Innovation

Supporting the big potential of small businesses, everywhere

Entrepreneurs share stories, Visa shares resources whether you are starting, running or growing your business

SMB Hub female entrepreneur smiles at the door of her business.

When Benson Wang, co-founder of Serious Leisure Hospitality, had to shutter his restaurants during COVID-19 he offered barbecue kits online so his customers could make their own meals. Mestiza New York co-founder Louisa Rechter and the Mestiza team hosted online fashion illustration classes for customers to stay connected to their following during quarantine. WESTCA Gym co-founder Tory Woodward and his wife Meaghan Karabatsos created virtual workout routines to keep members active while sheltering-in-place.

 

  

Visa supports the creativity and resiliency of small business owners like these and millions more around the globe who are keeping our communities running. We have gathered COVID-19 relief sources in one place offering information on loan programs and grants and links to a variety of public and private resources to help support the global recovery.

In addition, our new Visa Small Business Hub collects the “best of Visa’s” small business content, including access to tools, partner offers, actionable tips and more for entrepreneurs at all stages of business growth.

 

Starting your business

If you are starting a business in today’s new normal, it has never been more important to have an online presence given how consumers are shifting to digital. Whether you are setting up a site or an online storefront, a variety of Visa partners can help your website work harder for you, including Wix.com and WordPress. Published content on the hub includes these 10 tips to help boost online sales and advice for turning web visitors into customers.

Looking to enhance your eCommerce and secure payment capabilities? Authorize.Net pioneered online solutions for businesses to accept credit cards more than 20 years ago, currently supporting hundreds of thousands of businesses and billions of dollars in transactions.

How much will it cost to start your business? Check out our Startup Costs Estimator (part of Visa’s Practical Business Skills resources) that will help account for such costs as legal fees, office supplies and equipment, marketing, payroll, monthly expenses and more. Our Managing your money page teaches the basics of budgets, cashflow, accounting and taxes.

Venture capitalists may offer loans in exchange for partial ownership in your business, but if you’re asking a bank for a loan, your own finances and credit could be a factor in their decision to loan you money. Learn more about the many ways entrepreneurs fund their businesses.

 

Running your business

Keeping a business going is about managing cash flow, paying suppliers, opening a credit line and planning for emergencies. We’ve got tips on the basics of budgeting and sample spreadsheets to help you track revenue and expenses against your goals.

Featured partners include FreshBooks, Wave and Deluxe ready to help with expenses, invoicing, payroll and more. Looking for a one-stop platform with all the eCommerce and point-of-sale features you need to keep your business humming? Check out Shopify.

 

Growing for the future

“I want to be an entrepreneur for six months” said no one, ever. You are growing your business for the long term and we have reputation management tools, marketing advice and customer resources to help you do it.

What’s the difference between CPI and CPA? We’ll give you a hint: it’s got nothing to do with accounting. These and other terms related to online advertising are featured on the Small Business Hub Marketing your business page and Visa Practical Business Skills. You can also learn how to manage your online reputation, get the most out of customer reviews and build your brand on social media. Learn more about reputation resources from Magnet by Figg, Womply and Yelp.

Oh and one more thing. Want to learn about accepting digital payments? We know a thing or two about that.

Learn more from the Small Business Hub and Practical Business Skills. Check out COVID-19 relief sources offering additional information on loan programs, grants and more. 

 

 

Tag: Digital commerce Tag: About Visa Tag: Social Impact

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