Identifying and Prioritizing the Challenges and Opportunities of Rural Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of Bagheran, Al-Qurat and Shakhen Sub-districts in Birjand County of Iran

Entrepreneurship activities are an important factor in rural development. In addition, rural entrepreneurship has a growing role in regional development. However, previous researches have only looked at the economic prospects for rural development. On the other hand, identification of business challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs is of great importance. In this regard, this study aimed at identifying and prioritizing the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurs in rural areas of South Khorasan province of Iran. The required data were gathered in documentary and survey methods through library sources, interviews and questionnaire. The statistical population consisted of all rural entrepreneurs residing in Bagheran, Al-Qurat and Shakhen sub-districts of Birjand County. The statistical sample included 30 entrepreneurs and business owners in the studied area in 2018 that were selected in a random sampling method using Cochran formula. Furthermore, the Delphi method was used to identify the challenges and opportunities as well as to analyze the opinions of experts. Based on the results of comparative analysis, the opportunities included rural location, natural environment, competition, social capital and access to communications and infrastructures; in addition, the challenges included government financing, employee integrity, social relationships, market constraints and unskilled labors.