Examining Sustainable Revenue Models in Social Enterprises in Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of New Business, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.

2 Family Business and Community-Oriented Innovation Department, Faculty of Family Science, University of Teheran, Tehran, Iran

3 Department of New Business, Faculty of Entrepreneurship, Kish International Campus, Kish, Iran.

4 Department of Economics, Specialization in Islamic Banking, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

Social enterprises, as emerging actors in the field of sustainable development, strive to simultaneously achieve both economic and social goals. However, one of their key challenges in Iran is the lack of sustainable revenue models. This study aims to identify and analyze effective income-generation models in Iranian social enterprises using a qualitative, comparative case study approach. Three selected cases—Agape platform, Tavanito platform, and Grameen Bank in Bangladesh—were examined in terms of revenue structure, financial sustainability, and the balance between social mission and economic logic. Data were collected through document analysis and secondary sources, and analyzed using intra-case and cross-case analysis methods. The findings reveal that diversifying income sources, leveraging technological innovation, and designing hybrid models that align revenue generation with social missions play a crucial role in achieving sustainability. By proposing a localized conceptual model, this study paves the way for developing supportive policies, designing alternative financial infrastructures, and fostering the social entrepreneurship ecosystem in Iran.
 

Keywords

References

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Journal of Entrepreneurship Development
Volume 18, Issue 3
Special Letter
September 2025
Pages 120-137

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