This work is based on the meaning of social entrepreneurship through theory and practice. The basic differences between social and traditional companies and entrepreneurs are presented. The aim of this work is to point the importance of social entrepreneurship that could be seen as a new business model that fills the vacant market space and implies the employment of women, youth and socially vulnerable groups. Looking at social entrepreneurship through the prism of employment of women, youth and socially vulnerable groups, we can see a desirable business model especially in the conditions of a bad economic situation. In addition, a Strategy for the Development of Social Entrepreneurship in the Republic of Croatia was adopted for the period from 2015 to 2020 and explains the possibilities of establishing a social enterprise in Croatia.Supporting an entrepreneurial eco-system is of a great importance for social entrepreneurship through legal and regulatory regulations, entrepreneurial education, government, policies and funding sources. Through various examples, the theoretical background of social entrepreneurship is supported with all the most important features. Practical part of the work encompasses two case studies. The first case study describes the social enterprise Zlatna Greda, which has arisen from the environmental association Green Osijek and the other case includes the PRONI center Osijek ie the pressures faced by the social entrepreneur at certain levels.