Business Opportunities for Young People in the Province
Business Opportunities for Young People is an increasingly discussed topic, as young people are often looking for better prospects, even abroad. However, an even more pronounced phenomenon is the movement of young people from rural areas to large urban centers.
The challenges of everyday life in the big cities
Most young people are forced to move to the cities to pursue undergraduate studies. Subsequently, employment opportunities in their field of study lead them to stay in the cities. Having grown accustomed to and perhaps loved the chaos of the big city, any thought of returning is gone. Especially when you have built your life on the opportunities that are available.
However, life in big cities comes with traffic, distances, impersonality, noise pollution, lack of greenery, stress and punctuality. It’s everything we often end up complaining about in our daily lives. How long can we last in such an environment when it does not meet our basic mental health needs? When we are out of touch with greenery, peace and a sense of security?
The Province as an Opportunity for Business Action
The province ensures peace, security and a better quality of life. And while the solution is given to the issues, there is the hesitation of lack of opportunities. Employment options are limited and the fear of “hitting a ceiling” professionally is very strong, and rightly so.
Barriers and Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs in the Province
Having grown up on an island in Greece, I have experienced what it means to enjoy the comforts of the province. Much more acutely, however, I have felt that opportunities are and always will be limited. On our trip to Latvia, we found that this issue is not exclusively Greek. It is timeless and occurs in all provincial areas of all countries.
But are choices and opportunities really as limited as we think? Are we, after all, biased and sabotaging the possibilities that a provincial town has?
Youth entrepreneurship in rural areas can be an excellent option, especially for those who want to create their own opportunities.
The Power of Innovative Ideas
Youth has the privilege of innovative ideas and an appetite for change. Today, more than ever before, young people are more focused on their personal development, well-being and mental health. New foundations have been laid in terms of working conditions, prioritizing the quality of their overall life.
The countryside can meet many of these needs. It only takes a little imagination to see how we ourselves can create our own opportunities in provincial towns and cities.
The Advantages of Doing Business in the Province
Let’s look together at the positives of youth entrepreneurship in the province:
- Lower costs: Running a business in a rural area often comes with significantly lower costs compared to urban centers. This includes lower rents, utilities and wages. For a new entrepreneur, these reduced costs can make it easier to start and maintain a business with lessinitial capital.
- Less competition: Rural areas usually have fewer businesses in certain sectors. Therefore, there is less competition, as long as the creativity and appetite is there. This provides the opportunity to capture a larger market share and establish a strong presence early on.
- Support: Smaller communities often have a strong sense of solidarity and are more likely to support local businesses. This can lead to loyal, stable customers. Combined with strong word-of-mouth marketing, which is vital for a new business, blossoming will only be a matter of time.
- Gaps in the market: Many rural areas have untapped needs. A new entrepreneur can identify these gaps and tailor their products or services to meet local demands, creating a niche market with high growth potential.
- Quality of life: Rural areas often offer a better quality of life, with a slower pace, less pollution and a closer connection to nature. This can lead to a healthier work-life balance, reduced stress and increased personal satisfaction, making it an attractive option for young entrepreneurs.
Lessons from Latvia: The Importance of Local Development
This article is inspired by our visit to Latvia with the Life’s Cards project. The small provincial town, Livani, which despite its supposedly limited options and opportunities, surprised us.
The locals are dedicated to making the most of their place, investing in businesses related to summer tourism. Their aim is to strengthen the local economy and also to create more business opportunities for young people, offering hope and prospects for employment and development.
