceptions of MSEs: Support from public and private institutions is required to enhance trust in technology, improve status of business owners, and to deal with unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs.
Report
Striving to thrive: The state of Czech micro and small enterprises in 2022
Throughout the Czech economy, digitalization is a trend that is here to stay. However, the benefits of digitalization have not been equally realized.
Report
Entrepreneurship as a man's world? The utilization of competences in entrepreneurship of self-employed women and women micro-entrepreneurs in the Czech Republic
Women entrepreneurs face challenges in balancing work and caregiving, perceive lower prestige in running a business than men, seek more public support, and define success beyond financial gains.
News & updates
Breaking the debt barrier: New research explores external financing in Czech entrepreneurship
This post is written by Eva Lacinová, the Social Impact Manager at the Center for Inclusive Growth.
