Due to the increasing urbanization and industrialization, the region of Jämtland Härjedalen has experienced depopulation and migration. On the other hand, the vibrant cultural life invites positive and long-lasting social and economic community development with the support of social entrepreneurs. Using Jämtland Härjedalen as a study area, our research aims to identify research gaps regarding the contributions of social entrepreneurs to regional development in rural areas. The current literature on regional development is prominent on the discourse of tourism and entrepreneurship. Knowing that the contributions of entrepreneurs are vital, it is considerably important to study the role and contributions of social entrepreneurs which is understudied. This also leads to uncovering the contrast between the concept of entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship. In our study we conducted 20 semi-structured interviews which showed that social entrepreneurship alone is not sufficient to generate regional development but with the support of a Quadruple Helix collaboration. The article, contributes to regional development in rural areas through the lens of social entrepreneurship, also has implications for the various stakeholders who are involved in the effort to achieve development within the region of Jämtland Härjedalen.