• August 12, 2010

Visa is launching four enhancements to its Visa Business Network, adding tools for establishing and achieving goals, a mentor program, and peer-reviewed content to the 100,000-strong online community. The upgrades make the Visa Business Network (www.visabusinessnetwork.com) more interactive and user-driven.

The online small business community is adding features including a business goal toolkit that features step-by-step guides leading small business owners through the process of setting and achieving common goals, such as using social networking to reach new customers or starting an email newsletter. A small business mentor program allows members to gain insight from fellow small business owners who have faced similar challenges. Members who become mentors generate additional visibility for their businesses on the site.

A question-and-answer forum enables users to get advice from other small business owners and mentors with experience across a wide range of industries. A content rating system allows small business owners to rate the usefulness of content such as news and research so that quality content is easier to find and access.

Since its launch in 2008, the Visa Business Network has worked with its 100,000+ users to improve the network's goal of helping members connect, learn and grow their business.--Tanya Irwin