Solidarity in action

We are helping close the racial wealth and opportunity gap for black communities across America

As a part of our journey to build an economy that works for everyone, everywhere, we are investing $500M in Black communities over the next five years. We believe in doing well by doing good and as a result are committing to connect 1 billion people to the digital economy by 2025. This pledge is an extension of those efforts, connecting Black businesses to products, services, technology and financial support that will help to close the racial wealth and opportunity gap.

With half of all Black Americans excluded from the financial mainstream and Black-owned small businesses blocked from funding, we’re working to deliver immediate impact for Black communities by focusing on these three areas:

01. Expanding city programs to support black communities
02. Affordable financial tools and services
03. Capital and resources for Black-owned businesses

Browse

Stories, blogs, thought leadership, and more

Podcast

Inside the Circles podcast: The power of HBCUs in closing the Black leadership gap

In Mastercard’s podcast on the future of work, three alumni of HBCUs discuss how the experience shaped them, expanded their networks and gave them opportunities to rise in corporate America.

Story

Black-owned restaurants have supported their neighbors. Now they need help

The heart of Black neighborhoods, these restaurants have struggled during the pandemic. Their closures could leave an outsized hole – but there is hope.

Story

A small D.C. daycare takes its first steps to recovery

Data suggests that Black-owned businesses are less likely to receive PPP loans than white-owned ones. These banking nonprofits are helping Black entrepreneurs get the credit they need.

Story

How DA SPOT NYC pivoted to survive the pandemic

Michelle Cadore opened her boutique to showcase Black designers, who often struggle to get picked up by major retailers. Then she struggled to keep her own business going.

story

How one group of employees is stepping up to help combat racial injustice

Behind the scenes, Kendra Brown and her colleagues are giving racial justice organizations the support they need to create meaningful change in their communities.

blog

The urgency of unlocking capital for underserved businesses

Community development financial institutions have built the relationships that are helping the smallest businesses survive the pandemic – and are working to close the racial wealth gap.