Author: sHq_LoGiNz

WASHINGTON, May 12 , 2026 /3BL/ – CAF –development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean– and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (the Center), announced a partnership to support access to credit for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region. The parties will identify opportunities to co-finance initiatives that strengthen MSMEs’ growth in the region.

Under the agreement, CAF will explore facilitating access to credit for MSMEs by financing banks, non-bank financial institutions and digital lenders in Latin America and the Caribbean, with an aspirational target of approximately USD 100 million over four years. In parallel, the Center will provide complementary support to further strengthen the MSME ecosystem.

“Latin America and the Caribbean is home to more than 27 million formal MSMEs, which generate the majority of employment in the region. Yet, access to credit remains one of the most persistent barriers to their growth, representing one of the main obstacles to the region’s competitiveness. This partnership brings together the financing capacity of a multilateral development bank with the technological expertise and innovation of a global leader in digital payments to help close that gap. By combining credit facilities with targeted grants and technical assistance, we aim to reach the entrepreneurs who need it most — particularly women-led businesses and those driving the transition toward more sustainable economies and a more competitive region,” stated Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF.

Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, remarked, “Through our Mastercard Strive small business program, we have reached more than 19 million small business owners who tell us time and again that they require capital to maintain and grow their core business while protecting against cyberattacks. This partnership will unlock critical financial resources aligned with Mastercard’s global commitment to connect and protect 500 million people and small businesses on their path to financial health.”

Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Antonio Silveira, vice president of the private sector, CAF (development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) at the 2026 Global Inclusive Growth Forum in Washington D.C. Photo credit: Kevin Allen

The collaboration places special emphasis on women-owned and women-led MSMEs, underserved enterprises and climate finance. Initial priority countries may include Colombia, Peru, Panama, Ecuador, Chile and El Salvador, with the possibility of expanding to additional CAF member countries.

The agreement was formally announced during the Global Inclusive Growth Forum, hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which is held annually during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. The Forum convenes senior leaders from the public sector, private sector, civil society and multilateral institutions to explore pathways for small business growth, digital transformation and sustainability.

About CAF

CAF –development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean– has the mission of promoting sustainable development and regional integration through the financing of public and private sector projects, the provision of technical cooperation, and other specialized services. Established in 1970, CAF is currently comprised of 24 countries — 22 from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with Spain and Portugal — and 13 private banks. It is one of the main sources of multilateral financing and a key generator of knowledge for the region.

For more information, visit www.caf.com

CAF Strategic Communications Office: prensa@caf.com

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company’s core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.  

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

Continue reading here.

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

WASHINGTON, May 12 , 2026 /3BL/ – CAF –development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean– and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (the Center), announced a partnership to support access to credit for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region. The parties will identify opportunities to co-finance initiatives that strengthen MSMEs’ growth in the region.

Under the agreement, CAF will explore facilitating access to credit for MSMEs by financing banks, non-bank financial institutions and digital lenders in Latin America and the Caribbean, with an aspirational target of approximately USD 100 million over four years. In parallel, the Center will provide complementary support to further strengthen the MSME ecosystem.

“Latin America and the Caribbean is home to more than 27 million formal MSMEs, which generate the majority of employment in the region. Yet, access to credit remains one of the most persistent barriers to their growth, representing one of the main obstacles to the region’s competitiveness. This partnership brings together the financing capacity of a multilateral development bank with the technological expertise and innovation of a global leader in digital payments to help close that gap. By combining credit facilities with targeted grants and technical assistance, we aim to reach the entrepreneurs who need it most — particularly women-led businesses and those driving the transition toward more sustainable economies and a more competitive region,” stated Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF.

Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, remarked, “Through our Mastercard Strive small business program, we have reached more than 19 million small business owners who tell us time and again that they require capital to maintain and grow their core business while protecting against cyberattacks. This partnership will unlock critical financial resources aligned with Mastercard’s global commitment to connect and protect 500 million people and small businesses on their path to financial health.”

Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Antonio Silveira, vice president of the private sector, CAF (development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) at the 2026 Global Inclusive Growth Forum in Washington D.C. Photo credit: Kevin Allen

The collaboration places special emphasis on women-owned and women-led MSMEs, underserved enterprises and climate finance. Initial priority countries may include Colombia, Peru, Panama, Ecuador, Chile and El Salvador, with the possibility of expanding to additional CAF member countries.

The agreement was formally announced during the Global Inclusive Growth Forum, hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which is held annually during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. The Forum convenes senior leaders from the public sector, private sector, civil society and multilateral institutions to explore pathways for small business growth, digital transformation and sustainability.

About CAF

CAF –development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean– has the mission of promoting sustainable development and regional integration through the financing of public and private sector projects, the provision of technical cooperation, and other specialized services. Established in 1970, CAF is currently comprised of 24 countries — 22 from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with Spain and Portugal — and 13 private banks. It is one of the main sources of multilateral financing and a key generator of knowledge for the region.

For more information, visit www.caf.com

CAF Strategic Communications Office: prensa@caf.com

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company’s core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.  

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

Continue reading here.

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

WASHINGTON, May 12 , 2026 /3BL/ – CAF –development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean– and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth (the Center), announced a partnership to support access to credit for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across the region. The parties will identify opportunities to co-finance initiatives that strengthen MSMEs’ growth in the region.

Under the agreement, CAF will explore facilitating access to credit for MSMEs by financing banks, non-bank financial institutions and digital lenders in Latin America and the Caribbean, with an aspirational target of approximately USD 100 million over four years. In parallel, the Center will provide complementary support to further strengthen the MSME ecosystem.

“Latin America and the Caribbean is home to more than 27 million formal MSMEs, which generate the majority of employment in the region. Yet, access to credit remains one of the most persistent barriers to their growth, representing one of the main obstacles to the region’s competitiveness. This partnership brings together the financing capacity of a multilateral development bank with the technological expertise and innovation of a global leader in digital payments to help close that gap. By combining credit facilities with targeted grants and technical assistance, we aim to reach the entrepreneurs who need it most — particularly women-led businesses and those driving the transition toward more sustainable economies and a more competitive region,” stated Sergio Díaz-Granados, Executive President of CAF.

Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, remarked, “Through our Mastercard Strive small business program, we have reached more than 19 million small business owners who tell us time and again that they require capital to maintain and grow their core business while protecting against cyberattacks. This partnership will unlock critical financial resources aligned with Mastercard’s global commitment to connect and protect 500 million people and small businesses on their path to financial health.”

Shamina Singh, founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and Antonio Silveira, vice president of the private sector, CAF (development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean) at the 2026 Global Inclusive Growth Forum in Washington D.C. Photo credit: Kevin Allen

The collaboration places special emphasis on women-owned and women-led MSMEs, underserved enterprises and climate finance. Initial priority countries may include Colombia, Peru, Panama, Ecuador, Chile and El Salvador, with the possibility of expanding to additional CAF member countries.

The agreement was formally announced during the Global Inclusive Growth Forum, hosted by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, which is held annually during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. The Forum convenes senior leaders from the public sector, private sector, civil society and multilateral institutions to explore pathways for small business growth, digital transformation and sustainability.

About CAF

CAF –development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean– has the mission of promoting sustainable development and regional integration through the financing of public and private sector projects, the provision of technical cooperation, and other specialized services. Established in 1970, CAF is currently comprised of 24 countries — 22 from Latin America and the Caribbean, along with Spain and Portugal — and 13 private banks. It is one of the main sources of multilateral financing and a key generator of knowledge for the region.

For more information, visit www.caf.com

CAF Strategic Communications Office: prensa@caf.com

About the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth advances equitable and sustainable economic growth and financial inclusion around the world. The Center leverages the company’s core assets and competencies, including data insights, expertise, and technology, while administering the philanthropic Mastercard Impact Fund, to produce independent research, scale global programs, and empower a community of thinkers, leaders, and doers on the front lines of inclusive growth. For more information and to receive its latest insights, follow the Center on LinkedIn, Instagram and subscribe to its newsletter.  

About Mastercard

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re building a sustainable economy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

www.mastercard.com

Continue reading here.

Follow along Mastercard’s journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.

Sixteen years ago, a Trane Technologies hiring manager in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, made Chris Jones an unusual offer: skip the desk job, enroll in the renowned Graduate Training Program in La Crosse, Wisconsin, and return as a sales engineer.

Chris, a mechanical engineering graduate who had lasted exactly seven minutes in his first traditional interview before realizing a desk career wasn’t for him, didn’t hesitate to say yes.

Today, he’s Trane Technologies’ Energy Services Sales Leader for the Northeast, operating out of Connecticut and covering New York, New Jersey and New England. 16 years in, he’s more energized than ever.

“I’ve spent my entire career chasing work that feels cool, impactful and engaging, and I always find it at Trane Technologies.”

Chris Jones
Northeast Energy Services Sales Leader, Trane Technologies

He has stories to prove it. “I went into a chiller plant at a hotel in New York City and in the back, behind a chain-link fence with a tarp over it, there were train tracks — the ones Franklin D. Roosevelt used to leave a nearby hotel without being seen.

“In this job, you get to see things no one could ever pay to see.”

The freedom to build your own career, the support to succeed

A shift in family priorities brought Chris back to New York City four years into his Harrisburg tenure. “The great thing about this company is that it has a lot of locations, so I was able to keep working after I relocated.” He joined the New York office as a service account manager.

The energy services part of the business was still taking shape, and Chris and his New York colleagues spotted an opportunity in their corner of the world. Infrastructure projects were being treated as necessary expenses, but Chris and his team wanted to reframe them as financial investments with measurable returns. “In many cases, you can invest a million dollars into replacing a piece of machinery in your basement and make a better financial return than any other option available to a building owner. That’s the message we wanted to lead with.”

His sales leader, Andy Merrill, gave them the room to run with it — and what they built in New York became part of the many successful energy services initiatives unfolding across the region. Today, Chris leads a team of roughly 10 salespeople spanning the Northeast, working on large infrastructure projects in K–12 schools, municipalities, higher education and commercial real estate.

Ask Chris what gives Trane Technologies its edge in the market, and he doesn’t hesitate. “All of our businesses are integrated under one roof — service, equipment, energy services, operations. That lets us collaborate and be nimble in a way that most others simply aren’t.”

But for him, the deeper advantage is the people. “This kind of sales can’t be scripted. It’s more like playing jazz than reading off a sheet of paper.” Our salespeople are some of the most impactful consultants in the industry.

“Our salespeople are more like consultants — some of the most impactful consultants in the industry.”

Chris Jones
Northeast Energy Services Sales Leader, Trane Technologies

Working as a team for a greater cause

Chris believes the company’s culture of hiring collaborative, motivated people, combined with generous training and support, has a lot to do with why their sales executives are so successful. “We have a strong team culture,” Chris says. “There are so many experienced people at Trane Technologies, and we have access to all of them. They’ve seen it all, and they’re always ready to give you their time, share their knowledge and problem-solve with you.”

That internal support gives Chris and his team the confidence to take on work that matters beyond the bottom line, including pressing environmental challenges. “Sustainability is an important part of our work. We want to reduce our emissions to address climate change.” But for Chris, the mission is also deeply local. “We work with customers in underprivileged communities that have old, polluting boiler plants. How do we impact the air quality in those areas? That’s something I think about.” But his thinking doesn’t stop there. “I also think a lot about how we can make our grids more resilient and reliable.

The importance of mentorship

That kind of mission-driven thinking is something, Chris believes, you grow into as you develop your career. “Talk to 10 people at this company who do the same job, and you’ll see that none of them do it the same way. From each one, you’ll pick up one thing. And all those little pieces start to form a new mosaic of who you are as a sales executive for Trane Technologies.”

Professional growth is also backed by the company’s investment in its people. “Trane Technologies provides you with all the resources to help you succeed as long as you can articulate what you’re trying to do and the tools you need to get there.”

Aside from taking advantage of programs like the Sales Leader Development Program and the Center for Creative Leadership, Chris credits much of his success to the support of his mentors. “I was fortunate to have a series of unbelievably strong mentors throughout my career — many of them with no formal obligation to help me, but they went out of their way anyway.”

Now Chris is on the other end of it. “In the last 51 minutes, two former Graduate Training Program grads have called me. Neither of them is on my team, neither of them reports to me. They just want to run an idea by me when I’m free. That’s the whole reason I’m here. I love it.”

Sell something meaningful with Trane Technologies. Ready to make an impact? Explore your future in sales with Trane Technologies.