Vol. 13 No. 3 (2025)
September 2025

Articles

Factors influencing the development of entrepreneurs’ businesses after the age of 50: The case of Poland

Published 2025-09-30

  • Daria Ilczuk
    • ,
  • Łukasz Dopierała
    • ,
  • Joanna Bednarz

Daria Ilczuk
University of Gdansk

Łukasz Dopierała
University of Gdansk

Joanna Bednarz
University of Gdansk

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.

Keywords

mature entrepreneurs, ageing population, job creation, firm growth, micro and small enterprises

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Author Biography

Daria Ilczuk

PhD candidate at the Doctoral School of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Gdansk, Poland. Her research interests include the dynamics of ageing, self-employment, and the development of micro and small enterprises, with a particular emphasis on mature entrepreneurs. She has been awarded the prestigious UGrants research grant by the University of Gdansk, Poland. Additionally, she holds a membership in the Polish Economic Society.

Łukasz Dopierała

Faculty member at the University of Gdansk, working in the Department of International Business. His research interests include pension economics, financial markets and sustainable finance. He has contributed to numerous academic publications, including over 30 journal articles and book chapters on these subjects. He earned his PhD in Financial Economics from the University of Lodz and is a member of the International Network for Pensions Research.

Joanna Bednarz

Associate Professor at the Faculty of Economics, University of Gdansk, and Head of the Department of International Business. Her research interests include international business competitiveness, entrepreneurship, SMEs, consumption, and consumer behaviour. She has a strong academic record, reflected in numerous publications. Actively involved in scientific organisations, she serves on the Scientific Council of the Polish Economic Society in Gdansk and the Publishing Council of the University of Gdansk, while also collaborating with many universities in Europe.

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