Date of Award:

5-2016

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Applied Economics

Committee Chair(s)

Kynda Curtis

Committee

Kynda Curtis

Committee

Ryan Bosworth

Committee

DeeVon Bailey

Committee

Ruby Ward

Committee

Chris Fawson

Abstract

Both agriculture and nonagriculture activities are important for Paraguay's economy and its rural development plan. Ensuring opportunity for successful enterprise creation and expansion will facilitate new business entrance, while also growing rural economies. Past research has identified many factors that contribute highly to business and farm operation success, though little information exists about the perceptions of would-be entrepreneurs.

This study analyzes perceptions and characteristics of young, would-be entrepreneurs and agriculture producers in rural Paraguay to better understand their views of business/farm success and hurdle factors. Results suggest that increased experience, education and business exposure will decrease perceptions of many barrier factors. Access to capital and land were also more likely to be seen as larger hurdles to business and farm entry by employees and students in the private business and agriculture sectors. Development programs/initiatives that can provide entrepreneurial training, enterprise management experience, and access to capital and land might incentivize more would-be entrepreneurs into small-business/farm operations, while also improving their perceptions of entry.

Checksum

0e41bce2f4f6f2ccd25ef3120bfef830

Download

Share

COinS

Copyright for this work is retained by the student. If you have any questions regarding the inclusion of this work in the Digital Commons, please email us at .