Global Citizen and PayPal Announce New $25K Awards to Celebrate Entrepreneurs Driving Change in Local Communities – PayPal Newsroom

Global Citizen and PayPal Launch $25,000 Awards to Support Entrepreneurs Advancing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On June 26, 2025, Global Citizen, a leading international advocacy organization, in partnership with PayPal, announced the launch of the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards. This initiative aims to recognize and financially support small business owners and social entrepreneurs who are driving significant social and environmental change within their local communities. The awards include five $25,000 cash prizes and an exclusive in-person masterclass on brand-building led by Global Citizen marketing experts.

Focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The awards emphasize the critical role small businesses play in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by:

• Promoting community development and social inclusion (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities)
• Implementing sustainable business practices that protect the environment (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 13: Climate Action)
• Creating educational and training opportunities to empower local populations (SDG 4: Quality Education)
• Supporting economic growth through entrepreneurship and job creation (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth)

Statements from Leadership

Liza Henshaw, President of Global Citizen, highlighted the importance of small businesses in strengthening local economies and cultures worldwide. She emphasized the organization’s commitment to uplifting entrepreneurs who contribute to social good and community advancement.

Amy Bonitatibus, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at PayPal, underscored that thriving economies depend on small businesses, local innovation, and entrepreneurial leadership. She noted that these businesses are at the forefront of societal transformation by creating jobs and shaping the future of commerce.

Award Application Details

1. Entrepreneurs are invited to apply online via the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards portal.
2. Applications must demonstrate the positive environmental or social impact of the business, including but not limited to community engagement, sustainable practices, or educational initiatives.
3. Applicants should describe challenges faced and present a viable business plan for scaling impact.
4. The deadline for submissions is August 15, 2025.

Community Engagement and Promotion

Local communities and social media users are encouraged to support small business owners by promoting the awards through comments, shares, and reposts on Global Citizen’s social media platforms:

• TikTok
• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

About Global Citizen

Global Citizen is dedicated to ending extreme poverty by mobilizing a global community of activists and leaders across sectors. Since its inception in 2008, the organization has facilitated $49 billion in commitments impacting 1.3 billion lives worldwide. Global Citizen’s work aligns closely with multiple SDGs, particularly those targeting poverty eradication, education, and sustainable communities.

About PayPal

PayPal has been a pioneer in global commerce for over 25 years, enabling secure and innovative financial transactions in approximately 200 markets. The company supports economic inclusion and entrepreneurship, contributing to SDG 8 by empowering consumers and businesses to participate in the global economy.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact: mgage@paypal.com

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The article emphasizes supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs who create jobs and strengthen local economies.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Focus on local innovation and entrepreneurial leadership to drive societal transformation.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Encouragement of social entrepreneurs driving positive social and environmental impact in local communities.
4. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Promotion of sustainable business practices by small and medium-sized enterprises.
5. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Creation of education and training opportunities through small business initiatives.
6. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Collaboration between Global Citizen and PayPal to support entrepreneurs and amplify impact.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 8
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
2. SDG 9
   • Target 9.3: Increase the access of small-scale industrial and other enterprises to financial services and their integration into value chains and markets.
3. SDG 11
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
4. SDG 12
   • Target 12.6: Encourage companies, especially large and transnational companies, to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle.
5. SDG 4
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship.
6. SDG 17
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of Small Businesses Supported
   • Implied by the awarding of $25,000 prizes to five small business winners and the number of applicants.
2. Job Creation and Economic Impact
   • Referenced through small businesses creating jobs and strengthening communities.
3. Implementation of Sustainable Business Practices
   • Measured by how businesses engage in sustainable practices as part of their application.
4. Education and Training Opportunities Created
   • Number and quality of education or training programs initiated by small businesses.
5. Scale and Viability of Business Plans
   • Assessment of business plans to scale social or environmental impact.
6. Community Engagement and Social Impact
   • Extent of positive social or environmental impact in local communities as described in applications.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: newsroom.paypal-corp.com