The 2025 Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards are now open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for outstanding entrepreneurs and small business innovators. These awards were created to spotlight the work of small business owners and social entrepreneurs who are driving positive change through their business models, services, or products that contribute meaningfully to social and environmental progress.

This initiative will honor five exceptional leaders by awarding each a $25,000 USD grant. In addition to the financial support, winners will receive personalized guidance from experienced professionals in commerce and digital payments, gain access to valuable data and insights, and benefit from marketing and brand exposure to help amplify their reach and effectiveness.

To qualify, applicants must be the primary force behind a business—such as the founder, CEO, or owner—and play an active role in decision-making and daily operations. Eligible businesses must be small or medium-sized, with fewer than 50 full-time employees or annual earnings below $1 million, and officially registered in their country of operation.

Applicants should also be able to show that their business has been running for at least three years and has made real, measurable contributions to its local community. This could include supporting charitable causes, engaging in neighborhood improvement initiatives, adopting sustainable practices, or creating job and training opportunities for locals. The enterprise must be locally based and serve primarily its surrounding community.

Organizations associated with sanctioned entities or international franchises are ineligible. The emphasis is strictly on independent, community-focused businesses.

Applicants will be asked to provide general information about themselves and their business, make a case for why they should be selected, and submit a short pitch video between one and two minutes in length. They will also respond to four brief questions—each limited to 250 words—demonstrating how their work reflects the program’s values and objectives. Additional details about their organization may be requested during the selection process. Winners will also be invited to participate in an exclusive training session with Global Citizen’s marketing and social impact teams.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity