A Study on Students Participation in Rural Entrepreneurship

A Study on Students Participation in Rural Entrepreneurship Dr. Sugandhraj B. Kulkarni Professor, BMIT, Solapur Prof. Chandan Namdeo Thengil Assistant Professor MBA, SVERI's College of Engineering Pandharpur Abstract Rural entrepreneurship has emerged as a significant catalyst for socio-economic development, particularly in developing economies where rural areas possess abundant human and natural resources. This study examines the extent of students’ participation in rural entrepreneurship and explores the factors influencing their engagement in entrepreneurial activities within rural contexts. The research focuses on understanding students’ awareness, attitudes, motivations, and perceived challenges related to establishing or supporting entrepreneurial ventures in rural areas. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from students through structured questionnaires and analyzed to identify patterns in entrepreneurial interest, skill readiness, and participation levels. The findings reveal that exposure to entrepreneurship education, access to training programs, and institutional support significantly influence students’ willingness to participate in rural enterprise development. However, barriers such as limited financial resources, lack of mentorship, and insufficient infrastructure continue to hinder active participation. The study highlights the importance of integrating entrepreneurship education, skill development initiatives, and policy support to encourage youth-driven rural entrepreneurship.