Square, Cash App, and Visa Partner with Propeller to Support Small business

Square, Cash App, and Visa have joined forces with New Orleans nonprofit Propeller to provide local food and beverage businesses with the tools and technology needed to help them thrive. In a collaborative effort aimed at strengthening the small business community, the organisations hosted a groundbreaking event called “Feeding NOLA’s Future” on Tuesday, February 4. The initiative will continue throughout the year, with the goal of expanding access to technology and offering ongoing support to small businesses in New Orleans.

The event brought together 125 local food and beverage entrepreneurs, providing them with hands-on assistance and the opportunity to learn from industry experts. Square and Cash App contributed by offering free Square hardware and helping businesses quickly get onboarded to their platforms, enabling them to accept digital payments and streamline their operations. Visa enhanced the experience by providing upgraded technology solutions, ensuring businesses had the tools to enhance their service offerings and improve customer experiences.

Additionally, the event offered personalised sessions where local business owners could receive advice and strategies from experts on how to capitalise on key opportunities like Mardi Gras and maximise sales potential during peak seasons. The partnership also included Visa’s donation of computer equipment to Propeller, further empowering local businesses to operate efficiently and access vital resources for growth.

Square’s Ming-Tai Huh, Head of Food and Beverage, highlighted the importance of collaboration with Visa and Cash App, emphasizing their shared commitment to supporting small businesses. “Our collaboration with our sister brand Cash App and with Visa underscores our collective commitment to supporting the small business community,” said Huh in the release.

Visa Senior Vice President Kirk Stuart echoed this sentiment, stating, “Visa believes access to technology is critical for small businesses finding new avenues to grow.” The initiative underscores the belief that modern payment solutions, such as digital wallets, mobile apps, and QR codes, are essential for restaurants and food businesses to enhance operational efficiency and offer seamless customer experiences.

According to a report by PYMNTS Intelligence and American Express, digital payment solutions can significantly improve operational efficiency by reducing cash handling, streamlining orders, and boosting employee satisfaction. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) and cafes, in particular, have been found to benefit from automating tasks, allowing them to lower operating costs and improve service. Square also noted that such technology can help QSRs and cafes automate both front- and back-end operations, resulting in a more efficient business overall.

The continued collaboration between Square, Cash App, Visa, and Propeller highlights the growing importance of technology and support for small businesses, offering local entrepreneurs the resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital and competitive market.