Entrepreneurship as a Factor of Development of Rural Areas of the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is an important element of economic development of rural areas as it creates prospects for better living conditions, both in economic and social sense. Nowadays a common phenomenon of diversification of agricultural farms has considerably affected multifunctional development of rural areas and their inhabitants activity. Small, family firms (e.g. shops, craft, services, etc.) and tourism in rural areas (including agritourism and ecotourism) play a crucial role in the development of entrepreneurship. A drop in profits from agricultural activity, lack of urban employment and poor living standard has emphasized the significance of alternative income sources. Own business activity uses labor force surplus, it also lowers unemployment, including hidden unemployment, and gives chances for stability, better living conditions for farmers and inhabitants of rural areas. The emergence of larger and larger agricultural and non-agricultural investments contributes to numerous positive changes in terms of education level, living conditions, social status and awareness as well as the wealth of inhabitants of rural areas. In rural areas of the Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship there are companies planning to expand their businesses, even though many of them have no chances for expansion based on their own resources. They face numerous problems, e.g. lack of qualified employees, insufficient capital or difficulties in obtaining credits with low interests. Steps taken by local authorities are crucial for the development of entrepreneurship in rural areas. Further economic development and living standards in rural areas depend on authorities’ competence, commitment in supporting businessmen and encouragement to stimulate economic activity of inhabitants. The goal of the study was to describe entrepreneurship as an important factor influencing the development of rural areas of the Swietokrzyskie region. It analyzed statistical data concerning small and medium companies, selected socio-economic indices and activities promoting entrepreneurship in rural areas within the financial support from the Regional Operational Program of the Swietokrzyskie Voivodeship 2007-2013 (Regionalny Program Operacyjny Wojewodztwa Świętokrzyskiego 2007-2013 - RPOWŚ). The study employed basic statistical methods based on cluster analysis, table and graphic presentation, and it described indices concerning the dynamics of changes. Based on professional literature, analyses and actual data sources it aimed at presenting the influence of entrepreneurship on rural areas of the Swiętokrzyskie region.