Global Citizen and PayPal Announce New $25K Awards to Celebrate Entrepreneurs Driving Change in Local Communities

PayPal and Global Citizen, the world’s leading international advocacy organization, announced the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards to celebrate small business owners and social entrepreneurs who are driving social or environmental impact in their local communities. The Awards will grant $25,000 cash prizes to five winners and an in-person masterclass on brand-building by marketing experts at Global Citizen.

“Small businesses are vital to the health of our local economies, communities, and cultures. Global Citizen is proud to partner with PayPal to uplift entrepreneurs driving tangible impact around the world, from the United States to the UK to Germany and Japan,” said Liza Henshaw, President, Global Citizen. “We believe that global citizens everywhere can create positive change and look forward to receiving inspiring submissions from small businesses that are deeply committed to their communities and advancing social good. “

“Building a thriving economy isn’t just about big industries – it starts with small businesses, local innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership,” said Amy Bonitatibus, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, PayPal. “Small businesses are at the forefront of societal transformation, creating jobs, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of commerce. We are thrilled to launch this award in partnership with Global Citizen to uplift entrepreneurs who are creating meaningful impact in their local communities.”

Entrepreneurs can directly apply online for the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards. Applications must highlight how the small business has made a positive environmental or social impact, including but not limited to engagement in community development, the implementation of sustainable business practices, or the creation of education training opportunities. It should also explain how the small- and medium-sized business has faced or is facing challenges and a viable business plan to scale its impact. For more information on submission details and judging criteria, visit globalcitizen.org/programs/small-business. Applications close on August 15, 2025. 

Local community members and social media users can encourage local small business owners to apply through the online application portal by commenting on, sharing, or reposting Global Citizen’s associated posts on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday advocates raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Since the movement began, USD 49 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Geneva, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.

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PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. For more information, visit https://www.paypal.com, https://about.pypl.com/ and https://investor.pypl.com/.