Impact of Social Entrepreneurship on Performance of Selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Abuja-Nigeria

This study examines the effect of social entrepreneurship on the performance of selected SMEs in Abuja, focusing on three main dimensions: social value creation, social innovation, and the Triple Bottom Line. A cross-sectional design was employed, targeting a population of 22,861 SMEs in Abuja. A sample size of 420 SMEs was selected using a convenient sampling technique. The study used descriptive statistics and multiple regression in the analysis. The analysis was carried out using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The tool was used in generating the adjusted R-Square, correlation and regression. The findings from the analysis indicated that the independent variables used were able to explain up to (i.e. adjusted R-Square of) 65.2% changes in the dependent variable and that social value creation, social innovation and triple bottom line had positive effect on the efficiency of the SMEs in Abuja evidenced by the respective coefficient values of B= 0.452, B= 0.318, and B=0.127. All the independent variables were found to have a significant effect on the dependent variable at 5% level of significant (with their p-vale <0.05) except tripplr bottom line whose p-value stood at p=0.53 indicating that the proxy does not significantly affect the efficiency of SMEs in Abuja. The study recommends that SMEs in Abuja embed social value creation and innovation within their strategies to enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Adoption of the Triple Bottom Line framework, though less dominant, should be gradually strengthened to promote sustainability and resilience. Overall, the findings conclude that social entrepreneurship is a key driver of SME performance, and policymakers, managers, and stakeholders should prioritize value creation, innovation, and sustainability practices for long-term success.