The presence of a large number of social problems and vulnerable populations in Ukraine forces us to look for new and innovative approaches to solving them. The use of commercial approaches in the social sphere is a worldwide trend that has proved positive in many countries, given its financial sustainability and significant social impact. Social entrepreneurship, as one of the new hybrid organizational forms, which involves the use of business methods to solve various social problems. A social enterprise differs from other enterprises in that its social effect is a deliberate result, not a by-product of activity. The social goals are enshrined in the statute and are binding. Profit from business activities is allocated to the achievement of social goals. The assessment of social and economic impact is a factor in the development of social entrepreneurship and the involvement of donors and investors. Promoting social entrepreneurship will help overcome paternalistic perceptions of social problems in society. The new trend of social entrepreneurship is manifested in various forms: corporate social responsibility, venture philanthropy, investment impact, etc. This trend is increasingly known as the «fourth sector of the economy».