Visa Launches Visa & Main to Back U.S. Small Businesses

Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) has unveiled Visa & Main, a comprehensive new platform designed to accelerate the growth of small businesses across the United States by tackling three of the biggest challenges that entrepreneurs face: access to capital, reaching customers, and adopting essential business tools.

The launch — announced on Feb. 5, 2026 — reflects Visa’s continued commitment to supporting small business owners, a segment that represents nearly half of U.S. economic activity and serves as the heartbeat of local communities nationwide. With Visa & Main, Visa is combining its payment products, network expertise and partner resources to create a unified set of solutions tailored to help small businesses thrive in today’s competitive market.

1. Business Capital — Bridging the Financing Gap

One of the most persistent hurdles for small business growth has been access to flexible and affordable financing. According to Federal Reserve surveys, a significant portion of small business owners report challenges securing funding through traditional channels.

To address this, Visa has launched a $100 million working capital facility in partnership with Lendistry, a community-focused lender with deep experience in supporting undercapitalized entrepreneurs. This capital initiative is designed to provide small businesses with more flexible financing — helping them invest in inventory, technology, staffing and expansion without being constrained by limited working capital.

Everett K. Sands, CEO of Lendistry, noted that access to affordable capital can dramatically transform a small business and the community it serves, and Visa’s scaled investment will help connect more business owners to the financing they need.

In the coming months, Visa & Main is expected to roll out additional grant opportunities and financial support programs designed to complement this financing facility and increase its impact.

2. Business Connect — Helping Entrepreneurs Reach Customers

For many small businesses, visibility and customer acquisition are major barriers — especially outside peak shopping seasons or during high-traffic national events.

Visa is leveraging its unique global network and sponsorship assets — including its role as Official Payment Technology Partner of major events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™ — to help small businesses gain exposure and connect with potential customers when it matters most.

Through Visa & Main, business owners will gain access to curated opportunities designed to improve their visibility, tap into broader customer bases, and participate in high-impact marketing moments supported by Visa’s ecosystem.

3. Business Essentials — Digital Tools and Training for Growth

Digital transformation remains uneven across the small business landscape. According to recent business surveys, large enterprises adopt advanced digital systems at much higher rates than smaller firms — a gap that often limits competitiveness and growth potential.

Visa & Main aims to close this gap by delivering a suite of essential tools and training programs, including:

• Digital payment acceptance leveraging Visa’s own Acceptance Network
• Expense management and modern money-movement capabilities through Visa partners
• Risk and fraud mitigation solutions to help reduce disputes and operational friction
• AI-powered advisory tools and financial education to boost digital adoption
• Exclusive savings programs and small business offers via Visa’s partner network

Visa also plans to bring these resources on the road through local activations, partner events and community engagements throughout 2026 and beyond, giving small business owners hands-on access to tools and experts.

Industry Response and Strategic Importance

By pooling capital resources, technology tools and marketing support under a single platform, Visa is aiming to transform how small businesses prepare for growth and tackle everyday challenges.

Kim Lawrence, Visa’s Regional President for North America, described Visa & Main as a platform built “to meet small business owners where they are — in our local neighborhoods and at community events across the country.”

The initiative comes at a time when small businesses are navigating rising competition, technological disruption and shifting customer behaviors. By enhancing access to capital and modern business tools, Visa is positioning itself as a strategic partner in the broader small business ecosystem — not just a payments network provider.

What Small Businesses Can Expect Next

Small business owners interested in Visa & Main can already explore the working capital facility with Lendistry or engage with upcoming grant and support programs as they are announced. Visa has indicated that it will continue to expand the platform’s offerings — potentially including broader grant opportunities, educational content and expanded digital tools tailored for small business needs.

Local community events, live demonstrations and business workshops are scheduled across the U.S. in the coming year, offering entrepreneurs the chance to learn directly from experts and connect with peers while exploring the platform’s benefits.

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