Entrepreneurial Activity and Regional Economic Growth: An Empirical Study of Start-ups and MSMEs in Marathwada, Maharashtra

In developing and regionally unbalanced economies, entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a keyengine of economic growth, employment generation and innovation, with micro, small and mediumenterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups playing a crucial role in promoting inclusive growth and reducingregional disparities in India. Maharashtra is one of the most industrialized states in India, which hasemerged as a national leader in terms of entrepreneurship and start-ups. The development ofentrepreneurship has been uneven in the country, and regions like Marathwada have remained relativelyunderdeveloped. This paper examines entrepreneurship as a tool for regional economic development inMarathwada region of Maharashtra, with a special focus on start-ups and micro, small and mediumenterprises (MSMEs). Using secondary data from government reports, economic surveys, policy documentsand existing literature, this study analyses the contribution of entrepreneurial ventures to employment,income generation, innovation and regional development. The study identifies the structural andinstitutional challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Marathwada and makes policy-orientedrecommendations to strengthen the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and articulates the need forinfrastructure development, access to finance and skill development for the sustainable development ofMarathwada.