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Small and Medium Sized Enterprises

Powering local economies

Enabling the public sector to help SMEs, including micro enterprises, manage payments, digitalize operations and access capital to empower people while powering global economies.

Plant shop small business owner.

When SMEs succeed, economies thrive

Investing in small businesses is essential for sustainable economic growth.

SMEs are the driving force for the global economy

SMEs are the lifeblood of economies virtually everywhere. Our innovative solutions help them, and their communities, grow and thrive.

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Governments play a critical role in SME digitalization

Through innovation and collaboration, governments have an opportunity to play an important role in informing, digitizing, equipping and strengthening SMEs throughout their journey.

Carpenter in workshop using laptop.

We have more than doubled the share of cashless payments in the number of retail payments in Poland and we have also doubled the acceptance network.

Joanna Erdman President, Cashless Poland Foundation

Measuring our impact

Cashless payments support SME growth, the economy and consumer choice.

$25b

worth of transactions facilitated by the Cashless Poland Program

465k+

merchants participated in the program since launch

90%

of merchants have continued accepting digital payments beyond supported period

Supporting SMEs and sustainable economies

Mastercard’s suite of innovative small business solutions help governments promote thriving economies.

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Data services

Data, insights and expertise to help public sector organizations better understand and meet a variety of key SME needs.

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Mastercard Economics Institute

Tailored and actionable insights on economic issues for public sector organizations, policymakers and partners.

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Entrepreneur’s Odyssey

Free online education platform that arms entrepreneurs with key skills and concepts for a successful and resilient business.

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SME-in-a-Box

One-stop, customizable solution that helps SMEs digitalize business payments, receivables and operations.

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Mastercard Business Cards

Better manage business payments and enjoy increased purchasing flexibility, control and benefits.

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Digital Payment Acceptance

Help SMEs grow their business with frictionless digital solutions to receive payments across in-person, mobile and online channels.

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Trust Center

Provide centralized access to free cybersecurity education, resources and tools designed to help secure keep SMEs’ cyber ecosystems safe.

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My Cyber Risk

Enables small businesses to proactively monitor and identify cyber security risks before they can be exploited.

Featured resources

Helping the public sector digitalize vital services

We act as a partner and problem solver for governments across the globe.

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Government Revenue Collections

We help governments transform the way they collect public revenues to create streamlined, intuitive and citizen-centric 
e-government services.

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Disbursements

We digitalize government-to-consumer disbursements to efficiently deliver payments and ensure a basic level of welfare for citizens in need.

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Procurement

We use payment technologies and data insights to help governments streamline their procurement process and deliver greater transparency to taxpayers.

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Urban Mobility

Mastercard solutions enable urban residents to move through cities efficiently, seamlessly and sustainably.

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Tourism

Mastercard’s solutions help tourism stakeholders understand, attract, enhance and measure the traveler experience in their destinations.

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Cybersecurity

Mastercard cybersecurity solutions help governments safeguard their platforms, digital transactions and ecosystem, providing protection against fraud and cybercrime.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mastercard’s role in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the public sector?

As the economic engine within our communities, Mastercard works with governments around the globe to foster innovation, sustainability and inclusion - to help SMEs build, grow and protect their business. Together, we help SMEs pay, get paid, access capital, simplify and digitize their daily operations.

Are there specific tools or platforms designed for small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) digital enablement?

Yes. From payment solutions to business operations and cybersecurity tools, Mastercard supports small business owners with a variety of solutions. Additionally, through our education programs, such as Digital Doors or Strive, Mastercard connects local small businesses with resources, funding and a network of partners.

What benefits do small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gain from digital enablement?

In partnership with Mastercard and local government agencies, SMEs can gain access to secure payment solutions, working capital, digital tools, and financial literacy programs. These benefits help to formalize businesses, improve cash flow, and foster long-term growth and resilience.

How does Mastercard partner with the public sector to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)?

Mastercard enables government engagement with SMEs through scalable solutions, platforms and partnerships to help:

  • Inform: Provide analytics and insights to support the design of policies and programs and help diagnose economic health.
  • Digitalize: Government-SME interactions across disbursements, procurement, and collections.
  • Equip: SMEs with solutions to help them pay, get paid, access capital and digitalize operations.
  • Strengthen: Support the ecosystem by promoting spend at local SMEs, and nurturing fintechs and startups.

Does Mastercard offer advisory services for governments to support small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) development?

Yes. Mastercard provides data-driven insights and advisory services to help governments design SME initiatives, measure economic impact, and implement programs that foster inclusion and growth.