Introduction

This book traces the foundations for sustainable entrepreneurship, beginning with sustainability, ecopreneurship, and social entrepreneurship.

Sustainability has become a multidimensional concept that extends beyond environmental protection to economic development and social equity—in other words, entrepreneurship guided and measured by the three pillars of the triple bottom line. Sustainable entrepreneurship is the continuing commitment by businesses to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce, their families, the local and global community, as well as future generations.

The text continues with a review of the basic principles of sustainable entrepreneurship and how entrepreneurs can integrate sustainability into their business models. This book will be an invaluable resource for entrepreneurs looking to build a new venture based on the principles of sustainability from the outset. In addition, it can be used by academics teaching sustainable entrepreneurship, a topic of surging interest to students, and by professionals working with sustainable businesses.