Shaping the policy that allows social enterprise to thrive worldwide
The Social Enterprise World Forum is more than a global gathering. Year-round, SEWF works with governments, networks and intermediaries, development agencies and social enterprises globally to shape the policies and ecosystems that social enterprises need to thrive. Our policy work spans research, advocacy and practical tools used by policymakers around the world. To learn more about our mission and approach, visit Our work.
SEWF’s policy programme spans research, advocacy and practical tools, working across local, national and global levels to create the conditions for social enterprise to thrive.
The Rural Social Enterprise Manifesto serves as a strategic tool and comprehensive guide for policymakers to harness the power of social enterprise to drive sustainable development in rural communities. The Rural Social Enterprise Network continues to use the Manifesto to positively influence rural social enterprise policy for the benefit of rural communities.
Born out of the Manifesto, the Rural Social Enterprise Network connects practitioners, policymakers and advocates working to strengthen rural social enterprise ecosystems worldwide.
Access to investment remains a significant challenge for many social enterprises. In 2026, SEWF will launch the Social Investment Manifesto – a practical and inclusive action plan for systemic change in social investment.
A collaborative group representing diverse geographies, working with the SEWF community to co-develop a social investment action plan that reflects the needs and experiences of social enterprises worldwide.
SEWF’s dedicated policy event brings together policymakers, intermediaries and social enterprise leaders to share evidence, debate ideas and drive change.
The next Policy Forum takes place online in 2027.
An immersive programme for policymakers, social economy leaders, social procurement and social investment professionals and social enterprise supporters to examine policy and practice in depth. The first Exchange takes place in Korea (11-15 October 2026) in partnership with SK Group and CSES.
SEWF collaborates with partners and the global social enterprise community to deepen understanding of social enterprise ecosystems – contributing to global research, such as The State of Social Enterprise: A Review of Global Data 2013–2023, discussions including data for impact and AI and participating as observers on the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on Social and Solidarity Economy (UNTFSSE).
If you’re interested in collaborating with us, get in touch.
A series of case studies on effective and responsible use of AI across the social enterprise sector. Read more.
Explore one of the most extensive collections of social enterprise resources in the world, including examples of social enterprise policies, strategies and studies.