What Social Entrepreneurs Should Know About Artificial Intelligence in 2025
Just a few years ago, artificial intelligence seemed distant, complex, and somewhat incomprehensible. Today, it helps us write texts, plan work, generate ideas, and even run businesses. For social entrepreneurs, it’s more than just a new technology — it’s a way to simplify routine tasks, save resources, and dedicate more attention to developing and supporting people and communities.
We can see how even simple AI-based tools help social enterprises grow and enable their teams to work more efficiently and with greater confidence. In this article, we’ll explore how artificial intelligence can help social enterprises grow and evolve in 2025.
AI is becoming a must-have for social enterprises.
The war has transformed our communities: some have welcomed new people, others have seen their numbers shrink, and some must rebuild from scratch. Businesses are also changing — learning to act more quickly, support one another, and find greater meaning in what they do. Technology helps manage routine tasks when time and energy are in short supply.
By 2025, this shift will become even more visible. Donors and partners increasingly expect social enterprises to achieve their goals through digital tools. So, for entrepreneurs, the question is no longer whether they need AI — but how to integrate it into their work effectively.
Global statistics confirm these trends:
- According to the World Economic Forum (2024), more than 70% of social innovators are already using machine learning or other AI tools in areas such as healthcare and environmental protection.
- Eurostat reports that in 2024 around 11% of small, 21% of medium-sized, and 41% of large enterprises across EU countries were already using AI technologies.
- A 2025 PayPal survey found that 82% of small business owners consider mastering AI to be critically important for maintaining competitiveness.
5 Ways Artificial Intelligence Supports Social Enterprises
Here are a few key areas where AI technologies can make the biggest impact.
- Less Routine Work
Most social enterprises face a shortage of time and resources. AI can take over repetitive tasks — preparing reports, creating documents, processing applications. This kind of automation allows teams to free up valuable time from routine work and focus on developing programs or exploring new opportunities. - Better Communication with Communities and Partners
AI tools help create texts, visuals, and presentations faster — even without a large team. This saves time and enables stronger communication with donors, partners, and the wider community. - Analytics and Decision-Making
Social enterprises often handle large amounts of data, including survey results, project metrics, and client feedback. AI tools help identify patterns more quickly, evaluate program effectiveness, and plan next steps with greater confidence. - New Products and Business Models
Technology opens up opportunities to create new services — online courses, community support platforms, and digital tools for social initiatives. AI helps better understand people’s needs, personalize content, and respond to changes more quickly. - Smart Solutions for Sustainable Development
AI is increasingly being used in environmental and social initiatives — from energy management and environmental monitoring to analyzing the impact of community programs. It doesn’t replace people in social business; rather, it helps them organize processes, better understand community needs, and make decisions.
How Social Entrepreneurs Can Start Working with AI
Getting started with AI in a social enterprise is easier than it seems. The key is not to try to cover everything at once, but to move step by step. Start with one area that takes up the most time — reporting, information search, or content creation. Select a straightforward AI tool for the task and test it on a few examples.
Social enterprises often work with personal data, so any implementation of technology must be done in a responsible manner. Identify what information can be entered into AI systems to avoid risks and maintain people’s trust. Evaluate every step of the integration process: what exactly has improved, and which tasks have become easier. This approach helps you understand which tools truly work and which ones are worth scaling up.
Technology is evolving rapidly, and the only way to keep up is to continually learn and share experiences. Communities of social entrepreneurs, idea exchanges, trainings, and peer examples help discover solutions that truly work in real life.
The Platform for Social Change recognizes that artificial intelligence is more relevant than ever. That’s why we recently held a training for entrepreneurs on how to apply AI in developing their businesses. Twenty-five participants gained practical knowledge and saw firsthand how AI can help them grow faster and more efficiently.
Conclusion
Artificial intelligence opens up a new level of opportunity for social entrepreneurs — helping them see the bigger picture, make decisions faster, and achieve more with fewer resources.
But this isn’t about technology for technology’s sake — it’s about people who are ready to learn, experiment, and transform their communities.
Indeed, the path toward mindful use of AI takes time, knowledge, and responsibility. But every step in this direction brings us closer to a future where innovation works for people, and technology helps create real change.
