Social Entrepreneurship: What Everyone Needs to Know® 1st Edition

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.

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.

This book goes a long way toward helping the uninformed lay person about the nature, history, impact, and promise of the social entrepreneur movement. The authors provide multiple examples and draw from a number of disciplines to explain the movement. This demonstrates one of the principles I take away from the book--social entrepreneurship is an interdisciplinary activity. This is one of its strengths but also one of the challenges to its implementation. A good read.

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.

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.

This is one of the best books I've read lately, and I highly recommend it for anyone who considers themselves a Social Entrepreneur or who seeks to work in the field of Social Enterprise. I felt as though the writers knew me personally, and I gleaned much and was encouraged tremendously throughout every page of this book. Well worth the small investment of $11.53. I am putting together teams and a network of women in social enterprise and will have this on the top of the list of books that must be read. Order today and let's get the reviews going!

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.