Social Entrepreneurship: What Everyone Needs to Know®

If you're interested in changing the world by scaling up new social practices -- or even in thinking about that possibility -- then you're probably interested in social entrepreneurship (whether you know it or not!), and this book will help you to think about it. As with other books in the "What Everyone Needs to Know" series, what you won't get here is extended narratives about particular examples of social entrepreneurship. These books are structured more like long-form FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) documents, with vignettes and discussions of no more than a few pages apiece. The payoff is that this book asks, and goes a long way toward addressing, a wide range of deep questions about social entrepreneurship. It also gives great suggestions about where to read more. Beyond that, Bornstein and Davis's writing is lucid and at times lyrical.

Fantastic introduction to social entrepreneurship. Very well written and easy to read. I’m a grad student and have read quite a bit on the topic. This book is thorough but simple and fun to read. The authors’ expertise and enthusiasm shine through, and theoretical ideas are illustrated beautifully through real world examples and case studies. The authors also give realistic guidance and practical ideas for anyone considering following the path of social entrepreneurship.

I have a strong interest in social entrepreneurship ever since I envisioned a social enterprise (and as I grew disillusioned with Government and the progress of other NGOs and nonprofits). I was hoping that this book would give some insights in the direction of social work and some ideas of where we could take things. I was right. I got loads of insights and ideas and feel motivated to make the move to change the world. This is not a how-to book for creating a non-profit or social enterprise, but is a great introduction to social entrepreneurship. I recommend it as a starter read to understand the challenges of creating one, and to get inspired as to how you can overcome them.

Much has been written on the phenomenon of social entrepreneurship, but this slim volume says more about it than anything else I have read. It captures the essence of what it is the social entrepreneur does, and puts it in historical context, better than anything out there. These are two gifted writers melding their varied experiences and perspectives into something that can give grounding and direction to a new generation of social entrepreneurs. I give this book out to many people who pass through the doors of my office. I look forward to the follow up volume that tracks what has happened since publication of the original edition.

Comprehensive information on the requirements for starting and running a social business. Would have liked to have read more case studies / examples of successful social businesses for inspiration and ideas.

It usually takes me two months to read a nonfiction book. However in this case I read Bornstein and Davis in less than 5 days because I was completely engaged with their explanations and definitions of everything related to social entrepreneurship. I was fully inspired by Bornstein's "How to change the world" and the cases he presented. In his new book with Davis I understood more about social entrepreneurship, its challenges, strengths, etc. I have been working on an organization that promotes social entrepreneurship for more than 3 years; after reading this book I understand more about my organization and my role. I believe that this book is crucial for everyone interested in social innovation, public service or social entrepreneurship.

A group of Georgia Tech students I was a part of this year researching social entrepreneurship and design added this title to our reading list at the recommendation of one of the college of management's senior faculty and we were extremely pleased with it. Of the 20+ books and dozens of articles, white papers and essays we read on the subject, this modestly sized book held a wealth of information, resources, cases and essential guidance on current pursuits attempting to create better commerce and better societies through synthesized, creative efforts. The most compelling businesses and philanthropic organizations are not adhering to "traditional" modes of operation, financing, client relations or philosophies and this book tell the story of how many are doing it. A great starting point and comprehensive over view, this should be the basis for anyone interested in learning more.

What do you get when you combine business skills with social conscience? A social entrepreneur. Social entrepreneurs recognize when a part of society is stuck and offers new ways to get society unstuck. They don't just give a fish or even teach people how to fish. They revolutionize fishing. Examples in the book of social entrepreneurs are the micro-loan Grameen Bank, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee. This book is great for people who see a big problem in society, e.g., high school drop out rates of 50%+ among Hispanic males, divorce rates 50%+ and unemployment rates of 10%, and tackle the issues using little money but lots of energy and innovation.

Wow fantastic book

If you want to do something fruitful for the society.. this is the book for you. Must read for those interested to know about or initiated into the world of social entrepreneurship.

Excellent. Inspiring. This book is in the form of question and answer and asks the right questions and responds with thoughtful very well-written to-the-point answers. Highly recommended.

I think I may have broken my Kindle highlighter reading this book (just kidding). But seriously, this book was so powerful, inspirational, and jammed full of practical ideas, that I was constantly using the highlight feature. I'm a baby social entrepreneur, both for myself and for the nonprofit organization for which I work, and this book has encouraged, spurred me, on and given my practical steps to continue on this exciting path. World changers unite! Thank you for this wonderful book!

Great book.