According to a recent survey commissioned by ING Bank Śląski, 64% of Poles consider themselves entrepreneurial, and 78% believe that Polish society as a whole is entrepreneurial. Over the past three decades, the image of an entrepreneur in Poland has undergone a major transformation—from the so-called “prywaciarz” (private businessman) of the 1980s to today’s startup founder and innovator. For many, entrepreneurship is synonymous with hard work and resourcefulness. Interestingly, however, different generations associate the term with different values and aspirations.
“Poles see themselves as entrepreneurial. Sixty-four percent of respondents said they feel entrepreneurial, even though only 20% actually run a business, and 25% would like to start one. So we aspire to entrepreneurship because we perceive it as a path to independence,” says Prof. Jacek Wasilewski, a cultural and media studies expert at the University of Warsaw.
National Confidence in Entrepreneurship
The collective self-image is even more optimistic. As many as 78% of respondents describe Polish society as entrepreneurial. Traits most commonly associated with entrepreneurship include:
- Hard work (33%)
- Resourcefulness (32%)
- Willingness to take risks (25%)
- Creativity (25%)
- Strategic thinking (21%)
- Ambition (20%)
Those who run businesses tend to value independence, while aspiring entrepreneurs are more likely to prioritize personal development and the pursuit of dreams. One notable factor influencing entrepreneurial decisions is exposure—those with entrepreneurs in their close circles are more likely to become entrepreneurs themselves. Among those with no such connections, 57% say they have no plans to start a business.
The Many Faces of Polish Entrepreneurship
Prof. Wasilewski identifies several key entrepreneurial types in Poland:
- Family entrepreneurs (25%) – those who launch ventures with relatives.
- Independent entrepreneurs (25%) – who prioritize autonomy.
- Innovators (11.4%) – focused on original ideas and new solutions.
- Visionaries (10.2%) – seeking to change the world.
- Advocates (5.5%) – aiming to create positive social impact.
- Risk-takers (“players”) (5.3%) – who embrace high-risk/high-reward strategies.
- Growth managers – the least common (and surprisingly so), focused on scaling businesses rather than disrupting them.
“Visionaries and innovators want to transform the world. Advocates are motivated by doing good, and players are all-in risk-takers. What surprised us was how few identified as growth managers—those who know how to scale businesses, whether they’re selling sandwiches or building space rockets,” explains Wasilewski.
The Evolution of the Entrepreneurial Mindset
“Poles are a deeply entrepreneurial nation,” says Marcin Kościński, Vice President of ING Bank Śląski.
“The economic transformation that began in the early 1990s was driven by entrepreneurs. We have a cultural gene for entrepreneurship—we like to dream, execute ideas, and build successful businesses.”
Entrepreneurship today is largely viewed as taking initiative, launching new ideas, and shaping reality—more about proactivity than adaptation. This is a far cry from the perception in the late 1980s, when entrepreneurs were often seen as “shady” or “opportunistic” figures operating in a legal grey area.
Over time, the image has become more positive, with increasing associations to perseverance, professionalism, and technological innovation, especially during the era of corporate globalization and Western business practices.
Generational views vary:
- Gen X sees entrepreneurship as tied to resilience and hard work.
- Millennials emphasize adaptability and finding opportunity in change.
- Gen Z links it to innovation, well-being, flat organizational structures, and positive societal impact.
“The entrepreneur of the future, as envisioned by young people, is someone who values and supports employees, recognizes their needs, and fosters collective success,” says Wasilewski.
What Defines an Entrepreneur Today?
When asked to define the traits of a successful entrepreneur, respondents highlighted:
- Ability to act in ways that generate profit (31%)
- Creativity and initiative (28%)
- Goal-orientation and self-advocacy (27%)
- Persistence and hard work (22%)
- Working on one’s own terms (21%)
Only 9% associated entrepreneurship with cunning or manipulation.
Three Key Needs of Polish Entrepreneurs
According to Marcin Kościński, entrepreneurs in Poland today require three essential forms of support:
- Recognition – Appreciation of the vital economic role played by SMEs and large businesses.
- Optimism – A belief in a better future for doing business in Poland and Europe, because “good businesses begin with good emotions.”
- Economic freedom – The removal or reduction of regulatory barriers that hinder especially small and medium enterprises.
“Poland’s economy is not just about large projects covered in the media—it’s built on millions of entrepreneurs employing millions of workers. We must support this group, which is the most vulnerable to excessive regulations,” emphasizes Kościński.
SMEs: The Backbone of the Polish Economy
According to the 2024 SME Sector Report by PARP, businesses in Poland currently generate two-thirds of the country’s GDP. SMEs are responsible for nearly 45.3% of that output. Since 2004, the number of active businesses has grown from 1.7 million to over 2.3 million.
“Poland’s economic stability is based on its diversity—millions of entrepreneurs across sectors and sizes, building a safe and resilient economy. Supporting them is not just good policy, it’s economic common sense,” concludes Kościński.
Source:
ING Bank Śląski & Newseria Business Interview
PARP – Report on the Condition of the SME Sector in Poland 2024
