Title: Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Emmanuel Yusuf Attah & Elizabeth Dooshima Yonkor
Volume: 9
Issue: 9
Pages: 248-260
Publication Date: 2025/09/28
Abstract:
Social entrepreneurship has emerged as a pivotal force in addressing complex global challenges by aligning business activities with social and environmental objectives. This alignment supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which provide a comprehensive framework for sustainable development. Despite the growing recognition of social entrepreneurship's potential, empirical studies examining its impact on SDGs remain limited. This study aims to bridge this gap by exploring how social enterprises contribute to the achievement of SDGs, identifying the mechanisms through which they operate, and assessing the challenges they face. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research combines quantitative analysis of social enterprise performance data with qualitative case studies from diverse geographical contexts. Data were collected through surveys, interviews, and document analysis, focusing on enterprises engaged in sectors such as education, healthcare, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment. The study examines the alignment of these enterprises' missions with specific SDGs and evaluates their impact using established impact measurement frameworks. Findings indicate that social enterprises significantly contribute to multiple SDGs, particularly in poverty alleviation, quality education, and sustainable communities. Key mechanisms facilitating their impact include innovative business models, cross-sector collaborations, and robust impact measurement systems. However, challenges such as limited access to funding, regulatory barriers, and scalability issues impede their potential. The study recommends enhancing policy support, fostering collaborative networks, and developing scalable impact measurement tools to strengthen the role of social entrepreneurship in achieving SDGs. These strategies are essential for creating an enabling environment that supports the growth and effectiveness of social enterprises.