Role of social entrepreneurship in promoting employment opportunities for people with disabilities: Comparative case study of Latvia and Belgium

Abstract

This research investigates the employment creation role of social enterprises for disabled youth in Latvia and Belgium. People with disabilities face substantial barriers to employment despite the progress made in social welfare and inclusion policies. This qualitative research investigates social enterprise operations in these two European settings to determine effective practices and obstacles and successful strategies for workforce integration. Social enterprises function as essential drivers of inclusive employment yet their activities remain limited by funding restrictions and policy deficiencies and social prejudice. The research demonstrates that social enterprises drive inclusive employment but their effectiveness depends on funding constraints and policy shortcomings and societal prejudices. The research demonstrates why multiple stakeholders need to work together with enduring policy structures to maximize social enterprise impact. The research delivers practical suggestions to policymakers and social entrepreneurs and advocacy groups for better employment opportunities for youth with disabilities.