Social entrepreneurship courses can help you learn business model development, impact assessment, social innovation strategies, and community engagement techniques. You can build skills in fundraising, stakeholder collaboration, and measuring social impact effectively. Many courses introduce tools like the Business Model Canvas and social impact metrics, that support applying your skills in real-world projects and evaluating the success of your initiatives.

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Social Impact, Design Thinking, Community Outreach, Organizational Structure, Stakeholder Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, Research and Design, Business Modeling, Communication, Advocacy, Innovation, Program Evaluation, Fundraising
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Copenhagen Business School
Skills you'll gain: Social Impact, Growth Strategies, Team Oriented, Marketing Communications, Business Modeling, Business Planning, Sustainable Development, Organizational Structure, Entrepreneurship, Market Opportunities, Communication Strategies, Business Strategy, Strategic Partnership, Community Development, Sustainable Business, Performance Measurement, Fundraising, Entrepreneurial Finance, Needs Assessment, Team Building
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Social Impact, Project Scoping, Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Development, Feasibility Studies, Customer Analysis, Target Audience, Stakeholder Management, Competitive Analysis, Business Operations, Cost Estimation, New Business Development, Business Research
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of California, Irvine
Skills you'll gain: Business Planning, Feasibility Studies, Entrepreneurship, Market Opportunities, Innovation, New Business Development, Business Strategies, Ideation, Business Process, Financial Analysis, Business Operations, Marketing
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Copenhagen Business School
Skills you'll gain: Social Impact, Business Modeling, Entrepreneurship, Market Opportunities, Community Development, Sustainable Business, Business Strategy, Entrepreneurial Finance, Needs Assessment, Team Building, Team Management, Innovation, Empowerment
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Business Modeling, Market Analysis, Competitive Analysis, Regulatory Compliance, Innovation, Market Opportunities, Healthcare Industry Knowledge, Entrepreneurship, Business Strategies, New Business Development, Product Development, Business Planning, Team Leadership, Stakeholder Analysis, Team Building, Health Care Administration, Business Valuation, Fundraising
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Social Impact, Design Thinking, Performance Measurement, Human Centered Design, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Business Modeling, Project Performance, Strategic Thinking, Organizational Structure, Needs Assessment, Growth Strategies, Market Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Starweaver
Skills you'll gain: Business Process Modeling, AI Product Strategy, Business Process, Digital Transformation, Business Process Management, Process Design, Business Process Automation, Google Gemini, Process Analysis, Business Transformation, AI Enablement, ChatGPT, Market Opportunities, Product Management, Business Strategy, Innovation, Product Development, AI Personalization, Product Requirements, Product Knowledge
Intermediate · Specialization · 1 - 4 Weeks

Goldman Sachs
Skills you'll gain: Social Impact, Corporate Sustainability, Entrepreneurship, Strategic Thinking, Business Ethics, Business Metrics, Business Strategy, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Performance Measurement, Stakeholder Engagement, Business Priorities, Business Management
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

University of Virginia
Skills you'll gain: Design Thinking, Stakeholder Engagement, Innovation, Prototyping, Brainstorming, Storytelling, Human Centered Design, Social Impact, Ideation, Creativity, Customer experience improvement, Service Design, Design Research, Process Mapping, User Experience, Problem Solving, Complex Problem Solving, Qualitative Research, Data Visualization
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

ESSEC Business School
Skills you'll gain: Social Impact, Entrepreneurship, Value Propositions, Sustainable Development, Business Modeling, Needs Assessment, Community Development, Business Planning, New Business Development, Innovation, Environmental Social And Corporate Governance (ESG), Professional Networking, Market Research
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Universitat de Barcelona
Skills you'll gain: Entrepreneurship, Market Opportunities, Business Planning, Lean Methodologies, Business Modeling, New Business Development, Business Development, Fundraising, Value Propositions, Target Audience
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Social entrepreneurship is a dynamic approach that combines the passion for social change with the principles of entrepreneurship. It focuses on creating innovative solutions to social problems while ensuring financial sustainability. This field is important because it empowers individuals and communities to address pressing issues such as poverty, education, and environmental sustainability. By fostering social entrepreneurship, we can drive positive change and create a more equitable society.‎
Careers in social entrepreneurship are diverse and impactful. You might find roles such as social entrepreneur, program manager, nonprofit director, or impact investor. Additionally, positions in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social innovation labs are also common. These roles often involve developing and implementing strategies that address social issues while ensuring organizational sustainability, making them ideal for those passionate about making a difference.‎
To thrive in social entrepreneurship, you should cultivate a mix of skills. Key competencies include strategic thinking, problem-solving, and financial literacy. Understanding social impact measurement and community engagement is also crucial. Additionally, skills in communication, leadership, and collaboration will help you effectively mobilize resources and inspire others to join your mission. Continuous learning and adaptability are essential in this ever-evolving field.‎
There are several excellent online courses available for those interested in social entrepreneurship. Notable options include the Social Entrepreneurship Specialization and the course titled Creating Change through Social Entrepreneurship. These programs provide foundational knowledge and practical skills to help you embark on your social entrepreneurship journey.‎
Yes. You can start learning social entrepreneurship on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in social entrepreneurship, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
Learning social entrepreneurship involves a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience. Start by exploring online courses that cover the fundamentals and key concepts. Engage with case studies of successful social enterprises to understand real-world applications. Additionally, consider volunteering or interning with organizations focused on social impact to gain hands-on experience and build your network in the field.‎
Social entrepreneurship courses typically cover a range of topics, including the principles of social entrepreneurship, business model development, social impact assessment, and funding strategies. You may also explore topics like community engagement, ethical considerations, and scaling social ventures. These subjects equip you with the knowledge needed to create and sustain impactful social initiatives.‎
For training and upskilling employees in social entrepreneurship, courses like the Identifying Social Entrepreneurship Opportunities are particularly beneficial. These programs focus on practical skills and strategies that can be applied within organizations to foster a culture of social innovation and responsibility, making them ideal for workforce development.‎