Visa Helps Prepare Small Businesses for the Holiday Buying Season as National Small Business Week Begins

As the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) National Small Business Week begins in the U.S. and businesses worldwide prepare for an unprecedented holiday season, Visa (NYSE: V) is introducing new programs and resources essential to small and micro business (SMB) recovery efforts. The Visa Back to Business Study, Holiday Edition, launched today, finds that consumers will carry their resolve for normalcy into the holiday shopping season, with 88% planning to buy and give gifts despite challenges the pandemic has created. To prepare for this unprecedented holiday season, SMBs should be looking for ways to offset the impact of COVID-19 during the holidays, with 60% already saying they are taking steps to prepare.

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Visa’s Back to Business kits include new “tap to pay preferred” point-of-sale materials, branding, educational resources and special offers. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Educational resources and community support are fundamental building blocks that will help small businesses get back to not only surviving, but thriving,” said Kevin Phalen, global head of business solutions, Visa. “Visa has long been committed to supporting as many small businesses as possible. In the wake of the pandemic and preparing for the holidays, we are accelerating our efforts, amplifying our partnerships and expanding our programs to help get the world back to business.”

Despite the unpredictable nature of COVID-19, 68% of global SMBs report that the winter holiday season remains a major sales opportunity for their business. Informed by these insights, Visa is stepping up its commitments to help digitally-enable 50 million small businesses as we head into the holiday season.

SHE’S NEXT, EMPOWERED BY VISA GOES VIRTUAL

Visa is kicking off National Small Business Week with a partnership with the Female Founder Collective (FFC) to host a three-day virtual summit, What’s Next Fest (September 22-24). The summit will provide educational insights and expert guidance as attendees forge ahead in one of the most challenging years in history.

Visa and the FFC are focusing a full day on Black women-owned small businesses, sharing insights and ideas to take their business to the next level. As part of its commitment to this community, Visa and IFundWomen have extended their grant program to India and doubled their Black women-owned SMB grant program, awarding 25 grants and annual coaching memberships. Select winners will be celebrated at What’s Next Fest.