Are you running a small business or social enterprise that is making a difference in your local community but could benefit from additional funding and recognition? Applications are now open for the 2025 Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards for Small Businesses. If you’re hearing about this for the first time, here’s what you need to know:
This award is a partnership between Global Citizen and PayPal, aimed at celebrating local business owners who use their products, services, or business models to create a positive impact in their communities.
This year, five fortunate winners will each receive a $25,000 cash prize, one-on-one mentorship from experts at Global Citizen and PayPal, as well as access to resources for branding, marketing, and commerce to help them grow their businesses and enhance their impact.
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Who Can Apply for the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards
To be eligible for the 2025 award, you must meet all the following criteria:
1. You’re an Active Business Leader
You must be the owner, founder, or CEO of your business and directly involved in running operations or making strategic decisions.
2. You Run a Small or Medium-Sized Business
Your business should:
- Have fewer than 50 full-time employees, or
- Generate less than $1 million in annual revenue
- Be officially registered as a small business in your home country
3. Your Business Has a Proven Local Impact
You’ll need to show that your business has been operating for at least three years and has made a clear, measurable impact in your community. This includes things like:
- Creating jobs for people in your local area
- Supporting nonprofits, schools, or community-based programs
- Running sustainability or environmental initiatives
- Providing education, training, or mentorship opportunities
- Strengthening the local economy or environment
4. You Primarily Serve a Local Market
This award is meant for businesses that are closely connected to the communities around them. Your work should focus on serving and supporting your local area, rather than targeting national or international markets.
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Who Cannot Apply?
To keep the focus on independent business owners, the following are not eligible:
- Franchises or businesses part of a national/international chain
- Businesses linked to any country or entity under U.S. government sanctions (OFAC or equivalent)
What Do Winners of the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards Receive
Each of the five selected winners will receive a $25,000 cash prize, with no restrictions on how the funding is used. In addition, they’ll get:
- A private masterclass with Global Citizen’s social impact and marketing teams
- Mentorship sessions with PayPal experts in digital payments and commerce
- Marketing support to help grow visibility and reach
- Brand exposure through Global Citizen’s platforms and campaigns
What You’ll Need to Apply
The application is straightforward and broken into four key parts:
1. About You & Your Business
Basic background details about your business, structure, and leadership role.
2. Your Pitch
You’ll write a short explanation of why you believe your business deserves the award. You’ll also need to record a 1–2 minute video introducing yourself and your business.
3. Judging Criteria
You’ll answer four short-form questions (250 words max each) that show how your work aligns with the award’s core values. These are focused on impact, sustainability, community relevance, and leadership.
4. Additional Details
If shortlisted, you may be asked to submit more organisational documents.
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Application Deadline
The deadline to apply is for the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards is August 15, 2025.
Late applications will not be considered, so don’t wait until the last minute.
Ready to Apply?
If your business is building something meaningful in your community, this is your chance to gain the support and recognition you’ve earned.
Visit the official application page to apply now.
Looking for more funding to study in the U.S.? – See also: AAUW International Fellowships 2026 for Women in the U.S
Got a project in agri-food that needs support? – Apply for the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP) 2025
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