УДК 334.72:364-44

DOI: https://doi.org/10.36887/2415-8453-2025-1-19

Gurskiy Artem,
PhD student Business and Administration Department,
Simon Kuznets Kharkiv National University of Economics,
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-7855-2843

JEL classification: B55; L31

This article explores the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship as an effective tool for combating unemployment, particularly among socially vulnerable groups. Social entrepreneurship is a form of economic activity combining business strategies with a social mission, aiming to create sustainable employment and foster financial stability. The article examines the global experience of social entrepreneurship, highlighting its role in job creation, social integration, and regional development. A comparative analysis of different models of social enterprises is conducted, demonstrating their effectiveness in addressing labor market imbalances and supporting marginalized populations such as people with disabilities, internally displaced persons, young professionals lacking work experience, and individuals over 50 years old who face employment discrimination. The study identifies the main barriers to developing social entrepreneurship in Ukraine, including legislative constraints, lack of financial incentives, and low public awareness of the benefits of social enterprises. These challenges hinder the sector’s growth and limit its ability to serve as a key mechanism for reducing unemployment. The article emphasizes the need for comprehensive state support, including developing legal frameworks, access to preferential financing, and targeted tax benefits. It also highlights the importance of educational programs to increase awareness of social entrepreneurship among business professionals, policymakers, and the public. The study suggests integrating social entrepreneurship into national employment strategies can significantly reduce unemployment and enhance social cohesion. Developing mechanisms for institutional support, increasing access to financial resources, and improving the visibility of social enterprises, governments, and international organizations can strengthen the role of social entrepreneurship in economic recovery and social welfare. The article concludes that social entrepreneurship addresses unemployment and is a powerful tool for creating a more inclusive and resilient economy.

Keywords: social entrepreneurship, unemployment, labor market, inclusive economy, government support, social innovation, economic stability.

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The article was received 03.01.2025