# Building thriving communities through economic inclusion

Lives change when underserved small and micro businesses gain access to the global economy.

[View Impact Report](https://corporate.visa.com/en/sites/visa-foundation/impact-report.html)

## Financial inclusion fuels the future

By providing women-owned and other underserved entrepreneurs with access to capital, digital skills and financial skills, Visa Foundation helps empower businesses that form the backbone of economies worldwide.

## Supporting small businesses benefits everyone

When underserved entrepreneurs gain business skills, access to capital and greater chances for growth, the positive effects ripple across communities.

## They’re an economic force

They’re the majority + 90 % More than 9 out of 10 businesses worldwide are small businesses.

**They’re the majority**  
+90%  
More than 9 out of 10 businesses worldwide are small businesses.

They’re job creators + 70 % Small businesses provide more than half of the world’s employment.

**They’re job creators**  
+70%  
Small businesses provide more than half of the world’s employment.

They’re income generators 50 % In emerging economies, small businesses create $2.50 out of every $5 in GDP.

**They’re income generators**  
50%  
In emerging economies, small businesses create $2.50 out of every $5 in GDP.

## Underserved entrepreneurs have many avenues for growth

Critical services deficit 1/3 Globally, only a third of businesses are owned by women.

**Critical services deficit**  
1/3  
Globally, only a third of businesses are owned by women.

Financial services disparity 70 % Most women-owned small businesses lack adequate access to financial services.

**Financial services disparity**  
70%  
Most women-owned small businesses lack adequate access to financial services.

Venture funding gap 0.03 % For every $100 in venture capital funding, Black female founders receive just 3 cents.

**Venture funding gap**  
0.03%  
For every $100 in venture capital funding, Black female founders receive just 3 cents.

* * *

## Paving paths to economic mobility

Here are some of the organizations we partner with to help women-owned and other underserved small businesses transform their futures.

### GRANTS  Women’s World Banking

Partnering with trusted organizations to deliver business skills and education that can power growth.

### GRANTS AND INVESTMENTS COMBINED  Root Capital

Providing direct access to capital and resources that help small businesses get ahead.

**INVESTMENTS**

### California Rebuilding Fund

Giving loans, advisory services and opportunity to small businesses that have historically been underserved.

- [Learn about California Rebuilding Fund](https://corporate.visa.com/en/supporting-info/visa-foundation/partner-spotlight-california-rebuilding-fund.html)

**INVESTMENTS**

### Elevar Equity

Creating more equitable access to products and services that are essential for household growth.

- [Learn about Elevar Equity](https://corporate.visa.com/en/supporting-info/visa-foundation/partner-spotlight-elevar-equity.html)

## Impact Report

See how and where grants and investments from Visa Foundation are making a real difference.

[View Impact Report](https://corporate.visa.com/en/sites/visa-foundation/impact-report.html)  
[Contact Visa Foundation](mailto:visafoundation@visa.com)

## More good from Visa Foundation

### Humanitarian assistance

Delivering resources, support and care in times of crisis.

[Explore the programs](https://corporate.visa.com/en/sites/visa-foundation/humanitarian-assistance.html)

### Visa Foundation Gives

Dedicating long-term support to causes in communities where Visa employees live and work.

[See more on Visa Foundation Gives](https://corporate.visa.com/en/sites/visa-foundation/corporate-grants.html)

### Visa Foundation Matches

Empowering Visa employees to make a bigger difference when they give.

[Learn about Visa Foundation Matches](https://corporate.visa.com/en/sites/visa-foundation/employee-matching.html)