MasterCard Worldwide ``Build Your Business'' Sweepstakes Gives Small Businesses Chance to Win $50,000 to Spend However They See Fit

PURCHASE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 31, 2006--

Sweepstakes Coincides with Launch of Zero Liability Protection for Small Business Cardholders, Providing Small Businesses Flexibility and Security

“We have specifically designed this site in a way that will help small business owners find ideas, answers, encouragement and inspiration from experts and each other”

Whatever tops their to-do list -- whether it is relocating, giving employees a raise or making technology upgrades -- U.S. small business owners now have a chance to bring their business dreams closer to reality thanks to a new MasterCard Worldwide promotion that begins tomorrow. Starting September 1, 2006, MasterCard Worldwide will be running the "Build Your Business" sweepstakes, which provides small business owners using MasterCard BusinessCard(R) and Debit MasterCard BusinessCard(R) cards a chance to win one of two $50,000 cash prices to be spent to better their business, however they see fit.* The sweepstakes is one of several small business services and programs that MasterCard also launched today.

"Small business owners know best what they need to be successful, and by their nature they want the autonomy and control to make decisions on their own terms," said Bruno Perreault, Group Head, Global Small Business and Mid-Sized Enterprises, MasterCard Worldwide. "Our 'Build Your Business' promotion is the third in a series of sweepstakes designed to provide small businesses with resources and solutions that can improve their business and help them to better compete in the marketplace. This promotion, alongside our unique offering of zero liability protection, and the helpful resources available on MasterCardBusiness.com are three ways we're demonstrating our holistic commitment to small business."

"Build Your Business" Sweepstakes

Every time small business owners use their MasterCard BusinessCard or Debit MasterCard BusinessCard between September 1 and October 31, 2006 they will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of two $50,000 prizes. Small business owners who use their MasterCard(R) PayPass(TM) BusinessCard or MasterCard(R) PayPass(TM) Debit BusinessCard will receive two entries each time they use their cards. They can also receive double entries when they use their MasterCard Business Card and Debit MasterCard Business Card at Staples.

According to a recent MasterCard survey, 55 percent of U.S. small business owners said that $50,000 would have a significant impact on their business. Furthermore, when they were asked how they would use the money, the respondents offered answers that varied as widely as their businesses do. The two largest groups indicated that they would purchase new equipment (25 percent) and that they would make upgrades or improvements (21 percent). Other popular responses included paying off bills (10 percent), advertising (10 percent), reinvesting in the business (7 percent) and giving the money back to employees (6 percent).

Zero Liability Protection for Small Business

Further illustrating MasterCard's commitment to empower small businesses with the tools and resources they need to succeed, the promotion also coincides with the launch of the company's zero liability protection for small business cardholders that becomes effective on September 1, 2006. With this protection, U.S. small business owners and their employees will not be held liable by card issuers in the event of an unauthorized use of their U.S.-issued MasterCard BusinessCard or Debit MasterCard BusinessCard in a store, over the telephone, or online. More information about the terms associated with zero liability protection is available at www.mastercardbusiness.com.

Launch of MasterCardBusiness.com

On September 1, 2006 MasterCard also launches the new MasterCardBusiness.com site, where small business owners can find further information about the "Build Your Business" promotion and zero liability protections, as well as tips on how to manage employee benefits, ways to market their businesses on a budget, and helpful money management advice. The new site will also feature podcast interviews with small business owners who have worked hard to successfully manage their businesses despite the challenges that face entrepreneurs everywhere.

"We have specifically designed this site in a way that will help small business owners find ideas, answers, encouragement and inspiration from experts and each other," said Perreault.

The MasterCard Worldwide survey was conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs between June 27 and July 16, 2006, polled approximately 550 small business owners from around the country and has a margin of error of 4.2 percent.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. PIN-based/international transactions ineligible. Starts 9/1/06. Ends 10/31/06. Eligibility and other restrictions apply. Call 1-800-MC-ASSIST or visit www.mastercardbusiness.com for Official Rules and complete details.

About MasterCard Worldwide

MasterCard Worldwide advances global commerce by providing a critical economic link between financial institutions, businesses, cardholders and merchants worldwide. As a franchisor, processor and advisor, MasterCard develops and markets payment solutions, processes close to 14 billion payments each year, and provides industry-leading analysis and consulting services to financial institution customers and merchants. Through its family of brands, including MasterCard(R), Maestro(R) and Cirrus(R), MasterCard Worldwide serves consumers and businesses in more than 210 countries and territories. For more information go to www.mastercardworldwide.com.