The Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards is a global initiative designed to recognize and support creative, impact-driven small businesses making a positive difference in their communities. Organized by Global Citizen in partnership with PayPal, the program celebrates entrepreneurs who demonstrate a deep commitment to equity and sustainability. The awards aim to provide funding and resources to business owners who have developed innovative products and services that generate a positive social or environmental impact, helping them accelerate their work.
Program Benefits
• A cash prize of $20,000 USD awarded to the business of each winner.
• Access to data, business insights, mentorship, and technical training to accelerate growth.
• Marketing and brand activation opportunities, providing global recognition and visibility.
• Access to the Global Citizen and PayPal networks.
• For required attendance at 2026 Global Citizen events, winners will receive paid travel expenses, including return economy airfare, hotel accommodations, ground transportation, visa processing fees up to $500 USD, and specified on-the-ground costs.
Eligibility Criteria
• Applicant Role: Applicants must be the owner, founder, or CEO of the business, be at least 18 years of age by June 15, 2026, and play a crucial role in the current business strategy and operations.
• Business Status: The business must be a Qualified Small Business (QSB), which is independently owned, duly qualified, and licensed to operate in its home country.
• Business Size: The business must have fewer than 50 full-time employees and generate less than $1 million USD in total annual revenue, subject to local regulations.
• Operating History: The business must have a minimum of three years of operations.
• Community Impact: The business must demonstrate significant, tangible contributions to its local community. This can include supporting local causes, engaging in community development, implementing sustainable practices, or creating jobs and training opportunities.
• Online Presence: The business must have an online presence that allows customers to purchase its products or services.
• Location: Entrants and their Qualified Small Businesses may be located and operated anywhere in the world, subject to exclusions.
• Exclusions: The competition is not open to employees of the Promoter or Sponsor; businesses that have previously received funding from the Sponsor; businesses or individuals from countries subject to U.S. sanctions (OFAC); franchises or parts of a national/international chain; or individuals/businesses requiring disclosure under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.
Evaluation Criteria
• Innovation: How the business’s innovation supports its mission and creates a positive societal or environmental impact.
• Vision: A compelling vision and concrete plans for how to expand the work in the next 3-5 years.
• Impact: A demonstrated track record of measurable impact over the last 3-5 years that advances one or more of the Global Goals.
Application Process
The application consists of four parts:
• Part 1: Basic information about the applicant and their business.
• Part 2: A 1-2 minute video pitch explaining why the applicant deserves the award.
• Part 3: Four short-answer questions (250 words or less each) describing how the business aligns with the award's evaluation criteria.
• Part 4: Supplemental organizational details, which may be requested at a later stage.
• Language: Applications must be submitted in English. Applicants may draft their application in another language and submit a translation.
Judging Process
• Initial Screening: Candidates will be judged against the set criteria by a group of Global Citizen and independent experts.
• Finalist Selection: Up to fifty (50) finalists will be selected and will be required to submit three letters of recommendation. Finalists may also be asked for supplemental information and to participate in media assessments and background checks.
• Winner Selection: The finalists will be judged by a panel of representatives from Global Citizen, PayPal, and other esteemed activists and leaders. Fifteen (15) prize winners will be selected. The competition is a game of skill, with winners chosen based on the creativity and qualifications of the entries.
Winner Obligations
• Media and Events: Winners must be available for filming, media interviews, and appearances for a period of three years. They must also be available to attend and participate in the “Global Citizen NOW” and/or “Global Citizen Festival” events in 2026.
• Reporting: Winners must agree to provide quarterly written updates on their business's progress for a period of three years.
• Rights Grant: Winners grant the Promoter and Sponsor a perpetual, worldwide right to use their name, image, likeness, and biographical information for publicity and marketing purposes.
• Prize Acceptance: Winners must accept the prize on behalf of their Qualified Small Business and comply with all applicable Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
Key Dates and Deadlines
• Application Period: Applications are open from June 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM PST.
• Application Deadline: Applications close on July 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST (8:00 PM ET).
• Winner Selection: Finalists and winners will be selected between August and December 2026.
Small businesses are vital drivers of local economies, job creation, and community development. This initiative aims to bridge the resource gap for purpose-driven enterprises by providing funding, support, and global visibility to entrepreneurs creating positive change. Interested applicants can find more information and submit their applications through the official Global Citizen–PayPal Small Business Impact Awards program portal.