Social Entrepreneurship in Practice - by Zeineb Djebali (Paperback)

About the Book

Learn how to start a social enterprise with this practical, research-informed textbook that includes cutting-edge topics such as social business modelling, sustainability-driven innovation and crowdfunding.

Book Synopsis

An essential textbook for launching and leading impactful social enterprises.

Social Entrepreneurship in Practice by Zeineb Djebali is a vital resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying social entrepreneurship across business, innovation, economics, engineering and science disciplines. Designed to align with course and module outcomes, it provides both the theoretical foundations and practical tools needed to create ventures that deliver measurable social impact alongside sustainable business performance.

Students are guided through each stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from identifying problems and recognizing opportunities to developing financing strategies and building a viable social business model. This textbook also explores the leadership skills required to drive change and situates social entrepreneurship within the global framework of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Real-world examples illustrate how key concepts are applied to launch and scale mission-driven enterprises.

To support both classroom and independent learning, the textbook includes:
- Learning outcomes and discussion questions to frame critical thinking
- Practical tools for business modeling, financing and impact strategy
- Examples from social ventures around the world
- Online resources including lecturer slides for each chapter and an instructor's guide

Social Entrepreneurship in Practice features contributions from Simon Adderley, Peter McLuskie, Lucy Findlay, Richard Tomlins, Luna Dou, Sarah Preedy, Kelly Smith, Ekaterina Murzacheva and Chaitanya Sagar.

Review Quotes

"Social Entrepreneurship in Practice lands at just the right moment - a world grappling with inequality, sustainability, and an uncertain transition to Industry 5.0, so the need for a guide of this kind could not be clearer. Practical without being dry, and inspirational while still firmly rooted in reality, Djebali and her contributing authors bring a passion for social entrepreneurship, with grounded advice that is forward-looking, and deeply human. I recommend this book to students studying social entrepreneurship, but also those interested in sustainability, inclusive technologies and innovation in more technical fields. It is exactly the sort of text that belongs in the hands of the next generation as they prepare to do good in an increasingly VUCA world."-- "Prof Andrew King, Associate Dean for Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Hub, Taicang Entrepreneur College, China"

"A timely and thoughtful academic exploration of how entrepreneurial practice which is focused toward social endeavour holds the capacity to reshaping the intersection between business and social change. With compelling real-world examples, grounded frameworks and clear insights, this book doesn't just define what social entrepreneurship is - it shows what it looks like in action. A must-read for students, teachers and leaders who believe that impact and social change go hand in hand. Whether you're launching a purpose-driven startup or transforming a traditional organization from within, this book offers the roadmap - and the inspiration - you need to make meaningful, measurable change."-- "Dr David Higgins, Senior Lecturer in Management, University of Liverpool, UK"

"An excellent resource that thoughtfully integrates theory with application. Covering essential themes such as developing your understanding of social enterprise, theoretical debates, intention formation, CSR and social innovation and value creation, the book equips readers with both conceptual insights and hands-on tools. With practical guidance on starting a social enterprise, crafting a social value proposition, business modelling, entrepreneurial learning and financing, it serves as a comprehensive text for students, educators and practitioners alike. This book stands out as a highly usable and research-informed guide to advancing knowledge and practice in social entrepreneurship."-- "Prof Track Dinning, Professor of Entrepreneurship Education, Liverpool John Moores University, UK"

"An invaluable resource that bridges theory and practice. Its "Stop and Think" boxes and "Key Research" features are blended seamlessly, encouraging critical reflection while grounding learning in evidence. Educators will find it a structured teaching tool, students gain practical insights and practitioners benefit from guidance on designing and managing social enterprises. This book not only explains social entrepreneurship but also empowers readers to create meaningful impact."-- "Dr Begüm Seray SAMUR-TERAMAN, Course Lead, BSc Business and Entrepreneurship, Birmingham City University, UK"

"An outstanding textbook that equips educators with the tools and real-world insights needed to inspire the next generation of changemakers. Its engaging blend of real-world examples, pedagogical frameworks and global perspectives makes it ideal for teaching both the theory and application of social entrepreneurship. A must-have resource for lecturers designing courses that connect enterprise with impact."-- "Dr Trudie Murray, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Economics, Munster Technological University, Ireland"

"Educating social entrepreneurs so that they can have a valuable societal impact on their communities is an essential task for entrepreneurship programs worldwide. Conceptualizing, leading and growing such enterprises is not the same as launching a for-profit venture. It requires different knowledge, skills, and competencies that make social entrepreneurship a unique activity, one that necessitates its own specialized learning techniques. Social Entrepreneurship in Practice steps into the void by providing the groundwork that helps educators design and develop programmes, enabling students to engage in this form of entrepreneurial endeavour."-- "Dr Luke Pittaway, Copeland Professor of Entrepreneurship, Ohio University, USA"

"The intersection between theoretical understanding and practical application in social enterprise venture creation is a critical area of development. Given the complexity involved in establishing and managing social enterprises, the knowledge presented in this book provides aspiring founders with valuable insights and a strong foundation to increase their chances of success."-- "Dr David Bozward, Director of Employability and Entrepreneurship, Global Banking School, UK"

"This book is a timely and invaluable contribution to the field of social entrepreneurship. It skilfully bridges the continuum from theoretical foundations to real-world application, offering insights that resonate with both novice and seasoned scholars. With its engaging spotlights on key research, thought-provoking prompts and practical examples, it provides a holistic and accessible resource for deepening understanding and advancing practice."-- "Dr Beth Edwards, Enterprise Education Development Co-ordinator, Bangor University, UK"

"This book offers a clear and compelling exploration of social enterprises, combining authoritative research with practice from leading contributors. Readers are guided through the theories and practicalities of starting and running a social enterprise in an engaging and accessible way. Essential reading for students, practitioners and anyone passionate about social enterprises."-- "Prof Rob Blackburn, Director, Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Liverpool, UK"

"This expertly crafted textbook fills a critical gap by embracing the hybrid school approach to social entrepreneurship, demonstrating how social missions and financial sustainability can work synergistically rather than in tension. The authors' emphasis on dual logic provides educators with a robust pedagogical framework while offering students and practitioners the essential skills to build viable social enterprises that create lasting impact. The integration of mainstream entrepreneurship principles with social innovation makes this an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to develop sustainable solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges. A practical, research-grounded guide that transforms good intentions into successful enterprises."-- "Dr Magdalena Plesa, Lecturer of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, University of Liverpool, UK"

"This is without a doubt a timely and thought-provoking contribution to the field. By blending theory with real-world application, it illuminates the transformative potential of social entrepreneurship. Equipping readers with conceptual tools and practical insights while inspiring action, the book is an invaluable resource for students, educators, practitioners, policymakers and anyone committed to driving sustainable social change through entrepreneurship."-- "Dr Chinthaka Aluthgama-Baduge, Senior Lecturer in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, University of Derby, UK"

About the Author

Zeineb Djebali is a Senior Lecturer at the Brett Centre for Entrepreneurship, University of Liverpool Management School, where she teaches entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She is also an entrepreneur in practice, having founded social enterprises globally following senior roles in not-for-profit and corporate sectors.