Social entrepreneurship as a catalyst for sustainable development: A study on community economic empowerment

This study aims to analyze the contribution of social entrepreneurship to community economic welfare and sustainable development. Employing a qualitative approach with thematic analysis of literature and case studies in Indonesia, the research reveals that social entrepreneurship plays a significant role in addressing social issues such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to basic services. Social enterprises not only generate economic value but also enhance social inclusion and environmental sustainability, aligning with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, the development of social entrepreneurship still faces various challenges, including limited access to funding, inadequate regulatory support, and insufficient managerial capacity among entrepreneurs. The theoretical implications highlight the need to integrate social entrepreneurship approaches into local economic development theories, while practical implications underscore the importance of collaborative policies involving government, the private sector, and civil society. The study recommends strengthening the social entrepreneurship ecosystem through incentives, capacity-building programs, and supportive regulations. These findings affirm that social entrepreneurship can serve as an effective strategy for empowering communities sustainably in the post-pandemic era and the Society 5.0 context