Navigating the Terrain: Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Youth Entrepreneurship in Pauri Garhwal

This study investigates the dynamics of rural entrepreneurship among young individuals in Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, focusing on demographic profiles, operational challenges, emerging opportunities, and the efficacy of government policies. Based on a purposive sample of 120 rural entrepreneurs, the research reveals that young entrepreneurs face critical barriers such as limited access to capital, inadequate infrastructure, market connectivity constraints, and skill shortages. Despite these obstacles, significant opportunities exist in eco-tourism, agro-based industries, and local handicrafts. The study also highlights a critical gap in policy implementation, with nearly half of the entrepreneurs unengaged with government schemes. The findings underscore the necessity of targeted policy interventions, enhanced digital and physical infrastructure, and tailored capacity-building programs to foster a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Himalayan region.