This study from 2008 considers the factors that influence how social entrepreneurs operate in rural areas, the difficulties they face and how they might be addressed. Based on interviews with 30 social enterprise stakeholders in the Highlands and Island it argues that rural settings present some distinct challenges as well as advantages. While issues of definition, access to finance, fear of change and levels of political leadership are shared across the whole of Scotland, the market context, the embedded nature of business relations and the importance of community support are specific to rural settings.
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Social entrepreneurship in a rural context an over-ideological state
Steinerowski, A., Jack, S. and Farmer, J. (2008) Social entrepreneurship in a rural context: an over-ideological state? Journal of Rural Enterprise and Management, 4(1), 20-39.