Strengthening rural sustainability through the promotion of family entrepreneurship

The article examines the contribution of family entrepreneurship to strengthening rural sustainability in the Republic of Moldova, emphasizing its role in revitalizing the rural economy, fostering social cohesion, and preserving local traditions. The research is based on the analysis of specialized literature, statistical data from the National Bureau of Statistics and the State Tax Service, as well as direct observation of entrepreneurial practices in rural communities. The SWOT analysis method was applied to identify the main strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats affecting the development of family entrepreneurship. The findings reveal that family-based enterprises serve as key drivers of sustainable rural development by stimulating employment, innovation, and intergenerational continuity. Nonetheless, persistent challenges such as labor migration, insufficient financial resources, and limited institutional support highlight the need for targeted public policies promoting entrepreneurial education, access to finance, and digital transformation. The study offers both theoretical and practical insights into strategies for revitalizing rural areas through family entrepreneurship.