Mastercard Strive in India Reaches 15 Lakh MSMEs and Individuals

Mumbai, September 3, 2026: Mastercard Strive in India has reached more than 15 lakh (1.5 million) small businesses and individuals, supporting their access to digital tools, finance, markets and business networks as they participate in the digital economy.

Developed by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, the social impact initiative focuses on helping small businesses strengthen their financial health and build their economic potential. Since its launch in India in 2021, the initiative has worked with NGOs, social enterprises, financial institutions and industry bodies to provide support tailored to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

More than 800,000 micro enterprises across agriculture, manufacturing, retail and rural services have accessed digital tools and financial services through the initiative. Women-led or women-owned businesses account for 60% of these enterprises. Mastercard said its Strive initiative and complementary programmes have also facilitated more than $150 million in credit for small businesses.

The initiative operates through five flagship programmes. Rural Women Chambers of Commerce (RWCC), implemented with Mann Deshi Foundation, has supported more than 22,000 women entrepreneurs. Digital Saksham, delivered with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), has helped over 300,000 micro and small enterprises build digital capabilities.

She Leads Bharat: Udyam, in partnership with Frontier Markets and Airtel Payments Bank, has supported more than 100,000 women entrepreneurs as last-mile connectors. Akanksha, implemented with Haqdarshak, has built a network of women nano-entrepreneurs who have connected over 920,000 MSEs, agri-entrepreneurs and citizens with government schemes, financial services and market opportunities. MANDI, delivered with ACCESS Development Services, has supported more than 150,000 agri-entrepreneurs.

“India’s next phase of economic growth will be shaped by the strength and resilience of its small businesses. As digital technologies become increasingly central to commerce, ensuring that entrepreneurs can access the capabilities, networks, and financial tools needed to participate fully in the economy is both an inclusion imperative and a growth opportunity. Having reached over 15 lakh enterprises and people, Mastercard Strive in India shows how purposeful partnerships can help deliver meaningful impact at scale and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat,” said Gautam Aggarwal, President, India & South Asia, Mastercard.

“The future of inclusive growth depends on whether small businesses can access and participate in the digital economy,” said Subhashini Chandran, Senior Vice President, Social Impact, APEMEA, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. “Mastercard Strive in India shows that with the right support, entrepreneurs can build resilience, unlock new opportunities and drive lasting change for their families and communities around them. This moves us closer to our commitment to connect and protect 500 million people and small businesses on their pathways to financial health by 2030.”