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The title of this post is the same as the title of a book written by David Bornstein and Susan Davis. It was published in 2010 by Oxford University Press. You can get it at amazon.ca if you are in Canada, as I am.

The book is a general introduction to the area of social entrepreneurship. In a Q and A format allowing readers to go directly to the information they need, the authors map out social entrepreneurship in its broadest terms as well as in its particulars. David Bornstein’s previous book on social entrepreneurship, How to Change the World, focused on the profiles of successful social innovators.

In this most recent book, Bornstein and Davis explain what social entrepreneurs are, how their organizations function, and what challenges they face. The book will give readers an understanding of what differentiates social entrepreneurship from standard business ventures and how it differs from traditional grant-based non-profit work.

The book is divided into three parts.

1. Defining Social Entrepreneurship
2. Challenges of Causing Change
3. Envisioning and Innovating Society

Supporting Social Entrepreneurship

Davis and Susan write on page 113 the following: “Social entrepreneurship remains underreported. Foundations could address this problem by investing in new media structures that incorporate more coverage of solutions in the news. They could also support the creation of platforms (journals, web sites, public databases, etc.) to facilitate knowledge sharing about social innovation. The Skoll Foundation’s Web site Social Edge, provided a space for social entrepreneurs to write about their experiences, exchange advice, and learn about events and opportunities, such as fellowship and funding programs. Ashoka’s changemaker web site host “collaborative competitions” in which people around the world propose solutions to global problems.”

Good news is also underreported. For some good news stories, check out the website The Good News Hub.