Big Issue Changemakers extends deadline for social impact startups

Big Issue has been running its annual Changemakers Awards since 2018; and is now calling for entries for groups or individuals who are simply making life better.

Much like the Startups 100 Index, this is a chance to recognise the organisations, entrepreneurs, and everyday people who are tackling huge issues to improve our lives.

There are just days to enter now; so here are the details for our readers to get involved in what has become an annual celebration of the good in society.

How do I apply?

The process to nominate is simple and free. There are ten categories so find what best fits for the person or group that you want to nominate. They are:

• Communities and Equality
• Culture and Sport
• Environment and Climate
• Food and Nutrition
• Housing and Homelessness
• Health and Disability
• Learning and Employment
• Media and Campaigns
• Politics and Activism
• Refugees, Migrants and Asylum Seekers

Applicants can also make an open nomination if they are not sure which category to go for. Among the questions are why this nominee’s work is relevant to modern-day Britain; and the reason for the nomination.

There is also a ‘Young Changemakers’ category for those aged 25 and under within the Top 100 list, who have already made a significant impact in their field.

The organisers add: “Last year’s list ranged from teenagers to octogenarians, and this year we hope to do the same.”

Who has won in the past?

The list of 100 is incredibly diverse. In the Environment and Climate category last year was startup Quantaco, which created a platform to help businesses assess how to retrofit their building premises to cut emissions. This was driven by the fact that buildings are responsible for almost 40% of the world’s carbon emissions.

Led by Aneysha Minocha, a senior leader with more than 25 years of experience in energy efficiency, data-led low carbon strategies and renewable energy technologies, the venture hopes to be able to drive change at scale.

“A lot of us find the idea of climate emergency overwhelming and disempowering. Not Aneysha,” Minocha’s nominator wrote. “She left the safe and slow corporate world and all its excuses, to invent a new way of accelerating us to net zero.”

Ren Yi Hooi of Lightning Reach, has focused on connecting vulnerable people with personalised financial support. The startup, which was backed by Big Issue Invest’s Growth Impact Fund, has now helped individuals access more than £17m in financial aid.

When are the winners announced?

The list of Changemakers for 2026 will be published in a special edition of the Big Issue magazine in January next year.

The organisers add that nominees who do not make the final list will also be celebrated. Buy a copy of the magazine from the organisation’s vendors, subscribe or get the app from the App Store or Google Play.

January will also see the announcement of our Startups 100 Index 2026, including our Award winners and nominees, so look out for that too.