How do we empower a generation of entrepreneurs and create opportunities in low-income neighborhoods? As part of its In Solidarity initiative, Mastercard has partnered with the ThinkWatts Foundation to provide a comprehensive financial literacy program called the ThinkWatts Business Builder to hundreds of small business owners in Los Angeles. Over the last year, many participating small businesses have experienced gaining access to capital, growing their income and scaling their products as a result of what they have learned through the program.

Blavity spoke with speaker, activist, rapper and founder of the ThinkWatts Foundation, Stix, who shared his vision behind the organization and what he hopes to achieve through partnering with Mastercard.