Payment card leader Visa International has announced a greater push into the small business market today with the announcement of a strategic partnership with the Victorian Employer’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI).
The agreement, which includes VECCI promoting Visa Business Card as its preferred card to over 25,000 businesses throughout the State, is a first for Visa and heralds a new push into the small business marketplace.
Speaking at the announcement, Visa Executive Vice President – Australia and New Zealand, Bruce Mansfield said the partnership was a great opportunity for Visa to position itself as the number one choice for small businesses.
“Visa is seen primarily as a personal card – but the reality is the Visa Business product line has many benefits for small businesses and meets the core payment needs of most,” Mr Mansfield said.
“We want small business to choose and use Visa. By using Visa for their expenditure, they can have greater financial control, greater visibility and more flexibility in day-to-day operations. It is a pretty compelling argument.”
The partnership also includes naming rights to VECCI’s quarterly Survey of Business Trends and Prospects which provides important feedback on current issues impacting on business; co-hosting a special annual Visa SME (Small Medium Enterprises) Conference which will be held in the first half of next year and establishing six Visa Business Briefings to be run throughout the State.
VECCI Chief Executive Officer, Neil Coulson said the strategic partnership represents another benefit to VECCI’s SME members. “Visa are teaming with VECCI to assist SME’s throughout the State by providing solutions to assist in their daily business operations. VECCI is proud to align with such a strong and reputable brand in the marketplace and we look forward to our initiatives together.
“SME businesses represents a significant portion of our membership and this sector is growing at a rapid pace, As Australia’s largest and most influential Chamber of Commerce, VECCI is keen to continually improve services to its member businesses.
“The partnership with Visa will provide further value to the VECCI members, via the provision of regular communications to the small to medium sized businesses and the introduction of an exclusive VECCI Member credit card.”
The most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show there were 1.2 million private sector small businesses in Australia during 2000-01, which represented 97 percent of all private sector businesses. These small businesses employed almost 3.6 million people – 49 percent of all private sector employment.
In 2004 total expenditure on commercial cards in Australia was $19.5 billion of which $3.9 billion was on Visa commercial cards.
For all media enquiries, please contact:
VECCI Strategic Communications
Ph: (03) 8662 5226
email: media@vecci.org.au |
