Work integration Social Enterprises can be described as a hybrid organization that both sell goods and / or services on the market while integrating people who have difficulty entering the labor market. They may be people who were previously long-term unemployed or burnout who wants to return to work. The most common corporate structure of these companies is that they are operated as cooperatives, which means that they reinvest profits back in to the company. In society there is no knowledge of what social enterprises are and there is not much research on what drives social entrepreneurs. This study consists of seven interviews with social entrepreneurs in Norrbotten County. This study examines the motivations for starting and running social enterprises. The study also examine these specific social enterprises and how they fulfill the function at the individual level and their contribution to society. The theoretical framework consists of Marie Jahodas theory of latent and manifest functions meaning of work and the concepts of participation and empowerment. Five of the examined social enterprises first started up in projects for 1-2 years before they started up as a cooperatives. The other two social enterprises founded by individuals with an interest in labor integration and environmental goals. Conclusions about what motivates social entrepreneurs emerge in different motivational factors. The cooperators / executive director coming from the previous background of sickness / unemployment motivated to do their part of contributing to society, connection with colleagues and to get a chance to develop their professional skills. A common motivating factor in many of the surveyed respondents is that they are driven to help other people and see them grow. They are also driven by the realization of their business ideas with social objectives. Social enterprises have strengthened individuals' self-esteem and confidence.