Mastercard Canada has launched a new digital platform aimed at supporting small business owners with tools to help manage operations, reduce costs and boost efficiency.
The company announced recently the Canadian debut of its Small Business Navigator, a hub of free resources designed to address common challenges faced by small enterprises, including access to reliable economic insights, cybersecurity tools, and cost-saving offers.
Nishant Raina
“Small businesses are the beating heart of our communities, making up nearly 98 per cent of all businesses in Canada, but they often juggle challenges that come from rising costs and limited resources,” said Nishant Raina, vice-president of product management, small and medium enterprises, Mastercard Canada. “We want to help relieve that burden with solutions that make running a business easier, so owners can focus on the things that matter most: their customers and their growth.”
The Navigator platform is open to all small business owners in Canada, regardless of whether they are Mastercard users. It includes economic reports from the Mastercard Economics Institute and Mastercard SpendingPulse, cybersecurity education resources, and offers from Mastercard and its partners in areas such as tax services and payment solutions.
John Kiru
“Entrepreneurs often lack access to the formal financial tools they need to manage cash flow, plan for the long term, and achieve sustainable growth,” said John Kiru, executive director of Digital Main Street. “That’s why programs like Mastercard Small Business Navigator are so exciting — they empower business owners to take control of their financial futures, build confidence, and make informed decisions that drive lasting success.”
Mastercard also announced an expansion of benefits for eligible small business cardholders. These include access to Virtual Gurus, a service offering discounted skilled remote talent and AI assistant subscriptions, and new offers through Easy Savings Specials with companies such as Google Ads, Google Workspace, Extra360, Airalo, Transfeero and Salesforce.
Bobbie Racette
“At Virtual Gurus, we’re on a mission to give business owners back their most valuable resource: time,” said Bobbie Racette, founder and president of Virtual Gurus. “By partnering with Mastercard, we’re opening doors for entrepreneurs and small businesses everywhere to access skilled remote talent and AI assistants who lift the weight of busywork, fuel productivity, and create space for bold ideas, big goals, and lasting growth.”
Salesforce also welcomed the partnership, emphasizing the value of accessible technology for growing companies.
Kris Billmaier
“Salesforce is thrilled to partner with Mastercard to empower small businesses across Canada with the tools they need to grow and succeed,” said Kris Billmaier, executive vice-president and general manager of Sales Cloud and Growth Products. “Together, we’re making it easier for SMBs to access Salesforce’s trusted technology at a discount.”
Other partners also highlighted the potential impact of the Navigator initiative.
Antonino Testa
“We are proud to partner with Mastercard to deliver innovative travel solutions that open new opportunities, create lasting value, and help SMEs across Canada grow and thrive,” said Antonino Testa, CEO of Transfeero.
Naz Tuzunalper
Naz Tuzunalper, marketing and engagement director at Extra360 Technology Solutions, added: “Extra360 and Mastercard are giving Canadian businesses something powerful yet beautifully simple — the ability to turn every interaction into a lasting relationship. Together, we’re putting the enterprise-grade loyalty technology behind some of the world’s most loved brands into the hands of Canadian SMEs on Shopify.”
According to Mastercard, more than half of small business owners in Canada report challenges in finding reliable resources in one place, with 52 per cent identifying affordable cybersecurity tools and relevant discounts as key needs.
More information on the Small Business Navigator and Mastercard’s small business offerings is available at www.mastercard.ca/smallbusiness.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Entrepreneur. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 and 2024 as one of the top business journalists in the world by PR News. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024 and 2025.
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