The report highlights the financial contribution social enterprises have supplied, with 41 million population in Sub-Saharan Africa employed by them. Social enterprise businesses’ role in the social fabric of communities is also acknowledged. Their role as agents in building a more inclusive and sustainable economy and averting a climate emergency is significant. Without them, it would be challenging to gain new job opportunities and products using reused and recycled materials.

Agility and innovation are more important than ever, with two-thirds of social enterprises developing new products and services compared to pre-Covid times. This has been crucial to their survival. Adapting to online operating models has also been important, with over half of the respondents moving more of their services online.

However, the report shows that Covid-19 has significantly impacted social enterprises, exacerbating existing inequalities, particularly for young and women-led social enterprises. These groups face higher closure rates, reductions in activity, and more limited access to government support.

Government and other agencies have been fundamental in ensuring the survival of many social enterprises so far in 2020. However, failing to address gaps in support and funding now could have severe long-term implications for the sector. It may also significantly affect efforts against climate change and increase inequality.

The report revealed that more than a third of social enterprises said there is no government support available. Respondents from Europe reported accessing the lowest levels of debt payment and tax or business reporting period extensions. However, they reported the highest levels of financial support in paying staff salaries.

The report highlights that despite multiple government support provides, the capacity within an organisation to respond to grant funding applications or review government support provisions is limited. These challenges have left social enterprises with limited access to support that should be available in theory, leading to significant difficulties.

The report has also shown that organisations anticipating stability and growth are less likely to have accessed non-governmental support such as loans, while pro-bono business advice is the most likely to have been used. Respondents more positive about growth are also less likely to prioritise lobbying government as a support need.