VISA launches programme to encourage local merchants and SMEs to go online, in partnership with Shopee and BigCommerce

Visa launches “Where You Shop Matters”, an initiative that encourages consumers to support their local businesses, while helping SMEs to go digital following the onset of COVID-19. The initiative is part of Visa’s broader small business strategy and follows commitments the company has made to support 10 million small and micro businesses in Asia Pacific.

According to Visa, 98% of Singaporean consumers are planning to shop local to support small business recovery. The study also showed that 83% of Singaporean consumers believe it is important for local retailers to have an online presence.

As part of Where You Shop Matters, Visa will be working with Shopee to feature more than 2,000 local micro SMEs in its marketplace and create campaigns to enable Visa cardholders to enjoy discounts when they shop at these local merchants. This is in line with Shopee’s own range of support local efforts – particularly, its #SGUnited Shopee Support Local campaign.

To encourage SMEs to go digital, Visa will be providing them with a Visa eCommerce Starter Kit to help them start, manage and grow their online storefronts.

Visa is partnering with BigCommerce to provide onboarding support and special discount rates for SMEs to sign up and start selling online. SMEs can also benefit from a variety of offers including Office 365 business packages and cashback on Google Ads to help them get their online business up and running.

For SMEs with physical stores, they can order free Visa POS signage to build trust with consumers. To find out more about Where You Shop Matters, please visit here.