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Application deadline: July 19, 2026 at 8:00 pm ET
Applications are now open for 2026 Global Citizen-PayPal Small Business Impact Awards. The Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards were established to support business owners and founders who are making a real impact in their communities by demonstrating a deep commitment to equity and sustainability in their business practices. We are looking for creative small and medium-sized business owners who have developed innovative products and services to generate a positive social or environmental impact.
The awards platform will award these innovative small and medium-sized businesses a cash prize of 20,000 and connect them with data and insights, technical training and marketing/brand activations to accelerate their work and impact.
Eligibility criteria
- Active business leader
Be the owner, founder or CEO who plays a crucial role in the current business. - Online presence
Have an online presence that allows your customers to buy your product. - Small and medium-sized businesses
The business must be classified as a small and medium-sized business, typically with fewer than 50 full-time employees or annual revenues less than $1 million (subject to local regulations and standards). - Demonstrate community impact
The business must have 1 to 5 years of impact on its community.
The company must demonstrate significant and tangible contributions to the local community. This may include, but is not limited to:- Support local causes, charities or non-profit organizations.
- Participate in community development projects or local associations.
- Implement sustainable practices that benefit the environment or the local economy.
- Create jobs or provide educational/training opportunities for community members.
- Location
The business must be based in one of these regions: North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America. - Exclusions:
- Company must not be affiliated with an organization of any country or entity subject to financial or other sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or other government entity of the United States of America that may restrict the transfer of the Prize.
- The business must not be a franchise or part of a national or international chain, as the focus is on independent, locally owned businesses.
- You must live and work in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America to be eligible.
Evaluation criteria
Innovation
How your company’s innovation supports your mission and creates a positive social or environmental impact.
📋 Vision
Compelling vision and concrete plans on how to scale this work over the next 3-5 years.
Impact
Demonstrated track record of measurable impact over the past 3 to 5 years, driving one or more of the Global Goals.
For more information:
Visit the official website of the Global Citizen-PayPal Small Business Impact Awards