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Inclusion

Building an Inclusive U.S. Economy
 

The only sustainable economy is an inclusive economy

Over the last year it’s become clear that the wellbeing of our people, our economy, and our planet are all interconnected. We need to ensure that our increasingly digital world is one that drives inclusion, not divides. 

We’re applying the best of our resources, partnering across governments, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, to advance economic opportunity for all.

Hear from our experts on the challenges and opportunities ahead, as we build towards a more inclusive and sustainable digital economy.  

01. Inclusive Technology

Increasing digital inclusion and financial security for all

02. Inclusive Commerce

Assisting underserved small businesses to recover and grow

03. Inclusive Opportunity

Helping close the racial wealth and opportunity gaps

04. Inclusive Cities

Partnering to assist cities through an inclusive recovery

Download

Fact Sheet

The challenges and opportunities for building a more inclusive U.S. economy.

01
Inclusive Technology


We need a digital economy that works for everyone. Mastercard is innovating to ensure everyone has access to financial tools and solutions that meet their day to day needs and the opportunity to pay and get paid securely and simply, with the goal of reaching 1 billion people globally by 2025.

video

How Mastercard technology helped L.A. reach its most vulnerable Angelenos during COVID-19

In Los Angeles, a cause-based donation campaign and emergency financial assistance card helped raise and distribute over $35MM in aid to help put the most vulnerable Angelenos back on their feet admist the COVID-19 pandemic. 

blog
How I became the investor of my dreams

Empowering businesses owned by women of color makes the economy stronger, says Arian Simone, the co-founder of Fearless Fund.
Story
Helping kids save money and build financial confidence, $1 at a time

‘You can’t live the dream if you don’t speak the language,” says Tanya Van Court, whose Goalsetter app brings financial literacy to children, particularly children of color.
Blog
Economic mobility requires benefits that move with workers

In the U.S., the rise of the gig economy, along with COVID-related job losses, has left many without traditional benefits and the flexibility to move benefits across jobs. Reimagining this complex network can bring financial security.
Story
If every day was payday: Making the gig economy work smarter

Providing gig workers with fast, on-demand access to their earnings can improve their financial resilience in times of need and enable a more sustainable future for the gig economy.
Story
An #LALOVE Story: How the city got aid to its most vulnerable citizens in 8 days

As the enormity of the COVID-19 pandemic took hold, the City of Los Angeles needed to help its most vulnerable citizens. Here's how Mastercard and a non-profit helped L.A. launch a relief program in 8 days.
Story
Helping the unbanked and others receive their stimulus money

The millions of unbanked Americans due to receive stimulus money may have to wait weeks for their checks, and then they will lose a percentage through fees when they cash it. Digital payments can change that.

02
Inclusive Commerce


When the pandemic first hit, 60% of small businesses were not using electronic payments and 22 percent of all SMEs closed down. Mastercard has committed $250 million over five years to support small businesses in the U.S so they have the tools, resources and capital necessary to succeed digitally, while staying protected.

video

Closing the opportunity gap

Meet CNote, the fintech trying to close the investment gap, by giving entrepreneurs the chance they deserve. Mastercard’s relationship with CNote is aimed at increasing investment in underserved areas, proving it’s possible to invest both ethically and successfully.  

Presented by Mastercard and Innovate Finance

video

Helping women entrepreneurs survive and thrive in the digital economy

Small business owned by women of color have been particularly hard-hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and economic fallout. These Black women business owners are weathering the pandemic through more equitable access to capital and digital tools. 

Press Release

Mastercard recognizes women’s small business month, expanding partnership with impact investment platform CNote

Learn more
Press Release

Is your business ready for the digital future? Mastercard launches Small Business Digital Readiness Diagnostic to help businesses go digital

Learn more
Press Release

Mastercard commits $250 million to support small business’ financial security

Learn more
Press Release

Mastercard expands ShopOpenings.com, delivering a search tool that identifies what stores near you are open for business

Learn more

03
Inclusive Opportunity


The U.S. financial system has systemically disadvantaged and excluded Black communities. And the lack of access to basic financial services for families and businesses means Black communities have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic. Mastercard has committed $500 million to help close the racial wealth and opportunity gaps, starting in seven cities.   

video

Solidarity in action

Mastercard is focused on closing the racial wealth and opportunity gap across America. We're starting in cities across America, unlocking financial opportunity for more than 1 million residents.

Blog

The economic costs of structural racism are too high to ignore

Blog by Marla Blow, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
Read
Letter

In solidarity: Standing against racism and advancing equal opportunity for all

Learn more
Press Release

Mastercard pledges $500 million to help close racial wealth and opportunity gap for Black communities across America

Learn more

04
Inclusive Cities


Local governments have had to accelerate their digital agendas to support recovery efforts. Mastercard is working with 200+ cities across the U.S. to: Enable financial aid disbursements; provide data science expertise to help channel investments to underserved communities; provide cybersecurity and fraud assistance; and increase access to vital city programs.

Video
Sam Liccardo, Mayor of San Jose
Making tech work for the people of San Jose
Watch
Video
Wole Coaxum, CEO MoCaFi
Improving experience for people & driving efficiency for cities with City Key
Watch
Video
Kirk Caldwell, Mayor of Honolulu
Making tech work for people & advancing equality
Watch
Video
Eric Garcetti, Mayor of Los Angeles
Bridging the digital divide through the power of partnership
Watch
Podcast
In Atlanta, making sure a massive public transit investment benefits everyone

On Mastercard’s ‘Fortune Favors the Bold’ podcast, a self-proclaimed transit nerd and an urban designer discuss how to make Atlanta a city where where everyone can thrive.
Story
Why inclusive cities aren’t just smart ones: Centering equity in technological innovation

Two new tools from the Urban Institute can help cities ensure technology narrows, not deepens, divides.
Story
The Inclusive Growth Toolkit helps Erie rebuild

A novel tool from the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth helps drive investment to overlooked, underinvested areas.

contact

Get in touch for more information on these programs or partnerships

Caroline Niven
Vice President, Global Communications
caroline.niven@mastercard.com

Sarah Ely
Vice President, North America Communications
sarah.ely@mastercard.com