Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Some 12,000 small businesses will receive free access to software for accepting payments via smartphone.

The software allows to replace PoS terminals with smartphones. The initiative is aimed at supporting the self-employed and small businesses, especially those located in remote rural areas with weak Internet.

A convenient innovation: an entrepreneur gets access to funds immediately after making a payment, without waiting for bank clearing.

Free digitalization of business in Uzbekistan was launched as part of the global Mastercard Strive initiative, which supports more than 10 million small businesses around the world, giving them access to capital, markets and digital solutions.

The software was developed by the fintech startup MayaSoft (resident of IT-Park), the project will be implemented by the international non-profit organization Accion and the global research company Caribou Digital.

“By partnering with local organizations, we are making it easier for small businesses to access technology and finance. The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth supports the implementation of cashless payment and data security technologies that are designed to meet the needs of small businesses in Uzbekistan. This approach helps strengthen the sustainability and financial health of enterprises in the context of the digitalization of the economy,” said Payal Dalal, executive vice president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

Every year, about 800,000 people under 29 years of age enter the labor market in Uzbekistan, so the country pays great attention to job creation and small business development. Currently, there is a growing need for affordable, fast and mobile solutions for accepting bank card payments, especially in rural areas where entrepreneurs have limited access to finance and are less likely to use digital tools.

MayaSoft's MARTA software will enable retailers to digitize their business operations. MARTA does not require additional hardware costs: the application is installed on a smartphone and turns it into a terminal.

“We are pleased to partner with the Mastercard and Accion Center for Inclusive Growth to promote the MARTA solution to small businesses seeking digitalization and sales growth across Uzbekistan. Self-employed, micro and small businesses can access the solution for free through smartphones even with a weak internet connection,” said Nodir Badriddinov, Founder and CEO of MayaSoft.

Unlike common solutions built on the basis of PoS terminals, MARTA users will not have to wait for the bank to credit money to their account - they will have immediate access to the funds. This innovation will accelerate capital turnover and provide additional growth opportunities.

The MARTA registration process is fully automated and typically takes just one day. The software is able to integrate with banking and tax systems.