Title: Understanding success factors of Class B enterprises in Chile: a pioneering study on socially and environmentally responsible entrepreneurship

Authors: Fernando Yanine; Lionel Valenzuela; Zocimo Campos; Amir Hasnaoui; Virginie Hachard; Makram Chemangui

Addresses: Finis Terrae University, Av. Pedro de Valdivia 1509, Providencia, Santiago, Chile ' Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Av. Santa Maria 6400, Vitacura, Santiago, Chile ' Universidad de Santiago de Chile, USACH, Av. Ejército Libertador 146, 8370003 Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile ' CERIIM – Research Center in Managerial Intelligence and Innovation, La Rochelle Business School, 102 Rue de Coureilles, 17000 La Rochelle, France ' Métis Lab, EM Normandie Business School, 20 Quai Frissard, 76600, Le Havre, France ' Audencia Business School. 8 Rte de la Jonelière, 44300 Nantes, France

Abstract: Innovative entrepreneurship drives economic and societal progress by introducing novel products, services, and business models. Class B enterprises stand out for harmonising profitability with exceptional social and environmental performance, yet their success factors remain underexplored. This study examines the success factors of Class B enterprises in Chile across five strategic dimensions. Using a descriptive and empirical approach, in-depth surveys were conducted with 34 of the 74 registered Class B companies in Chile. Statistical analysis revealed critical success factors shaping their performance, including the entrepreneurial ecosystem, access to clients, education quality, and support networks. Notably, 81% of entrepreneurs highlighted the ecosystem as pivotal. These findings provide valuable insights into the operational dynamics of Class B enterprises, underscoring the importance of external influences. This pioneering study enriches the literature by offering a comprehensive analysis of success factors in socially and environmentally responsible entrepreneurship in Chile and Latin America.

Keywords: Class B enterprises; social entrepreneurship; innovation; entrepreneurial ecosystems; success factors; community-based sustainability; Chile.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2026.153581

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2026 Vol.58 No.2, pp.153 - 186

Received: 03 Sep 2024
Accepted: 03 Jan 2025
Published online: 18 May 2026 *

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