Introduction The process of starting and running new businesses or ventures in rural areas is referred to as “rural entrepreneurship.” Entrepreneurship in the countryside is an important factor in the growth of a region’s economy because it can lead to job creation, higher incomes, and overall economic expansion. Rural entrepreneurship, on the other hand, faces a number of obstacles that limit its impact. This calculated paper expects to investigate the difficulties and chances of the rustic business venture. In addition, the provincial business venture is likewise affected by the social and social attributes of country networks. Rural entrepreneurs’ success may be significantly influenced by their community ties and social networks. According to Malecki & Oinas (2016), these networks can offer emotional support and encouragement, access to resources, customers, and other important stakeholders, and more. To help rustic businesses, there are a few strategy intercessions that can be executed. To encourage private investment in rural areas, one strategy is to offer financial incentives like grants or tax credits. In order to provide support services to rural entrepreneurs, another strategy is to establish partnerships between the public sector, the private sector, and non-profit organizations (Swanson, 2017). Obstacles to Rural Business Ownership 1. Access to capital is restricted: Limited access to capital is one of rural entrepreneurship’s biggest obstacles. Due to the lack of formal financial institutions and the limited venture capital available in rural areas, entrepreneurs in rural areas have difficulty obtaining financing for their businesses. 2. Absence of infrastructure: Due to a lack of infrastructure, entrepreneurs in rural areas face additional challenges. It is difficult for entrepreneurs to succeed in rural areas because they frequently lack reliable transportation, communication networks, and essential utilities like water and electricity. 3. Limited market opportunities: Rural business owners face a lack of market opportunities as a result of their small size and limited access to larger urban markets. Because of this; small businesses in rural areas have less room for expansion and find it more challenging to compete with larger, more established businesses. 4. Restricted HR: It can be hard for entrepreneurs in rural areas to find and keep talent because of the lack of human resources, such as professionals and skilled workers. Rural entrepreneurship is influenced by more than just the aforementioned opportunities and challenges. One significant element is the administrative climate. Rural entrepreneurship can also be hindered by regulations designed to protect the environment or public health. Barnes & Clancy (2019) say that rules about how to use water or land can make it harder for rural entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. The accessibility of support services is yet another crucial aspect. Support services like business development centers, mentoring Programmes, and networking opportunities are frequently unavailable to entrepreneurs in rural areas. According to Brown & Edwards (2017), rural entrepreneurs may need access to these resources in order to launch and expand their businesses successfully. Rural Entrepreneurship Possibilities 1. Agricultural business ventures: Due to their abundance of land and natural resources, rural areas are ideal for agricultural entrepreneurship. Horticultural businesses can assist country regions with enhancing their economies and set out new positions to open doors. 2. Entrepreneurship in tourism: Tourists are drawn to rural areas because of their natural beauty and cultural heritage. The travel industry business can assist provincial regions with profiting from their remarkable assets and making new income streams. 3. E-commerce: Entrepreneurs in rural areas now have new opportunities to reach larger markets without the need for physical infrastructure thanks to the rise of e-commerce. 4. Energy from the sun: Country regions are appropriate for sustainable power ventures like breeze and sun-based power. Rural communities may be able to benefit from these projects by creating new employment opportunities. In conclusion, entrepreneurial activity in rural areas has the potential to significantly enhance the economic growth of these areas. Rural entrepreneurship, on the other hand, faces a number of obstacles, including a lack of infrastructure, limited market opportunities, restricted human resources, and restricted access to capital. In any case, there are valuable open doors for rustic business ventures, including horticultural business, the travel industry business, web-based business, and environmentally friendly power. Policymakers and partners can uphold rustic business by giving admittance to capital, creating a framework, advancing business sector improvement, and putting resources into HR advancement. Conclusion In conclusion, rural entrepreneurship entails both difficulties and opportunities for rural economic growth. Rural entrepreneurship can benefit from e-commerce, renewable energy, agricultural entrepreneurship, and tourism entrepreneurship, and the lack of infrastructure, market opportunities, and human resources are critical obstacles. By removing regulatory obstacles, facilitating access to support services, encouraging partnerships, and providing financial incentives, policymakers and stakeholders can play a crucial role in supporting rural entrepreneurship. Mr Aliyu Mohammed is Lecturer II of the Department of Management, School of Arts, Management and Social Science, Skyline University Nigeria. You can join the conversation on Facebook @SkylineUniversityNG and on Twitter @SkylineUNigeria
