This paper presents a selection of policy measures that governments worldwide are taking to create a supportive environment for the development of social enterprises. The paper will describe them both theoretically and empirically, presenting good practices taken from all over the world. However, the aim is not to present an exhaustive overview of these measures, but to show diverse ways in which government support for social enterprises and social entrepreneurship can be organized. The paper starts off with two horizontal issues, the first being the dimension of the level policy measures are directed to, and the second, the character of the measures taken (i.e. are they supply or demand driven?). It then delves into an analysis of the concrete strategies and measures undertaken by governments to create an enabling environment for social enterprises and the aims of relevant government initiated support services before concluding.