funding: $20,000,
location: one of these regions: North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin Am
source-url: https://opportunitydesk.org/2026/06/25/global-citizen-x-paypal-small-business-impact-awards-2026/
apply-url: https://paypal2026.skild.com/
The Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026 is a programme established to support innovative small and medium-sized business owners who demonstrate a deep commitment to equity and sustainability. With a deadline of July 19, 2026, the programme will grant 15 winners $20,000 each, along with expert mentorship and essential business tools. The programme is open to businesses based in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America, with fewer than 50 full-time employees or annual revenue under $1 million.
Overview
The Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026 aims to support small and medium-sized businesses that drive real impact in their communities. The programme is looking for creative business owners who have developed innovative products and services to make a positive social or environmental impact.
- 15 winners will be selected and granted $20,000 each
- Winners will also receive expert mentorship, masterclass access, and essential business tools
- The programme is open to businesses based in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America
- The awards platform will connect winners to data and insights, technical training, and marketing/brand activations to accelerate their work and impact
- Winners will be selected based on their commitment to equity and sustainability, as well as their positive social or environmental impact
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026, applicants must be the owner, founder, or CEO of a small or medium-sized business. The business must have an online presence, fewer than 50 full-time employees, and annual revenue under $1 million. The business must also be based in one of the eligible regions and demonstrate significant contributions to the local community.
- Be the owner, founder, or CEO of a small or medium-sized business
- Have an online presence that allows customers to buy your product
- Have fewer than 50 full-time employees or annual revenue under $1 million
- Be based in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, or Latin America
- Demonstrate significant contributions to the local community
Benefits
- $20,000 cash prize
- Expert mentorship
- Masterclass access
- Essential business tools
- Connection to data and insights, technical training, and marketing/brand activations
How to Apply
The application process consists of four parts: (1) About you and your business, (2) Pitch, (3) Description of how your work aligns with the judging criteria, and (4) Supplemental organizational details. Applicants will be required to submit basic information about themselves and their business, explain why they deserve the award, and provide a 1-2 minute video pitch.
- Submit basic information about you and your business
- Explain why you deserve the award and provide a 1-2 minute video pitch
- Answer four short answer questions about your work
- Provide supplemental organizational details (upon request)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for the Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026?
The deadline for the Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026 is July 19, 2026.
How many winners will be selected for the Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026?
15 winners will be selected for the Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026.
What is the cash prize for the winners of the Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026?
The winners of the Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026 will each receive a $20,000 cash prize.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026?
To be eligible, applicants must be the owner, founder, or CEO of a small or medium-sized business, have an online presence, fewer than 50 full-time employees, and annual revenue under $1 million, and be based in one of the eligible regions.
What is the application process for the Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026?
The application process consists of four parts: (1) About you and your business, (2) Pitch, (3) Description of how your work aligns with the judging criteria, and (4) Supplemental organizational details.
What kind of support will the winners of the Global Citizen x PayPal Small Business Impact Awards 2026 receive?
The winners will receive expert mentorship, masterclass access, essential business tools, and connection to data and insights, technical training, and marketing/brand activations to accelerate their work and impact.