Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/335491 
Year of Publication: 
2025
Citation: 
[Journal:] Entrepreneurial Business and Economics Review (EBER) [ISSN:] 2353-8821 [Volume:] 13 [Issue:] 3 [Year:] 2025 [Pages:] 7-29
Publisher: 
Krakow University of Economics, Centre for Strategic and International Entrepreneurship, Krakow
Abstract: 
Objective: The article aims to identify and assess factors influencing the development of entrepreneurs' businesses after the age of 50, with particular emphasis on firm age, entrepreneurial motivations, and support from the environment. Research Design & Methods: We gathered data through a survey of over 1 000 Polish micro and small enterprise founders over 50, including those who started their businesses early and have managed them long-term, as well as those who launched their ventures after turning 50 and have operated them for a shorter period. We used logistic regression to analyse the data. Findings: The results revealed that firm age serves as a moderator in the influence of entrepreneurial motivation factors on further business development, particularly in relation to family support and the desire to remain active. Internal entrepreneurial factors, such as seeking new challenges and remaining active, positively impacted growth intentions. However, dissatisfaction with previous jobs and job loss reduced growth prospects. External factors, such as family and state support, significantly influenced growth tendencies. Implications & Recommendations: Entrepreneurs over 50 should not face discrimination, and policymakers should ensure their inclusion in grants, mentorship, and training programs available to all entrepreneurs. Moreover, entrepreneurship support organisations should develop programs that involve family members in the business planning process to enhance emotional support and foster shared understanding. Contribution & Value Added: This study fills a research gap by explicitly linking entrepreneurial motivations with further business development. Moreover, it expands the existing knowledge on mature entrepreneurs in Central and Eastern Europe. The study's originality lies in its integration of multiple dimensions - internal motivations, firm age, and external support - into a comprehensive model that explains business development among entrepreneurs over 50. It contributes to the broader discourse on prolonging entrepreneurial activity in ageing societies.
Subjects: 
ageing population
firm growth
job creation
mature entrepreneurs
micro and small enterprises
JEL: 
L25
L26
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
Creative Commons License: 
cc-by Logo
Document Type: 
Article

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