STREETS Global Awards 2026 | Up to USD $10,000 for Hospitality & Tourism Social Enterprises

Applications are now open for the STREETS Global Awards 2026, an international awards programme celebrating organisations that are creating measurable social impact through hospitality and tourism.

The awards recognise social enterprises, mission-driven businesses, non-profit organisations and NGOs that are using tourism as a catalyst for community development, youth empowerment, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive economic growth.

More than a funding opportunity, the STREETS Global Awards provide applicants with expert mentoring, global visibility, networking opportunities and valuable feedback to strengthen their organisations and increase their long-term impact.

Award Categories & Funding

Applicants can compete in one of the following award categories:

STREETS Social Enterprise Award

For outstanding hospitality and tourism social enterprises.

• Winner: USD $10,000
• Honourable Mention: USD $2,500

Alan Spanier Impact Award

For Youth Development in Tourism.

• Winner: USD $10,000
• Honourable Mention: USD $2,500

Alan Spanier Impact Award

For Emerging Hospitality & Tourism Initiatives.

• Grant Award: USD $5,000

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include legally recognised organisations that are:

• Hospitality and tourism social enterprises
• Mission-driven businesses
• Registered non-profit organisations
• Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)

Organisations should be:

• Early-stage or operating for five years or less
• Delivering measurable social or environmental impact
• Using hospitality or tourism to create positive community outcomes
• Committed to sustainable and ethical business practices

Please note: Individual applicants are not eligible. Only legally registered organisations may apply.

Why Apply?

Successful applicants will benefit from far more than prize funding.

Participants will gain access to:

• Global recognition and international exposure
• Expert mentoring throughout the application process
• Funding to support organisational growth
• Networking opportunities with global hospitality leaders
• Constructive feedback from experienced judges
• Increased visibility among international partners and investors

One of the programme's unique features is that every applicant benefits from the mentoring process, helping organisations strengthen their impact story, improve financial transparency and better communicate their mission.

Judging Criteria

Applications will be assessed against five key areas:

Mission & Social Impact

• Demonstrated social impact
• Impact measurement
• Community outcomes

Governance & Leadership

• Leadership structure
• Organisational governance
• Strategic oversight

Programmes & Activities

• Quality of programmes
• Services delivered
• Innovation and effectiveness

Community Engagement

• Partnerships
• Stakeholder engagement
• Communications and outreach

Financial Sustainability

• Profit and Loss budget
• Financial planning
• Resource management
• Organisational sustainability

Competition Timeline

Applications Open

• 15 May 2026

Application & Mentoring Period

• May – August 2026
• Applicants receive guidance and mentoring to strengthen their submissions before the judging process.

Application Deadline

• 15 August 2026

Review & Mentoring

• July – August 2026
• Applications are reviewed while participants continue to benefit from mentoring and feedback.

Expert Judging

• September – October 2026
• Applications are assessed by an international panel of experts against the programme's evaluation criteria.

Final Award Selection

• November 2026
• Finalists are reviewed and award recipients are selected.

Award Winners Announced

• December 2026
• Successful organisations are announced and recognised through the STREETS Global Awards.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Tourism is one of the world's largest industries and has significant potential to drive inclusive economic development, create employment and strengthen local communities.

The STREETS Global Awards recognise organisations that are proving business success and social impact can go hand in hand. By rewarding mission-driven organisations operating within hospitality and tourism, the programme encourages innovative solutions that improve livelihoods, empower young people and promote sustainable tourism.

For African tourism enterprises, community tourism initiatives and hospitality startups, this presents an opportunity to gain international recognition while accessing funding and strategic mentorship to accelerate long-term impact.

Click HERE to visit the official website.