In a world where small businesses play a critical role in community development and economic growth, PayPal and Global Citizen are spotlighting innovative entrepreneurs who are making a real impact. The inaugural Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards recently celebrated five winners who are committed to solving pressing social and environmental issues through business in a variety of geographies.
The award comes with a $25,000 grant to empower small business owners working to create positive change. Liza Henshaw, President of Global Citizen, highlighted the role of small businesses as “the economic and social backbone of many communities.” This award not only recognizes their hard work, but also fosters a culture of community-driven entrepreneurship.
The winners are:
- Kunjpreet Arora (India): Leading Angirus, which is innovating sustainable building materials.
- Philip Lundin (Sweden): Head of Sopköket AB, tackling food waste and social exclusion.
- It’s a gift (South Africa): Founder of Sheba Feminine, a company that creates sustainable menstrual products.
- Somnath Ray (USA): Co-founder of CLIP, which democratizes affordable e-bike use.
- Franco Rodris (Argentina): Co-founder of Satellites on Fire, which leverages AI for early wildfire detection.
These business leaders demonstrate the potential for small businesses to drive real social change, from environmental sustainability to addressing food insecurity. For small business owners looking to make a difference, incorporating social responsibility into their business model can increase both their brand reputation and their impact on the community.
The importance of these plans goes beyond financial benefits. According to the World Economic Forum, small and medium-sized businesses employ more than 60% of the global workforce and account for 70% of global GDP. This highlights the enormous potential for small businesses to make a difference, not only locally but globally. When considering their own operations, business owners can contribute to broader social goals by incorporating innovative solutions that address local needs.
Participating in events such as Global Citizen NOW in Johannesburg, where award winners share their journeys, allows entrepreneurs to learn from each other’s experiences. Networking with like-minded people can foster collaboration and new ideas, which are critical to growing in today’s competitive environment.
But while these awards celebrate achievements, business owners must also consider the challenges that come with social entrepreneurship. The path to meaningful impact can involve complex operational hurdles, such as sourcing sustainable materials and navigating social enterprise regulations. Proper planning and community involvement are therefore essential to overcome these challenges.
“Economic prosperity starts with small businesses. Community leaders drive growth from the beginning,” said Amy Bonitatibus, PayPal’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer. Through financial support and recognition, awardees not only improve their operations, but also inspire others to pursue socially responsible business models.
The landscape for small and medium-sized businesses is evolving, and incorporating social impact into business strategies presents exciting opportunities. By aligning profits with purpose, entrepreneurs can foster both personal success and the betterment of their communities.
To learn more about the impressive work these entrepreneurs are doing and how they are fostering positive change in their communities, visit the full presentation. here.
As small business owners consider their next steps, Global Citizen and PayPal initiatives serve as powerful reminders of the impact innovative solutions can have on communities around the world. Engaging in this spirit can lead to deeper relationships with your customers as well as sustainable business practices that ensure long-term success.
Image via Google Gemini
