21

Germany

The best countries to be a social entrepreneur 2019

2016 Rank: 12

Country summary

While its capital, Berlin, confirmed its position as the world's top hotspot for social entrepreneurs, Germany slipped nine points to 21st place. Tougher access to grants, investment and non-financial support made conditions for starting and growing social enterprises less favourable compared with 2016.

Expert view

"Social entrepreneurship is a fairly new phenomenon in Germany. Political attention is now on the rise. The German parliament has already dealt with the topic twice this year, the importance of social innovation and social entrepreneurship was included in the coalition agreement of the government.  Social entrepreneurship in Germany is still a small, colourful but fast-growing plant."

Norbert Kunz, CEO, Social Impact

Polling results

How germany fared for each question (between 1 and 44). 1 is best

  • 34

    Government SupportGovernment policy supports social entrepreneurs.
    2016 Rank: 34

  • 08

    Attracting Skilled StaffIt is easy for social entrepreneurs to attract staff with the required skills.
    2016 Rank: 03

  • 13

    Public UnderstandingThe general public understands what social entrepreneurs do.
    2016 Rank: 18

  • 15

    Making a LivingSocial entrepreneurs can make a living from their work in my country.
    2016 Rank: 22

  • 06

    Gaining MomentumSocial entrepreneurship is gaining momentum.
    2016 Rank: 25

  • 31

    Access to InvestmentIt is easy for social entrepreneurs to access investment (debt and/or equity).
    2016 Rank: 18

  • 26

    Conditions are favourable for social entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses
    2016 Rank: 15

  • 21

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to get grant funding
    2016 Rank: 11

  • 27

    Social entrepreneurs can access the non-financial support they need
    2016 Rank: 04

  • 35

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to government
    2016 Rank: 18

  • 02

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to business
    2016 Rank: 10

  • 06

    It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the public
    2016 Rank: 10

Questions we asked

Click a question below to explore a summary of the key findings and see the polling results. 1 is best.

Conditions are favourable for social entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses

Government policy supports social entrepreneurs

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to get grant funding

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to access investment (debt and/or equity)

Social entrepreneurs can access the non-financial support they need (e.g. financial, legal and technical advice; access to markets and networks; coaching, mentoring and training)

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to government

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to business

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to sell to the public

It is easy for social entrepreneurs to attract staff with the required skills

The general public understands what social entrepreneurs do

Social entrepreneurs can make a living from their work in my country