Celebrating Small Businesses Making a Big Impact: Global Citizen PayPal Awards (2026)

Announcing the 2025 Global Citizen PayPal Small Business Impact Awards Winners: A Year of Innovation and Impact

PayPal and Global Citizen have joined forces to celebrate the remarkable small businesses that are driving positive change and fostering social and environmental impact. The Global Citizen PayPal Small Business Impact Awards recognize entrepreneurs and small business owners who are making a tangible difference in their communities through their commitment to equity and sustainability. This year's winners are a testament to the power of innovation and purpose, showcasing how small businesses can be catalysts for meaningful change.

The five award winners were selected for their contributions in sustainable design, clean mobility, food systems, menstrual equity, and wildfire prevention. Each winner received a $25,000 USD cash prize, marketing support, and in-person masterclass training with Global Citizen's experts. They were flown to Johannesburg, South Africa, to participate in the Global Citizen NOW summit, where they shared their stories and received their awards.

Here's a closer look at this year's exceptional winners:

1. Filip Lundin, CEO and Founder of Sopköket, Sweden: Sopköket is a Swedish social enterprise addressing food waste by transforming surplus food into delicious catering options and circular frozen meals. Since 2015, they've rescued 150 tons of food waste and donated over 90,000 meals, earning them Sweden's top sustainability awards.
2. Franco Rodriguez Viau, CEO & Cofounder of Satellites on Fire, Argentina: Satellites on Fire develops an AI-powered early alert system to detect wildfires rapidly and efficiently. Their technology has saved lives and ecosystems, preventing 400+ wildfires in recent months.
3. Kunjpreet Arora, CEO of Angirus, India: Angirus creates sustainable alternatives to conventional construction materials, reducing waste and carbon emissions. Their micro-manufacturing approach puts production in local hands, creating green jobs and lower costs.
4. Somnath Ray, CEO and Co-founder of CLIP, USA: CLIP is a clean mobility startup making e-bike technology more accessible. Their Plug & Play device and BOLT motor unit are revolutionizing urban commuting, reducing carbon emissions, and making sustainable transportation more affordable.
5. Zizipho Ntobongwana, CEO of Sheba Feminine, South Africa: Sheba Feminine provides sustainable, eco-friendly menstrual products and advocates for menstrual equity. Their mission is to tackle period poverty through education, outreach, and community programs.

These winners demonstrate that small businesses can be powerful catalysts for positive change. By championing their efforts, PayPal and Global Citizen are investing in a more inclusive and resilient future. The awards celebrate the impact of these businesses and inspire others to follow suit, driving progress and ending extreme poverty.