Social economy entities as protagonists of a new model of entrepreneurship and legal measures to support entrepreneurship

Abstract

Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs are fashionable concepts in Spain. Governments and various public authorities promote initiatives that seek to boost, recognise or support entrepreneurs. This paper seeks to clarify the situation of entrepreneurship in Spain, particularly social entrepreneurship. It distinguishes between models of entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship, led by social enterprises and social economy organisations, which have different characteristics to traditional business enterprises. It undertakes a critical analysis of the impact, consequences and opportunities afforded by legislative reforms (national and some regional) in supporting or stimulating entrepreneurs and the impact of these reforms on social economy entities, the principal architects of social entrepreneurship.