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

Did you know that small businesses can be the driving force behind solving some of the world’s most pressing issues? From tackling climate change to fighting period poverty, this year’s Global Citizen PayPal Small Business Impact Awards winners are proving that innovation and purpose can go hand in hand. PayPal and Global Citizen have teamed up to celebrate entrepreneurs who are not just running businesses but are also creating real, tangible change in their communities. These leaders are redefining what it means to be a small business owner by prioritizing equity, sustainability, and social impact in everything they do. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: their stories show that profitability and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive—they can thrive together. Let’s dive into the remarkable work of this year’s five winners, whose ideas are transforming industries and lives.

Meet the Changemakers

First up is Filip Lundin, CEO and Founder of Sopköket in Sweden. Did you know that globally, around 13.2% of food is lost before it reaches stores, and another 19% is wasted in homes, supermarkets, and restaurants? This waste contributes to 8–10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Filip is tackling this head-on by turning surplus food into delicious catering options and frozen meals through a circular, financially sustainable model. Half of Sopköket’s kitchen team comes from marginalized backgrounds, and the company collaborates with over 35 organizations while serving clients like Spotify and PayPal. Since 2015, Sopköket has rescued 150 tons of food waste and donated over 90,000 meals. Filip’s work doesn’t stop there—he’s also advocating for laws that enable Scope 4 CO₂ accounting, proving that businesses can be both profitable and planet-friendly. But here’s a thought: Can food waste reduction models like Sopköket’s be scaled globally to address climate change? What do you think?

Next, we have Franco Rodriguez Viau, CEO and Co-founder of Satellites on Fire in Argentina. Wildfires devastate ecosystems, communities, and wildlife every year, but Franco’s team is fighting back with an AI-powered early alert system. Their technology detects fires up to 35 minutes faster than NASA, protecting 56 million hectares across 19 countries and preventing over 400 wildfires in recent months. Backed by MIT, Techstars, and even Reddit’s founder Alexis Ohanian, Satellites on Fire is proving that innovation can stop wildfires before they spread. But here’s a controversial question: With technology advancing so rapidly, should governments invest more in AI solutions like this, even if it means potentially replacing traditional firefighting methods?

Kunjpreet Arora, CEO of Angirus in India, is revolutionizing the construction industry. Did you know that the construction sector is responsible for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions? Angirus is changing that by transforming plastic and construction waste into Wricks®, high-strength bricks made without cement, burning, or excessive water. These bricks are durable, waterproof, and thermally efficient, while also reducing landfill waste and carbon emissions. Kunjpreet’s micro-manufacturing approach puts production in local hands, creating green jobs and lowering costs. With over 100,000 Wricks® already in use, Angirus is showing that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand. But here’s something to ponder: Can innovative materials like Wricks® completely replace traditional construction methods, or will resistance from the industry slow down adoption?

Somnath Ray, CEO and Co-founder of CLIP in the USA, is making sustainable transportation more accessible. The transport sector accounts for 13.7% of global emissions, and the high cost of e-bikes often limits their adoption. CLIP’s solution? A Plug & Play device that turns any bike into an e-bike—no tools required. At just $100, their newest motor unit, BOLT, is 20 times cheaper than the average e-bike and can motorize the 2 billion bikes already in use, potentially cutting global carbon emissions by up to 5%. Somnath’s work is making urban commuting greener and more affordable. But here’s a debate starter: Should governments subsidize e-bike technology to accelerate its adoption, or is it up to the private sector to drive change?

Finally, Zizipho Ntobongwana, CEO of Sheba Feminine in South Africa, is tackling period poverty head-on. Millions of women and girls worldwide lack access to affordable menstrual products, leading to missed school and work days. Sheba Feminine offers organic, biodegradable pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, while also running education programs like “Pay for a Pal’s Pads.” Their upcoming youth-focused brand, Blud, and multilingual period tracking app, Bluddy, are set to further empower young people. Zizipho’s work is reshaping menstrual care in Africa through innovation and accessibility. But here’s a question: Should menstrual products be free and universally accessible, or is it the responsibility of businesses like Sheba Feminine to drive change through market-based solutions?

Why This Matters

These five entrepreneurs are more than just business owners—they’re catalysts for change. From food waste to wildfires, construction emissions to period poverty, their work shows that small businesses can tackle big problems. Each winner received a $25,000 cash prize, marketing support, and masterclass training from Global Citizen’s teams. They were also flown to Johannesburg to participate in Global Citizen NOW, where they shared their stories and officially received their awards. This year’s winners remind us that progress is possible when innovation meets purpose. But here’s the bigger question: How can we, as consumers and supporters, ensure that these mission-driven businesses get the backing they need to scale their impact?

As we celebrate their achievements, let’s also reflect on our role in this collective effort. By supporting small businesses like these, we’re not just investing in their success—we’re investing in a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for all. To learn more about how PayPal and Global Citizen are empowering these changemakers, explore their initiatives here. Together, we can help small businesses thrive and, in turn, help end extreme poverty. What’s your take? Which of these businesses resonates with you the most, and why? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!