Supporting small businesses on their path to success

Helping your business to thrive with Mastercard's Strive UK

We've partnered with Mastercard's Strive UK programme to offer you a range of free tools and resources, as well as expertise from industry experts that you can use to connect, grow and scale your business.

Mastercard Strive is an initiative designed to help empower small businesses to thrive in today’s economy; helping build financial resilience, creating relationships and communities to support businesses when they need it most.

You’ll have access to flexible support from mentoring to masterclasses and events, all designed to help your business grow. Get access to free support here.

Boosting small businesses that need it most

We understand it’s not always a level playing field when it comes to business. In 2022, 20% of new UK businesses were female led. We want to make a difference, whoever you are, whatever your business.

In partnership with Live Nation UK festivals, we launched the Barclaycard Business Boost Award to give five small businesses a unique opportunity each year; receiving £10,000 to support their growth – and a prime spot at a UK festival to boost their business.

We’ve found our small businesses for 2023 but watch this space for details on how to enter for 2024…or check out our tools and resources.

Our Business Boost Award winners

Whisking up business wins with Brownie and the Bean

Charlotte, co-founder of Brownie and the Bean tells us about their journey, from baking brownies and building a big brand following via social media to being the representation she needed to be as a Black female business owner.

Watch the video to hear more on Charlotte’s advice for other Black women who are thinking of starting a business. Or you can read the full story here.

How Otis Breading spent their dough

From supporting local suppliers to developing unique flavour combinations, grilled cheese gurus Otis Breading, Elouise and Gavin turned their passion for toasties into a sizzling success.

Read their story or watch the video to see how they rose to the occasion with a little help from our Business Boost bursary.

Life is sweet for Elixir in the Isle of Wight

Female founders Lauren and Kate created Elixir Freshly Frozen from their shared passion of juicing. Based in the Isle of Wight, they deliver handmade, cold-pressed juices across the UK, seeing incredible success in a short time span.

Watch the video to see how the Business Boost Award got their juices flowing or read the full interview.