Social Entrepreneurship books are a must-read for scholars, students, and entrepreneurs working on social ventures. The books in this list introduce and explore the newest ideas surrounding Social Entrepreneurship. Experts write them in the field who show how business and philanthropy can provide a better world for all. They will help you hone your skills as an aspiring social entrepreneur, build your network of like-minded professionals, or get better at what you are already doing…
As with any other type of entrepreneurship, social entrepreneurship is not always as easy as it may seem. To create a successful social enterprise, you must have a deep understanding of how people interact with your business model and the overall effect on society. This can be achieved by reading books that teach the entrepreneur how to understand these interactions and develop innovative solutions. These are our favorite picks for the best social entrepreneurship books to read in your journey to build sustainable solutions.
Social entrepreneurship is not a type of enterprise, but rather an approach to bettering society through market-based activities. This book is a collection of essays by social entrepreneurs and experts in the field discussing how to create sustainable social change through entrepreneurship.
The following books will be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in learning more about organizational practices, impact-driven business, creative thinking, Lean Impact, impact investments, Social Innovation, Business Ideas, and the best ways to create sustainable social change through entrepreneurship, whether it’s for-profit or not.
The following are also some favorite books that will inspire you to social entrepreneurship, understand Social Business Models, and social impact, or build Business ventures, either for-profit or nonprofit organizations while making a positive impact in the world.
Building Social Business: The New Kind of Capitalism that Serves Humanity’s Most Pressing Need, by Muhammad Yunus
Muhammad Yunus, the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize recipient and founder of Grameen Bank, has revolutionized the way people work both with and for economic opportunity and economic growth. Now he offers a new kind of capitalism—social business—as he tackles our most pressing global issues.
In Building Social Business, Yunus explains the dangers of the current economic system—which rewards greed and short-term thinking—and presents a radical new vision for an economic system based on cooperative action to meet the needs of people and nature: A good read for aspiring social innovators.
How to Change the World: Social Entrepreneurs and the Power of New Ideas, by David Bornstein
Many of our most intractable problems—global warming, genocide, poverty—will be solved not by government action but by a new generation of social entrepreneurs. In How to Change the World, David Bornstein tells their stories. He explores how these young people are using social innovation, business, technology, and ideas to advance social causes at home and around the globe.
The Business of Good: Social Entrepreneurship and the New Bottom Line by Jason Haber
This book explores a new model for business and society that is not always at odds with the capitalist system. The author defines social entrepreneurship as “the process of using the entrepreneurial drive to change the world.” In this book, he proposes a new model for business that is the creative fulfillment of humanity’s greater purpose on earth. This book discusses how social enterprises create products, services, and practices that contribute to humanity by contributing value through an effective approach to solving social problems with social benefit.
Building a Successful Social Venture: A Guide for Social Entrepreneurs by Eric Carlson and James Koch
An essential guide for entrepreneurs who want to start or expand a social venture. This book explains the principles behind social entrepreneurship and provides a step-by-step guide to building a successful social venture. It includes real stories from leading social entrepreneurs, case studies, and information on how to build your business plan, find investors, and succeed in your business while making the world a better place.
Getting Beyond Better: How Social Entrepreneurship Works by Sally Osberg
This book is a great introduction to social entrepreneurship. It begins by exploring the concepts of social entrepreneurship and then considers just what it means to be socially sustainable. It provides readers with a clear definition of the term, important insights on what comprises social sustainability, and case studies of successful organizations that prove there are tangible benefits in partnering with those who have less than you do. The writing is clear but concise, so the reader isn’t bogged down in too much information.
Thirst: A Story of Redemption, Compassion, and a Mission to Bring Clean Water to the World by Scott Harrison and Lisa Sweetingham
This book is about the founder and CEO of the Non-Profit Organization charity: water, who shares his experiences as he tried to change the world by providing clean and safe drinking water. Thirst provides readers with a compelling story of how Scott Harrison became an entrepreneur to provide clean drinking water for people in developing countries. Readers will also learn about how some people are better than others at charity work and that even good things take time to happen.
Lean Impact: How to Innovate for Radically Greater Social Good by Ann Mei Chang
In this age of information abundance, social entrepreneurship is the new frontier for innovators. Social entrepreneurs like Jyoti and Prerna from Curate a Cause, who are using new ideas and technology to create innovative products that serve the needs of society, are disrupting traditional markets and creating a deep impact at home and abroad. In her book Lean Impact, Ann Mei Chang offers an insightful guide to tapping into the world’s expertise through developing field-tested actionable innovation strategies that will help you become more effective in your efforts.
Start Something That Matters by Blake Mycoskie
It is a book that advocates for social entrepreneurship. The story shows how an individual can take an idea and turn it into something successful. It is written with a sense of humor about what can happen when you put your heart and soul into anything without any clear direction.
There are many funny books on entrepreneurship, but this one has the most useful advice for people looking to change the world. The book also provides practical solutions to people who are serious about starting their Impact-driven Business or looking for advice as they begin their journey toward changing society.
In the end, becoming a social entrepreneur requires an entirely different approach than becoming a corporate entrepreneur. It involves making an impact on society, not just making a profit. There are many definitions of social entrepreneurship, but it’s safe to say that shortly, more and more people will be working for themselves, and it’ll be thanks to the growing number of organizations that provide them with all of the tools they need to both succeed in their industry and society as a whole. I hope that this list of Books is an excellent introduction for some, a comprehensive manual for others to turn their business ideas into Business success, and social issues into social impact.
