Post by Mastercard

The best part of the 2026 Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Week™ wasn't just what happened on the field; it was the opportunity to spotlight the small businesses that help power Philadelphia's communities. Throughout the week, we brought local entrepreneurs to the forefront through a series of activations designed to provide access to capital, tools, visibility, and connections. From welcoming business owners to MLB’s Small Business Luncheon presented by Mastercard for networking, educational programming, and resources to help fuel future growth, to hosting the 2026 MLB / Mastercard All-Star Week™ Small Business Contest, to showcasing local small business restaurants at All-Star Village to share the city’s culture, flavors, and stories with fans from around the world, we created opportunities for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.   Congrats to our contest winner, Shana Pistilli of the Rubato School of Music, who was awarded a $10,000 Mastercard grant, tools, mentorship, along with an interview on the All-Star Game Red Carpet Show presented by Mastercard and the throwing of the ceremonial first pitch! We're proud to use the platform of MLB™  All-Star Week™  to connect small businesses with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to grow and thrive.   Major League Baseball trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com.