Social enterprises are entering a new phase of consolidation after overcoming various challenges over the last 10 years in their efforts to foster sustainable local development, help create local wealth and jobs, and fight social exclusion. Nevertheless, government support is essential if social enterprises are to develop further. Ad hoc support tools can facilitate their creation and growth, and appropriate financial tools can help them to better fulfil their multiple missions. New legislation on social enterprises has recently been enacted in several OECD countries, providing them with new opportunities. Novel frontiers for social enterprises are opening up, requiring that they be fully equipped to deal with fresh challenges. This book contains recommendations for national and local policy makers and presents a set of international best practices.