Opportunities and Challenges for a Sustainable Rural Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is considered to be a solution for the development of rural areas. Furthermore, rural areas are favorable for opening and developing new businesses, but generally are considered to be a vulnerable environment which depends on a number of factors. Also, the sustainability of rural entrepreneurship should be supported through the implementation of strategies in the rural areas and through the development of citizen’s entrepreneurial spirit. The aim of this paper is to investigate the importance of supporting rural entrepreneurship within countries, and also the establishment of a various number of opportunities and challenges encountered when creating a sustainable rural entrepreneurship. Statistical indicators regarding the business environment in Suceava County, Romania, have been used as research methodology. The results underline that supporting rural entrepreneurship by governments and creating opportunities to entrepreneurs could ultimately lead to economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, employment and social integration.

Keywords

• rural areas
• rural entrepreneurship
• sustainable rural entrepreneurship
• rural development