The Visa Foundation has released its inaugural Impact Report, capturing six years of grant-making and impact investing since its founding. As Visa’s corporate foundation, Visa Foundation partners with local organisations to invest in primarily women-owned small- and micro-businesses (SMBs).
The Impact Report shows Visa Foundation's effect in partnering with grantees and investees that support over four million SMBs in 60 countries and more than $2 billion of capital invested in local communities worldwide.
SMBs are the backbone of local economies, promoting innovation, creating jobs, and fostering upward mobility. However, 67 percent of SMBs worldwide are fighting for survival, and 70 percent of women-owned SMBs in emerging markets have unmet financing needs.
Visa Foundation has provided SMB owners with digital and financial education and catalyses financing for women-owned SMBs by investing in women-led funds.
It has also advanced economic mobility by working to create a sustained impact in the communities where Visa employees live and work.
“Over the past six years, Visa Foundation has become an enabler of economic mobility,” said Kelly Mahon Tullier, chair of the Visa Foundation Board.
“We are proud of the work we’ve accomplished in partnership with our dedicated grantees and investees in regions around the world as we work towards creating an inclusive and brighter future for all.”
Visa Foundation Gives has launched in eight cities to address place-based challenges like food insecurity, sustainability, the housing crisis and homelessness. Through Visa Foundation Matches, Visa employees have helped raise more than $16 million in total donations.
