It is estimated that small and micro businesses (SMBs) represent over 97 percent of all businesses in APEC economies, powering inclusive growth across borders. Their success drives job creation, fosters digital and financial inclusion and enhances economic resilience across this dynamic region.
Two years ago, in connection with the United States host year of APEC, Visa Foundation made a $100 million (USD) pledge to accelerate access to the education and capital underserved SMBs need to thrive. To date, we have committed roughly $48M, helping to support an estimated 3 million SMBs in APEC economies.
As leaders from member economies gathered in Korea, Visa Foundation is proud to report the progress we have made thus far with partner organizations, including Seedstars and TMV, to drive meaningful impact.
Connecting talent with opportunities
Muhammad Rezki Achyana, founder and CEO of Parakerja, a disability service based in Jakarta, transformed his personal experience into a mission to create an inclusive workforce. After years in special education and advocacy, Achyana saw the real challenge for people with disabilities as a lack of opportunity, with few companies equipped to hire them and leverage their skills. To bridge this gap, Achyana launched Parakerja to offer training and job placement for people with disabilities as well as corporate consulting to expand talent search for businesses. The turning point came when Achyana was selected to participate in the SEED Inclusivity Program.
With support from Visa Foundation, Seedstars launched the SEED Inclusivity program to support SMBs' development of innovative, market-driven solutions that address disability challenges across the Asia-Pacific region. By offering capacity building, access to financing pathways and ecosystem development, participating entrepreneurs are helping build inclusive economies where everyone, everywhere can fully participate. In Achyana’s case, he reported an increase in annual revenue of 42 percent within six months of completing the program and expanding the team from nine to 16 full-time employees. Parakerja has empowered and trained more than 5,000 persons with disabilities and served over 42,000 users through their digital learning and recruitment systems. He is driven by his belief in breaking barriers, expanding access and building sustainable pathways to connect talent with opportunities, demonstrating that inclusion is a driver of innovation, growth and resilience.
Innovative solutions for financial inclusion
Visa Foundation invested in TMV, a venture firm advancing economic opportunities by supporting purpose-driven startups. Specifically, TMV Fund III provides early-stage equity capital and strategic support to fintechs like Bridge Money, which empowers underserved communities with practical asset-building solutions.
A fintech based in Chicago, Bridge Money’s mission is to close income gaps for everyday Americans, without taking on new debt. By partnering with TMV, Bridge offers users the chance to earn supplemental income through digital rewards, surveys and opt-in data sharing, helping people increase financial stability. Since 2019, Bridge has enabled thousands of individuals across the U.S. to earn extra cash and contributed to greater financial inclusion at scale.
Visa Foundation’s investment in TMV demonstrates its commitment to fostering innovation and economic mobility, supporting partners who deliver real, measurable impact for people historically excluded from the financial system.
Our work shows us that partnerships are essential. In the coming years, we will continue collaborating with local leaders to build inclusive economies that benefit everyone, everywhere.