CHARACTERISTICS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN RURAL AREAS OF THE VOIVODESHIP OF PODLASIE

Abstract

Entrepreneurship in rural areas is an important part of country development. Nevertheless, starting and running a company there is more challenging than in urban area. In recent years a more or less dynamic development of rural communities can be observed. Podlaskie voivodeship is one of the regions with largest share of rural areas. For over a decade, an increase in number of enterprises can be observed which positively affects standard of living and financial situation of residents as well as allows for improvement of infrastructure and regional development. Enterprises started and run in rural areas tend to have specific characteristics. Large part of business is connected to agricultural and food industries as well as agritourism. The process of merging of small stores into larger structures occurs while some of them decline in favour of huge retailer networks. Economic policies of both national and local authorities play a big role on these areas. Joining the EU also proved to have a significant impact. Promoting entrepreneurship in rural areas is important from the regional point of view. Development of these areas that make up for large part of the region will positively affect economic development in broad sense as well as will beneficially impact the residents in many ways.