Social Entrepreneurship: Balancing Profit and Purpose

Kakungulu Samuel J.

Faculty of Education, Kampala International University, Uganda

ABSTRACT

Social entrepreneurship represents a transformative movement redefining how businesses address societal challenges. Positioned at the intersection of commerce and compassion, social enterprises strive to achieve sustainable profitability while fulfilling vital social or environmental missions. This paper examines the evolution, frameworks, and strategies of social entrepreneurship, exploring its historical foundations, core concepts, sector-specific applications, and the growing importance of impact measurement. Through analysis of legal structures, funding models, and the integration of technology, the paper highlights how social enterprises manage to thrive despite systemic and operational challenges. Special attention is paid to the delicate balance between profit generation and purpose alignment, illustrating the need for adaptive strategies in an increasingly complex global landscape. Ultimately, this study underscores the capacity of social entrepreneurship to drive meaningful change, advocate for equity, and inspire a redefinition of business success.

Keywords: Social Entrepreneurship, Profit and Purpose, Social Impact, Sustainable Business Models, Innovation, Legal Structures, Funding Models.

CITE AS: Kakungulu Samuel J. (2025). Social Entrepreneurship: Balancing Profit and Purpose. RESEARCH INVENTION JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN EDUCATION 5(1):15-21. https://doi.org/10.59298/RIJRE/2025/511521