Background: Stakeholders have gaineind an increased understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility where they have put a higher pressure on companies to conduct CSR. However, CSR has previously been associated with large companies. 99,9 % of all companies in Sweden are small- and medium sized companies, of which small Gazelle companies are included in this category. Gazelle companies are important for the Swedish economy as they contributed 29,000 new jobs during 2014-2017. Gazelle companies are characterized by rapid growth and have to deal with unique challenges, why it is interesting to see the relationship between CSR and growth in small Gazelle companies. 

Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to create an increased understanding of the relationship between CSR and the rapid growth of small Gazelle companies. 

Research method: The study adopts a qualitative method that coincides with an abductive approach. It is based on the hermanistic approach, as interpretation is essential in this multiple case study. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with small Gazelle companies, which also were supplemented with documents such as sustainability reports, policy documents and the companies' websites. 

Conclusion: The results show that small Gazelle companies work within the framework of CSR, even if they do not always define it CSR. The reason for small Gazelle companies to work with CSR are moral and ethical ones. In addition, the study shows that there are various challenges and opportunities with CSR and that a two-way relationship between CSR and growth is indicated. High growth can affect companies' opportunities to work with CSR when there not enogh time. However, high growth is also a necessity to enable CSR. Furthermore, CSR can contribute to growth for the small Gazelle companies. The study has made a theoretical contribution, by acting as a complement to previous research and an empirical contribution as increased understanding has been achieved regarding the relationship between CSR and growth in small Gazelle companies.