Originally written for entrepreneurs and tech founders, The Lean Startup is a blueprint for testing bold ideas quickly, learning what works, and building lasting impact without wasting resources.
Eric Ries introduces a new way to think about innovation: treat your new programs, services, or systems like experiments. Rather than planning in isolation for months, build a “minimum viable product,” test it in the real world, and adjust based on data.
For nonprofits—who often have big visions but limited resources—this approach is both liberating and necessary. It gives leaders permission to try, learn, and adapt without waiting for perfect conditions