The Social Enterprise Barometer aims to be effectively applied across various scales and geographic contexts, making it a flexible and valuable tool for supporting social enterprises. As partners in a Erasmus+ /contract 2023-1-MK01-KA220-YOU-0000156667/, Bulgarian Association of Social Enterprises uses the available experience and knowledge to apply the Social Enterprise Barometer to the Bulgarian ecosystem.

The Social Enterprise Barometer is a carefully crafted tool designed to provide a systematic assessment of the social enterprise ecosystem. It was developed in response to the recognized need for accessible, well-structured, and dependable data to better understand the sector’s complex dynamics—previously limited by inconsistent and incomplete information. Evolving through continuous refinement, the Barometer now offers a practical, evidence-based framework that allows stakeholders to evaluate ecosystem capacity, uncover key strengths and weaknesses, and support the sustainable development of the sector. This tool enables ecosystem actors to clearly identify areas in need of focused intervention.

The primary aim of the Social Enterprise Barometer is to create a cohesive, adaptable, and context-aware instrument for systematically assessing social entrepreneurship across international, national, and local contexts. Most importantly, the Social Enterprise Barometer aims to provide a regular (annual) assessment of the state of the social entrepreneurship ecosystem – in this way improvements will be visible and trackable, so good case practices and challenges can be easily accessible for all stakeholders. The current report examines the status quo in the year 2025.

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Data collection

The Barometer draws primarily on official statistical data from the National Statistics Institute of Bulgaria, covering key economic, social, and labor market indicators relevant to social entrepreneurship.

To ensure a comprehensive and reliable dataset, it also incorporates data from international reports and indexes, publications by governmental and non-governmental organizations, as well as secondary sources such as project reports and research outputs published on institutional websites.

About the Social Enterprise Barometer indicators

The Social Enterprise Barometer employs an analytical framework based on 26 carefully selected indicators, organized into four key pillars to ensure a holistic and in-depth evaluation of the ecosystem:
The Social Enterprise Barometer employs an analytical framework based on 26 carefully selected indicators, organized into four key pillars to ensure a holistic and in-depth evaluation of the ecosystem:
Pillar I Funding and Capital Access

Focuses on the range, availability, and ease of access to financial instruments such as grants, loans, and impact investments that are vital for the growth of social enterprises.

Pillar II Support systems

Reviews the surrounding institutional and structural support—policy environments, legal mechanisms, business services, and networking platforms—that sustain and enhance ecosystem performance.

Pillar III Human Capital

Assesses the ecosystem’s capacity in terms of skills, education, training opportunities, and overall workforce preparedness necessary for building sustainable and innovative social ventures.

Pillar IV Quality of life

Evaluates broader socio-economic conditions that shape the need for social enterprise solutions, including aspects of social inclusion, public health, and environmental sustainability.

Together, these pillars provide a clear and complete view of the ecosystem, helping stakeholders identify key strengths and challenges, plan effective actions, and monitor progress over time.

Target audience

The Social Enterprise Barometer aims to inform and assist a wide range of stakeholders, acknowledging the complexity and interdependence within the social enterprise ecosystem. Its key audiences include policymakers, social entrepreneurs, investors, support organizations, academic researchers, and emerging youth leaders—each positioned to gain meaningful insights from the Barometer’s findings.