The Interest Shown by Potential Young Entrepreneurs in Romania Regarding Feasible Funding Sources, in the Context of a Sustainable Entrepreneurial Education

Abstract

Among the most important factors that favor the development of a sustainable business environment are the sources of financing and the skills developed by the higher education system, according to recent studies. To align with these, several universities have started providing entrepreneurship knowledge. Are these sufficiently well-known by the students in Romania? The current paper aims to carry out an in-depth analysis of concepts. The primary objective of this study is to explore the most relevant sources of entrepreneurial financing in the context of a sustainable entrepreneurial higher education. For such an endeavor, quantitative research was conducted, being designed and distributed through a questionnaire. Data were collected from a sample of 285 students of Transilvania University in Brasov interested in entrepreneurship. Results indicate that the main sources of entrepreneurial financing are retained earnings/profit, personal sources, supplier credits, European funds, loans (bank credits), leasing, and business angels. Evidence shows that most respondents assert great confidence in European funds. Notably, the entrepreneurial qualities of the founder are one of the enablers of a successful and sustainable business. Additionally, this research opens new ways of collaboration between the academic and the business environment to better train future professionals in the economic field.

Social Inclusion: A Factor That Influences the Sustainable Entrepreneurial Behavior of Generation Z

“…Another study carried out in 2022 by Provident (a financial institution that offers its services to economically and/or socially vulnerable groups of Romanians) and which was entitled The Invisibles, concluded that small entrepreneurs at risk of poverty and social exclusion represent one of the six vulnerable groups in Romania, along with subsistence farmers, single-parent families, black workers, the unemployed between 55 and 64 years old, and pensioners at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Zamfirache et al (2023) conducted a study to evaluate the relationship between students' interest in entrepreneurship and the funding sources available to them for starting a business and they observed that European funds represent the most attractive funding source for students who want to become entrepreneurs. Therefore, social inclusion and self-efficacy represent strong motivations to overcome financial barriers.…”