Social Innovation and Legal Strategies to Boost Entrepreneurship Among Women in Vulnerable Situations

The main objective of this study was to analyze how legal knowledge and social innovation influence the growth and sustainability of these women-led ventures, considering individual and structural factors that affect their performance. A mixed method approach with a descriptive and exploratory design was employed, based on surveys conducted with 120 female entrepreneurs and 15 semi-structured interviews with experts in law and social innovation. The primary evaluation criterion was the level of entrepreneurial growth, measured through income and community outreach, in relation to legal knowledge and social innovation. Statistical analysis (SPSS) and qualitative thematic analysis (NVivo) were used. A positive correlation was found between legal knowledge and growth (r = 0.56, p < 0.001), and an even stronger one with social innovation (r = 0.62, p < 0.001). Entrepreneurs who applied legal strategies and innovative practices reported higher levels of business sustainability. The interviews reinforced these findings, highlighting the need for legal advice and collaborative networks as key enablers. Furthermore, the study revealed that limited access to financial resources, lack of adequate training, and structural gender inequalities further deepen the challenges faced by these women. The study demonstrates that the synergy between legal strategies and social innovation significantly drives the development of vulnerable women’s enterprises. It is recommended to strengthen public policies aimed at providing free legal support, simplifying administrative procedures, and promoting collaborative practices. Future research should consider a longitudinal approach to evaluate sustainable long-term impacts, as well as explore the role of digitalization and access to technology in the expansion of these ventures. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2026.