The Role of Social Enterprises in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Abstract

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), presents an ambitious global blueprint for addressing humanity's most pressing challenges. While governments and traditional non-profits play crucial roles, social enterprises—organizations that apply commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and environmental well-being—are emerging as powerful, innovative, and sustainable actors in achieving these targets. This research explores the multifaceted role of social enterprises in advancing the SDGs, examining their unique hybrid model that combines social or environmental mission with market-based approaches.

The study investigates how social enterprises directly contribute to various SDGs, from eradicating poverty (SDG 1) and hunger (SDG 2) through inclusive business models, to promoting good health (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), decent work (SDG 8), and responsible consumption and production (SDG 12). It highlights their capacity to innovate solutions, reach underserved communities, foster local economic development, and build resilient infrastructure. Furthermore, the abstract considers the challenges faced by social enterprises, such as access to finance and scaling impact, while emphasizing their potential to bridge gaps where traditional market and state mechanisms fall short. Ultimately, this research underscores the critical importance of fostering supportive ecosystems for social enterprises to unlock their full potential as vital partners in realizing the transformative vision of the SDGs.