As we celebrate Small Business Month, I want to recognize the resilience, creativity and unwavering spirit of Canada’s small-business community. Every day, I am inspired by savvy entrepreneurs and business owners who turn ideas into livelihoods, adapt in the face of change and create spaces where neighbours gather, employees grow and communities thrive.
Your determination fuels local economies, supports families, drives our economy and keeps our cities and towns vibrant.
At Mastercard, our work is guided by a simple belief: when small businesses succeed, everyone benefits. But beyond the products, technology and partnerships we deliver, what matters most is listening — truly listening — to the challenges and ambitions of small business owners. What we learn drives how we build solutions that are practical, accessible and meaningful for real entrepreneurs and business owners on the ground. A great example of this is Small Business Navigator, a hub of resources for any small business owner in Canada. This hub offers free economic insights, cost-saving opportunities and cybersecurity resources, which we know are key areas where small business owners are looking for extra support.
Another example I’m particularly proud of is the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund. This initiative goes beyond funding – it provides financial support along with mentorship, community building opportunities and helpful resources so recipients can grow and scale sustainably. Programs like this remind me that meaningful impact combines capital with connection and mentorship. We’ve seen how guided support accelerates confidence, sharpens strategy and opens doors to new opportunities.
Equally important is the power of community. Small-business owners tell us time and again that relationships — whether with customers, peers or mentors — are essential to resilience and growth. That’s why I encourage business leaders to invest time in networks, share learnings and seek advice. Collaboration often creates possibilities that no single business could achieve alone.
To fellow entrepreneurs: keep experimenting, keep asking for help and keep sharing your stories. To partners and policymakers: let’s continue removing friction, expanding access to capital and building programs that reflect the realities of small-business owners.
As we mark this month, I reaffirm Mastercard’s commitment to standing beside Canadian small businesses — not only as a payments provider, but as a global network and a partner invested in your long-term success. Thank you for everything you do to strengthen our communities. Together, we’ll keep building a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous future for everyone across Canada.
Nishant Raina
Vice President, Product Management for Small & Medium Enterprise Solutions at Mastercard Canada
Nishant Raina is the Vice President, Product Management for Small & Medium Enterprises at Mastercard Canada. Nishant develops and oversees the Small & Medium Enterprises (SME) segment strategies by commercializing new products and services and supporting new product development with partners. With a strong passion for supporting SMEs, Nishant drives the growth of these segments at Mastercard and within the payments ecosystem.
