PayPal and Global Citizen Launch $25,000 Small Business Impact Award

Global Citizen and PayPal have introduced the "Global Citizen PayPal Small Business Impact Award," offering $25,000 to entrepreneurs committed to social and environmental progress globally. This initiative highlights the vital role small businesses play in local economies, fostering positive community changes and reinforcing PayPal's commitment to social empowerment without involving cryptocurrency elements.

Liza Henshaw, President of Global Citizen, expressed pride in the partnership. She emphasized the significance of supporting entrepreneurs committed to their communities, noting the grant's reach from the United States to Japan. "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. 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."

The award provides recipients with $25,000 USD, business resources, and expert support. It focuses explicitly on fostering change without directly affecting cryptocurrency markets or on-chain activities. No significant regulatory changes or financial disruptions are anticipated. The initiative indicates PayPal's ongoing support for small businesses but does not include crypto asset allocations, affecting its technological or financial impact.

Previously, PayPal and Global Citizen engaged in similar initiatives without direct $25K awards. They historically focused on business resilience and social entrepreneurship, emphasizing direct financial and community support. Experts suggest that this award could inspire future local community-driven initiatives. While lacking cryptocurrency mentions, it aligns with historical trends of fostering small business growth and community empowerment globally.

PayPal and Global Citizen have joined forces to launch the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards, a new initiative aimed at recognizing and supporting small business owners and social entrepreneurs who are making a significant social or environmental impact in their local communities. The awards will provide five winners with a cash prize of $25,000 each, along with an in-person masterclass on brand-building led by marketing experts from Global Citizen.

The partnership underscores the critical role that small businesses play in driving local economic growth, fostering community development, and promoting sustainable practices. Amy Bonitatibus, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at PayPal, echoed this sentiment, noting that small businesses are at the forefront of societal transformation, creating jobs, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of commerce.

Entrepreneurs interested in applying for the awards can do so directly through an online portal. Applications must demonstrate how the small business has made a positive environmental or social impact, such as through community development, sustainable business practices, or the creation of educational training opportunities. Additionally, applicants should outline the challenges they have faced or are currently facing, along with a viable business plan to scale their impact. The application deadline is August 15, 2025, and more information can be found on the Global Citizen website.

The initiative encourages local community members and social media users to support their favorite small businesses by sharing and engaging with Global Citizen's posts on various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. This community-driven approach aims to amplify the voices of small businesses and highlight their contributions to local economies and societies.

Global Citizen, established in 2008, is a leading international advocacy organization dedicated to ending extreme poverty. The organization has mobilized a global community of activists and has secured commitments impacting lives. PayPal, with over 25 years of experience in revolutionizing global commerce, empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to participate in the global economy. The collaboration between these two organizations represents a significant step towards supporting and uplifting small businesses that are driving positive change in their communities.