A social enterprise combines entrepreneurial activity with a social purpose. Its main aim is to have a social impact, rather than maximise profit for owners or shareholders. Yet, only seven European countries have policy frameworks in place to encourage and support the development of social enterprises due to poor understanding of the concept of social enterprise, lack of specialist business development services, few supportive legislative frameworks and the absence of common mechanisms for measuring and demonstrating impact. How can the EU support social entrepreneurship, while encapsulating a dynamic, diverse and entrepreneurial movement that combines economic activity with social missions, and the promotion of inclusive growth?