The new Croatian Social Enterprise Monitor shows that the sector is becoming more mature, resilient, and socially impactful, despite facing financial challenges. The report calls for systemic support to enable sustainable growth through legal, financial, and awareness-raising measures.
The Croatian Social Enterprise Monitor (CSEM) 2023–2024 provides fresh insights into the state of social entrepreneurship in Croatia. Conducted by ACT Group, the University of Zagreb, the Ivo Pilar Institute, and Euclid Network with EU support, the report highlights key sector characteristics, impact, and challenges. It shows that Croatian social enterprises are diverse and maturing — over half were established before 2013, while 40.5% are currently growing and stabilising.
These enterprises focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (especially SDGs 8 and 3), showing a strong social mission. Most rely on hybrid financing but face sustainability issues — 69% have reserves for only 1–6 months and are heavily dependent on public funding. Still, 57.1% report revenue growth and 73.8% expect further expansion, demonstrating resilience amid global crises.
A strong commitment to inclusion is evident, with many enterprises employing marginalised groups and 83.4% investing in innovative service models. Social impact is central to their mission: 95.2% value it highly, and 69% also prioritise environmental responsibility. However, many struggle to measure impact due to a lack of knowledge and tools.
The report calls for better legal frameworks, improved access to finance, and increased public understanding of social enterprises. It was developed as part of the European Social Enterprise Monitor, launched in 2020. The full report is available here:
https://act-grupa.hr/web/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/HR-CSEM-2023-2024_-Monitor-drustvenih-poduzeca-1_2025.pdf
