The new face of small business
Visa recognizes that the idea of what constitutes a small business is evolving, thanks to social media and digital platforms. Today, anyone can be a seller, from the owner of a restaurant pop-up or food truck to digital creators driving a new wave of entrepreneurship. But they all face challenges like cash flow and slow payouts like insurance payments or expense payouts just as traditional small business owners. Visa supports businesses of all sizes with financial tools and resources to help them thrive.
Small businesses and creators alike can access capital through Visa Business credit cards or get paid in real-time¹ to their Visa Business debit card, both available through their financial institution. Visa Direct to a Visa Business Debit Card delivers the option for small businesses to cash out funds in real-time too. For discounts on digital advertising services and other helpful business services, cardholders can link their Visa Business card in Visa SavingsEdge to start saving on everyday business purchase.
Spending mindset shift
"Thinking small" isn't just a mindset — it’s a strategy. By focusing on intentional, value-driven spending, small business owners can maximize every dollar, invest where it truly matters and keep their small businesses financially agile. Here are 10 ways to make smart, strategic choices today that pave the way for sustainable growth.
1. Create a realistic budget: Outline all of your fixed and variable expenses and set spending limits for each category. Make sure to regularly review and adjust based on your cash flow.
2. Prioritize essential expenses: Focus on must-have expenses like rent, payroll and inventory, and delay or phase in non-essential purchases like physical store upgrades.
3. Separate personal and business finances: Open a dedicated business bank account. Use a business credit card to keep track of expenses more easily and take advantage of rewards programs like cash back to offset some expenses.
4. Accept digital payments. Accepting digital payments helps small business owners streamline transactions, reduce the risk of theft and improve cash flow. It also enhances the customer experience, speeds up checkout and allows for better financial tracking. In addition, digital payments support online sales, boost credibility and help minimize errors — ensuring your business stays competitive in an increasingly cashless economy.
5. Negotiate with vendors: Build strong relationships with your vendors to secure flexible deals and ask for better payment terms or bulk discounts.
6. Avoid impulse purchases: Stick to your budget plan and sleep on big financial decisions before committing. Do you need to invest in a brick-and-mortar right away or does starting at a farmers' market, online only or shared space work better?
7. Leverage free or low-cost tools: Use free software for accounting, marketing and project management. Tap into free business development resources and grants. Check out Visa’s Small Business Hub for tools, resources and pro advice.
8. Optimize cash flow: Keep track of incoming and outgoing money daily or weekly. Plan ahead for slow seasons to avoid financial strain and use those slow periods to think creatively about how to grow your business without impacting your financial growth.
9. Use business credit wisely: If you’re looking for a loan or line of credit, choose low-interest options and pay off balances quickly to avoid high-interest fees. Shop around!
10. Plan for emergencies: Build a small emergency fund for unexpected expenses. Set aside a percentage of profits to cushion financial downturns because you never know when you might need it.