Reports

'The State of Social Enterprise 2024', World Economic Forum

This report shows social enterprises, led 50% by women, make up 3% of global businesses, generating $2 trillion revenue and 200 million jobs across 80+ countries.

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Summary

This report provides a comprehensive overview of the global social enterprise landscape. Key findings include:

  • There are approximately 10 million social enterprises worldwide, comprising over 3% of all businesses.
  • These enterprises generate around $2 trillion in annual revenue and create nearly 200 million jobs.
  • Social enterprises bridge the gender gap, with about 50% led by women compared to 20% for conventional businesses.
  • They operate across various industries and contribute to all UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially in health, education, climate, and job creation.

The report aggregates data from over 80 countries, representing 83% of the global population. It highlights social enterprises' significant economic impact, noting that the sector is larger than the global apparel industry and nearly twice the size of the advertising industry.

The report emphasises the transformative role of social enterprises in addressing pressing global challenges and the need for sustained, coherent data collection to unlock their full potential. 

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