Mastercard has introduced Small Business Navigator, which its press release called “a program designed to equip US entrepreneurs with the tools, data, and education they need to fuel and protect their passion and growth.”

Business owners can access free cybersecurity support through My Cyber Risk, powered by RiskRecon, which is a “vulnerability scanner enabling small businesses to pinpoint, prioritize, and act on cybersecurity threats to their websites/apps.” Based on a quiz, they receive tailored advice to improve their digital security.

The set of tools offered allows organizations to spot and manage digital risks. Security assessments check for threats like malware and ransomware. They also look at email protection, past breaches, and network defenses. Infrastructure assessments focus on software and hardware issues, such as encryption, patching, and hosting. An impact analysis then looks at how serious each problem is and what systems might be affected.

The program also includes an AI-powered chatbot that serves as a mentor, providing guidance to business owners. It also features economic insights from Mastercard’s own data sources, including SpendingPulse and the Mastercard Economic Institute.

The Navigator also offers financial planning help through Biz2Credit’s Virtual CFO services and may promote small businesses on Mastercard’s social media channels.

Mastercard says this effort goes beyond payments, instead giving small businesses real, long-term support: “Mastercard Small Business Navigator reinforces Mastercard’s leadership in delivering tangible, trusted solutions that go beyond payments, supporting small businesses at every stage of their journey.”