13 Inspirational Books Every Small Business Owner Should Read (2026)

As a small business owner, the journey to success can be daunting and filled with challenges. Finding inspiration through literature can provide the motivation and guidance needed to thrive in today's competitive market. Here are 13 inspirational books that every small business owner should read, offering valuable insights and strategies for growth, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. These books not only inspire but also provide practical advice that can be applied to daily business operations. Whether you're just starting out or looking to expand your existing business, these titles are sure to ignite your passion for entrepreneurship and help foster a culture of innovation.

The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
This book teaches entrepreneurs how to effectively manage startups through innovative approaches that emphasize learning and adaptability to create a successful business model.
The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses
$0.00
Lean B2B: Build Products Businesses Want (Customer Development & Lean Startup in B2B)
$9.99
El método Lean Startup: Cómo crear empresas de éxito utilizando la innovación continua (Deusto) (Spanish Edition)
$8.99
The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future
$0.00
The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber
This book dispels common myths about starting a business and emphasizes the importance of working on your business rather than in it, providing practical techniques for growth.
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don'T Work And What To Do About It By Michael E. Gerber(1995-03-03)
$18.00
The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
$0.00
The E-Myth Contractor: Why Most Contractors' Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It
$14.19
BOOKS IN BRIEF: A Discussion of "The E-Myth Revisited"
$0.00
Good to Great by Jim Collins
Jim Collins dissects why some companies make the leap to greatness while others don't, providing insights that are valuable for small business owners aiming for long-term success.
You Are The Team: 6 Simple Ways Teammates Can Go From Good To Great
$14.95
Good to Great (Spanish Edition)
$16.99
Good to Great :: Why Some Companies Make the Leap &_Others Dont_
$31.47
Good to Great and the Social Sectors: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great (Good to Great, 3)
$9.89
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
This book explores the importance of understanding your 'why' to inspire others and focus your business endeavors effectively, making it a must-read for anyone in leadership.
The Power of Positive Leadership: How and Why Positive Leaders Transform Teams and Organizations and Change the World (Jon Gordon)
$18.69
Find your Why & Start with Why - Workbook for Individuals: For Simon Sinek’s books
$12.99
Why you must start Digital Detox Now !: A guide to overcome social media's toxic grip on your mental health (Self Improvement Books)
$7.99
Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action
$0.00
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
Brené Brown emphasizes the significance of vulnerability and courage in leadership, making this book an inspiring read for small business owners looking to improve their team dynamics.
Dare To Lead 2nd Edition
$10.99
Workbook: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
$7.99
Dare to Lead Like a Girl: How to Survive and Thrive in the Corporate Jungle
$23.39
Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts.
$0.00
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
This timeless classic provides a framework for personal and professional effectiveness, guiding business owners to create sustainable success through proactive habits.
By Stephen R. Covey: The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons In Personal Change
$27.99
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Covey S)
$13.13
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens
$9.10
The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People: Revised and Updated: 30th Anniversary Edition
$21.53
Atomic Habits by James Clear
This book offers actionable strategies to change habits and optimize performance, making it essential for small business owners looking to enhance their productivity and efficiency.
The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever
$9.89
Atomic Habits (Hindi Edition)
$19.50
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones (Chinese Edition)
$17.00
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
$0.00
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
This book explores the concept of fixed vs. growth mindsets and how your mindset shapes your success, making it vital reading for small business owners wanting to cultivate resilience.
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds
$0.00
Mindset - Updated Edition: Changing The Way You think To Fulfil Your Potential
$16.16
The Art Of Building A Growth Mindset: How To Break Free From Limiting Thoughts, Discover Your Hidden Skills And Embrace A Positive Mindset For Professional And Personal Growth
$9.99
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success
$11.11
Crushing It! by Gary Vaynerchuk
In this motivational guide, Gary Vaynerchuk shares strategies for building a personal brand and leveraging social media to drive business success, perfect for entrepreneurs in the digital age.
Crushing It
$17.98
Crushing It in Apartments and Commercial Real Estate: How a Small Investor Can Make It Big
$0.00
Crushing It!: How Great Entrepreneurs Build Their Business and Influence-and How You Can, Too
$0.00
Crushing It
$14.02
The Art of War by Sun Tzu
An ancient text on strategy and tactics, this book offers timeless wisdom that can be applied to modern business challenges, making it an unexpected yet powerful resource for entrepreneurs.
The Art of War (Annotated): Sun Tzu's Original Version of The Art of War in English, Complete Text and Commentaries explaining Sun Tzu's Military Strategy and Tactics
$0.99
The Art Of War (Deluxe, Hardcover edition)
$7.99
The Art of War: A New Translation (Chinese Bound Classics)
$24.99
The Art of War (Deluxe Hardbound Edition) (Fingerprint! Classics)
$15.29
Make Your Bed by Admiral William H. McRaven
This book offers life lessons learned from the author's Navy SEAL training, presenting inspirational anecdotes that can motivate small business owners to persevere through challenges.
Make Your Bed: The Keys to Achieving Anything You Dream
$0.00
Make Your Bed First: The Essential Guide to Adopt Good Habits - Easy Tools for Teens to Succeed in Life (Happy Life for Teens)
$13.97
Make Your Bed with Skipper the Seal (Skipper the Seal, 1)
$9.92
Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World
$11.00
The $100 Startup by Chris Guillebeau
Guillebeau shares stories of entrepreneurs who built successful businesses on small budgets, proving that passion and creativity can lead to financial independence.
100 First Words for Little CEOs
$9.99
The Growth Hacking Book 2 : 100 Proven Hacks for Business and Startup Success in the New Decade
$2.99
The $100 Startup: Reinvent the Way You Make a Living, Do What You Love, and Create a New Future
$0.00
100 ideas de negocio para arrancar hoy [100 Business Ideas to Start Today]: Innovacion, tendencias y el futuro del emprendimiento [Innovation, Trends and the Future of Entrepreneurship]
$0.00
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
Phil Knight's memoir chronicles the creation of Nike, providing invaluable lessons on perseverance and innovation, perfect for inspiring small business owners on their own journeys.
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
$0.00
Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike
$0.00
Shoe Dog: Young Readers Edition
$11.69
Shoe Dog
$17.52

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of books are included in the list?

The list contains a variety of inspirational books focused on entrepreneurship, leadership, productivity, and personal development for small business owners.

Can these books help with specific business challenges?

Yes, each book offers insights and strategies that tackle common challenges faced by small business owners, making them practical resources for improvement.

Are these books suitable for new business owners?

Absolutely! These books provide foundational knowledge and motivation that can help new business owners navigate their entrepreneurial journeys.

How can I choose the right book for my needs?

Consider your current challenges or interests in your business. Select a book that aligns with your goals or offers solutions to specific issues you are facing.

Are these books also beneficial for established business owners?

Yes! Established business owners can gain fresh perspectives and renewed motivation from these books to enhance their existing operations or expand their businesses.