Developing Regional Potential through Social Entrepreneurship to Alleviate Local Community Poverty

Abstract

Poverty remains a significant challenge in many parts of Indonesia, especially in rural areas. Social entrepreneurship offers a promising and innovative approach to addressing poverty by harnessing the potential of local resources. This article investigates the development of regional potential by implementing social entrepreneurship as a strategy for empowering local communities. Besides the economic profits, social entrepreneurship also focuses on improving social welfare and ensuring environmental sustainability. This study employed a descriptive-qualitative method with a case study approach in underdeveloped regions of Kupang Regency and Timor Tengah Selatan Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia, rich in untapped natural and cultural resources. The findings of this research highlighted that (1) regional prospects can be developed through social entrepreneurship; (2) social entrepreneurship affects poverty alleviation in local communities; (3) the primary challenges in implementing social entrepreneurship at the local level; and (4) an effective model of social entrepreneurship for managing regional potential. Social entrepreneurship fosters job creation, enhances community income and strengthens regional competitiveness. This article recommends enhancing community capacity through training, access to capital, and ongoing mentoring to promote local innovation. Developing regional potential through social entrepreneurship can serve as a strategic solution for poverty eradication and supporting sustainable development.