Understanding Social Entrepreneurship: A New Paradigm in Business

In recent years, the concept of social entrepreneurship has gained significant traction, prompting a deeper exploration of what distinguishes social entrepreneurs from traditional entrepreneurs. At the forefront of this exploration is the Harvard Business School (HBS) Social Enterprise Initiative, which has launched a new free online course, Social Entrepreneurship and Systems Change, led by HBS Senior Lecturer Brian Trelstad. This course invites learners worldwide to delve into the principles and practices that drive social innovation.

Defining Social Entrepreneurship

At its core, social entrepreneurship is about creating lasting social impact through innovative solutions to systemic problems. Unlike traditional entrepreneurs, who primarily focus on profit maximization, social entrepreneurs are driven by a mission to address societal challenges. They leverage business tools not just for financial gain but as a means to foster a more just and sustainable world.

The Course Overview

The Social Entrepreneurship and Systems Change course examines how mission-driven leaders transform broken systems to create meaningful change. Through a blend of case studies and interviews with prominent social entrepreneurs, learners will explore pressing issues such as climate change, economic opportunity, and early childhood education. The course aims to redefine the role of business in society, emphasizing the importance of social impact alongside financial success.

Insights from Brian Trelstad

To gain further insight into the course, we spoke with Brian Trelstad, who has dedicated his career to understanding social entrepreneurship and its implications for business and society. As a Senior Lecturer at HBS, Trelstad teaches courses on social entrepreneurship, systems change, and impact investing. His research focuses on the intersection of business and social good, making him a leading voice in this field.

The Inspiration Behind the Course

Trelstad explains that the idea for the course stemmed from a strategic goal of the Social Enterprise Initiative: to democratize access to HBS content. By creating an online version of his MBA elective course, Trelstad aims to reach thousands of learners globally, distilling core principles into six accessible modules while retaining the rich case studies and real-world examples that characterize his teaching.

Value for All Learners

The course is designed for a diverse audience, including HBS alumni and individuals outside the HBS community. Whether you are involved in a for-profit or non-profit organization, the course provides valuable insights into common challenges faced by social entrepreneurs. Topics covered include product development, legal structures, capital sourcing, impact measurement, and collaborative strategies for driving long-term change.

Key Takeaways from the Course

Learners can expect several key takeaways from the course:

Distinctiveness of Social Entrepreneurs: Social entrepreneurs are fundamentally different from traditional entrepreneurs. Their commitment to transforming broken systems is what sets them apart.

Systems Thinking: Social entrepreneurs are implicit systems thinkers. As they engage in their work, their understanding of the systems they operate within becomes more explicit, allowing them to navigate complex challenges effectively.

The Social Entrepreneur’s Roadmap: The course introduces a framework that outlines the various stages of building a social enterprise. This roadmap acknowledges the iterative and collaborative nature of creating long-term change.

The Future of Social Entrepreneurship

Looking ahead, Trelstad emphasizes that despite the uncertainties in public spending and traditional philanthropy, this is a pivotal time for social entrepreneurs. The current landscape presents an opportunity to leverage scarce resources to drive measurable social and environmental change for future generations.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The Social Entrepreneurship and Systems Change course is a reimagined version of Trelstad’s acclaimed MBA course, now accessible to a global audience. Whether you are just starting or leading an established venture, this course offers practical strategies to build and grow a social enterprise. Available for free until May 2026, learners can audit the course or opt for a verified certificate through edX.

To learn more and enroll, visit the course page. Embrace the opportunity to be part of a movement that redefines business as a force for good, and join the ranks of those committed to creating a more equitable and sustainable world.