Mastercard Strive USA Small Business Grant
Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
Up to $10,000
Mastercard's equity-focused SMB grant program
Mastercard's Strive USA program provides grants and resources to small businesses in underserved communities, with a focus on financial resilience and digital inclusion. Operated through the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and delivered in partnership with local financial institutions and community organizations, Strive USA has awarded grants of up to $10,000 to qualifying small businesses. The program targets businesses owned by women, people of color, and veterans who lack access to traditional capital.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- Private
- Amount range
- $2,500 – $10,000
- Realistic amount
- $5,000–$10,000 for most recipients depending on the partner organization and cycle
- Deadline
- Delivered through local partner organizations — application windows and eligibility vary by partner and geography. Check mastercardcenter.org/strive for current active programs.
- Status
- active
- States
- Nationwide
- Payment model
- lump sum
Who qualifies
- Small business owner in an underserved community
- Preference for women-, minority-, or veteran-owned businesses
- US-based business
- For-profit entity
- Demonstrated financial need or lack of access to traditional capital
- Specific eligibility criteria vary by local partner organization
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Business operations and overhead
- Equipment and technology
- Marketing and customer acquisition
- Inventory and supplies
- Digital tools and e-commerce setup
Ineligible expenses
- Personal expenses
- Debt repayment
- Real estate or capital construction
- Political contributions
How to apply
-
1
Find a Strive USA partner in your area
Visit mastercardcenter.org/strive to identify active partner organizations in your geography. Partners include CDFIs, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit lenders.
~1 hrs
-
2
Contact the local partner
Reach out directly to the partner to confirm current grant availability and eligibility requirements for your area.
~1 hrs
-
3
Complete the partner's application
Each partner has its own application form. Typically includes business overview, ownership demographics, financial need description, and intended use of funds.
~1 hrs
-
4
Review and award
The local partner reviews applications and notifies recipients. Timeline varies by partner — typically 4–8 weeks.
~1 hrs
This is a relationship-driven program — the path to funding goes through local partner organizations, not a national application. Finding and engaging with your local CDFI or partner is the key step.
Deadline & timing
Strive USA is not a single national application — it operates through a network of local partners (community development financial institutions, chambers, nonprofits). Each partner runs their own application window. Monitor mastercardcenter.org/strive and subscribe to updates from local CDFIs in your area to catch open cycles.
Programs that stack well
Related programs
Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.