Internal and External Challenges to Small Social Enterprises: A Qualitative Case Study

The social and economic impact of small social enterprises (SEs) is evident. However, SEs are facing hindering factors that negatively affect their survival, growth, and sustainability. The research investigates the internal and external factors challenging SEs in achieving their social and financial goals. This research uses a qualitative case study methodology to gain deeper insights into SEs’ competitive landscape and identify the most pressing factors hindering their ability to respond to societal needs and manage operations. The case study was conducted via in-depth interviews, and a thematic analysis revealed multiple challenging internal and external factors. The study contributes to the literature by demonstrating how these internal and external challenges interrelate. The findings of this study provide SEs’ managers and policymakers with avenues to improve the internal and external environments in which SEs operate.