Visa

One of the keys to accelerating financial inclusion and building a more equitable digital economy is to enable minority-owned businesses to scale. And one of the fastest ways to do that is through partnerships with a global network like Visa. At the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute (VEEI), we’re committed to providing research and insights on important issues related to inclusive economic policy. Our reports cover topics like what women-owned businesses need to unlock growth and how to empower Black and Brown-owned banks. Read more of our latest stories here.

What will it take for small businesses to recover and thrive in the post-pandemic world? Based on new research from the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute, which surveyed more than 1,000 small businesses across the U.S. and Mexico, the key is digitization. We need public-private collaboration to help increase internet connectivity, provide technical assistance with digital commerce and cybersecurity, and support digital payments. Learn more about how we believe strategic policymaking can make a big difference, and how Visa is committed to fostering digital inclusion for small businesses.

Digitization enables almost everything now, from ecommerce to telehealth to remote work. What does that mean for small businesses in developing countries? Simply said, they need open global networks to grow. Increasingly, merchants around the world are benefiting from connecting with each other, suppliers, and customers in faraway markets. That’s why our latest paper from the Visa Economic Empowerment Institute focuses on ways to foster openness and make global networks work for everyone.

When Zoe Marshall decided to switch careers in her forties and become a fishmonger, she was scared. After leaving her job of 23 years, Zoe was forced to pivot in order to keep her family's home. Despite challenges, she forged ahead, opening Sea-Licious. Accepting Visa payments in her fishmonger shop, this access to commerce helps Zoe provide convenience to her customers and confidence in their transactions. Though she's one of the only women in the fish market each morning, her business and its place in the local community are flourishing with Visa's help.

Learn more about Zoe and her story.

Commerce today looks different than it used to. It's not all 9-to-5s and bimonthly paychecks, and gig workers need fast, flexible access to their money. Visa is the invisible engine operating behind the scenes, enabling leading apps that gig workers already use to take on jobs and complete tasks and helping dog walkers, personal shoppers, drivers, delivery workers, and more get paid. So buyers can send money seamlessly, and workers can get their wages as they earn them. Meet Visa. A network working to make every day payday.

Learn more about Visa Direct here.