Entrepreneurship and Small Business – From Start-up Spark to Sustainable Success

Summary of the Book:

Entrepreneurship and Small Business: Start-up, Growth and Maturity by Paul Burns is a comprehensive and engaging guide that maps out the full lifecycle of a business—from ideation and launch, through rapid growth, to long-term sustainability. This book blends academic rigor with practical insights, drawing from real-life stories, global case studies, and hands-on entrepreneurial experience to provide a well-rounded view of what it takes to build and manage a successful small business in today’s dynamic economy.

What You Will Discover in the Book?

Readers will explore the psychological and strategic factors that drive entrepreneurs, including their motivations, leadership styles, and how these elements shape their business journey. The book also covers key phases such as business planning, funding, market strategy, scaling operations, innovation, and risk management. It expands into family businesses, social enterprises, and civic ventures—offering a rich landscape of entrepreneurship beyond the typical startup. Each chapter is reinforced with practice insights, video interviews, and scenarios that turn theory into action.

Why You Should Read This Book?

Whether you’re a student, aspiring entrepreneur, or small business owner, this book equips you with both foundational knowledge and practical tools to start and grow a business with confidence. Unlike other entrepreneurship texts, Entrepreneurship and Small Business focuses on long-term development—not just launching, but sustaining and evolving a business. Paul Burns masterfully connects cutting-edge research with lessons from international entrepreneurial success stories, helping you build the mindset, strategy, and resilience needed to thrive in any business environment.

About the Author:

Paul Burns is a highly respected academic and author in the field of entrepreneurship and small business. He has served as Dean of the Business School at the University of Bedfordshire and held leadership roles in various UK universities. With decades of teaching, research, and consulting experience, Burns brings scholarly depth and real-world understanding to his writing. His expertise lies in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and guiding business transformation from the ground up.