Mastercard Unveils New Cohort of Small Business Fund Recipients

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Ten women-owned small businesses receive a $10,000 grant, mentorship and resources to drive business success TORONTO, June 16, 2026 /CNW/ - Today, Mastercard announced its latest recipients of the Mastercard Small Business Fund. Now in its fourth year, the program supports women-owned small businesses by providing critical resources to help them scale and succeed. Awarded with a $10,000 grant, access to resources to fuel business growth and a Priceless experience in Toronto offering expert mentorship, community building opportunities, and actionable insights, the initiative is designed to help small businesses build for tomorrow. "As a supporter of small businesses in Canada, Mastercard understands that success is not built alone — it's fueled by strong networks, shared ambition and a community that lifts one another up," said Nishant Raina, Vice President, Small and Medium Enterprises, Mastercard, Canada. "That's why we're committed to supporting small business owners with long-standing initiatives like the Small Business Fund, providing the capital, resources and access to infrastructure they need to face challenges and meet their fullest potential." Small businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy, employing 5.8 million individuals and consistently contributing roughly 50% of the private sector GDP1. Yet, in today's evolving economic landscape, small businesses face unprecedented complexities. This is especially true for women small business owners, who remain disproportionately underfunded and receive only 4% of all venture capital funding in Canada.2 That said, they need more than just financial support, requiring access to the right expertise, secure digital networks and resources. The Mastercard Small Business Fund integrates recipients into a broader ecosystem of cybersecurity support, digital enablement resources and partners to fuel growth. Where connections become communityRecipients are brought together for a Priceless Experience in Toronto, where a curated program is designed to deliver targeted insights and foster meaningful connections with peers, Mastercard experts, and industry partners. Equally important, the experience creates a powerful network of women-led businesses, built on shared knowledge, mutual support, and a collective commitment to innovation. Since 2022, the Mastercard Small ...

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