From Tradition to Innovation: The Pioneers of Mountain Entrepreneurship in the Lesser Caucasus

In recent years, Georgia has witnessed a shift in its general policy orientation from agricultural to rural development, resulting in a transformation of household-based economic activities. Mountain areas have emerged as key focal points for promoting innovative approaches and practices for various reasons, such as lacking access to markets, outmigration, climate change, and generally difficult contexts for small-scale entrepreneurship. Many households in remote areas have limited access to the necessary resources, making it difficult to take advantage of new opportunities and benefits. This research focuses on pioneer entrepreneurial households in Khulo municipality in the Lesser Caucasus. The study's qualitative methodological approach allows a thorough examination of the topic, based on in-depth interviews in 2022 and 2023. We examine adaptation processes and the different forms of capital necessary to start a new business in the mountain environment, as well as motivations for starting a new business and challenges to maintaining economic activities.