Initially, the program will launch in select cities of the world only.

Uber and Visa have announced a new program to support small-and medium-sized businesses in their transition to green and sustainable packaging solutions. The program is also part of a broader effort to support small businesses that use Uber Eats to grow their businesses.

Together, the two companies will make $1 million available to qualifying Uber Eats restaurants in New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Madrid to be used towards funding sustainable packaging solutions that encourage a path to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The hospitality industry research indicates that this is a top priority for 2023. (CISION PR NEWSWIRE)

The program is being launched in Davos, Switzerland, where the companies are highlighting the impact from their shared 2022 Grants for Growth program which has supported US small business owners that are yet to bounce back fully from the damaging impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and other black swan events. The merchants received microgrants of $10,000, used for payroll, paying outstanding debt to vendors, upgrading payment technology infrastructure, and other immediate operational costs.

The hope of Uber Eats and Visa is that this new program is a small step in a positive direction for small business owners.

Pierre-Dmitri Gore-Coty, SVP and Global Head of Delivery for Uber said: “Single-use packaging is used in nearly every takeout order worldwide—with Visa and our restaurant partners we can work towards reducing waste and helping small businesses thrive.”

“With consumers continuing to express desires to live more sustainably, businesses across sectors have a notable opportunity to adopt more sustainable practices to meet this demand,” said Douglas Sabo, Chief Sustainability Officer, Visa Inc.

Details of the new partnership, including how restaurants can qualify and apply for funding will be shared in the coming months.

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