Background: Together, the state and business community have contributed to the development of society. However, from a global perspective there are still problems with, among others, poverty, injustice and environmental degradation. This has in turn contributed to the growth of NGOs (non-governmental organizations) and, above all, both social enterprises and social entrepreneurs have become important players to counteract these trends.

Objective: The overall purpose of this study was to map out the patterns that may prevail during the process of expansion within social enterprises. The study also sought to analyze the similarities and differences between the start and the maturation phases of such expansion. Finally, the study aimed to analyze whether expansion may be a strategy that can enable social enterprises to survive.

Method: This study is based on a qualitative approach. Seven organizations were selected to participate in the study and the empirical data collection consisted of interviews and document analysis. The empirical data was analyzed using content analysis.

Conclusion: The conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that all of the enterprises expanded in order to be able to pursue their social objectives. Furthermore, all of the enterprises reinvested their surpluses back into the enterprises. The patterns that could be mapped out during the expansion process were networking, needs analysis, strategy and planning, external help and innovation.