Open Access

Given the environmental and social challenges the world faces, social entrepreneurship gained an instrumental role addressing these challenges. In this context it is important to understand what drives and motivates these types of social entrepreneurs and, eventually, how can new entrepreneurs be motivated to engage socially. This article applies the three basic needs of self-determination theory - competence, autonomy, and social integration - to the field of sustainable entrepreneurship opening up promising perspectives for promoting and motivating sustainable entrepreneurs. When applying this theory to the motivation continuum one can gain not only insights about the fulfillment of the three basic needs of sustainable entrepreneurs but also better understand their motivational drivers and how to eventually reach the highest level of intrinsic motivation. Overall, this work aims to contribute to the development of more effective support and educational programs aiming to attract and motivate more people to engage in sustainable entrepreneurship.