Madhavie, A.V.K.2026-09-152026-09-152025-09-11Peradeniya International Economics Research Symposium (PIERS) – 2025, University of Peradeniya, P 99 - 103978624570957123861568https://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/8047Introduction Entrepreneurs are a prominent group of individuals who make significant contributions to economic growth. The positive effect of entrepreneurship on economic growth has been highly noted (Rodrigues and AC TEIXEIRA, 2020; Hamdan, 2019; Zvavahera et al., 2018; Kressel and Lento, 2012; Kefela, 2011; Acs, 2006; Van Stel et al., 2004; Fritsch and Mueller, 2004; Audretsch and Fritsch, 2003; Reynolds et al., 2002; Wennekers and Thurik, 1999; Holcombe, 1998). However, until recent years, entrepreneurs were considered a unique group. Later, due to the expansion of the field of entrepreneurship, researchers tend to analyze entrepreneurship more closely in relation to economic growth. It was then noted that entrepreneurs are not uniform and can be categorized into different types based on various criteria. Targeting higher economic growth, countries worldwide are preparing policies to promote, improve, and accelerate entrepreneurship. However, to achieve the expected results from these policies, it is essential to understand the contributions of different types of entrepreneurs to economic growth. The identification of types of entrepreneurs is no longer a historical phenomenon. However, after identifying that entrepreneurs are not uniform, they were divided into types based on different criteria. One such criterion commonly used is the aspiration of being an entrepreneur. It refers to either survival or any other aspiration. Necessity, subsistence, survival, remedial, self-employed, and general entrepreneurs’ primary aspiration of being an entrepreneur is survival. They are running businesses as a means of survival. Also, they have become entrepreneurs due to the absence of employment opportunities. Most probably, this was their last opportunity for a means of income for survival. Opportunity, growth-oriented, transformational, business owners and employer entrepreneurs run their businesses to capitalize on prevailing opportunities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem and exploit their advantages. Their main objective is the growth of the business (Stel et al., 2014; Berner et al., 2012; Schoar, 2010; Block and Wagner, 2010; Mondragon–Veles and Pena, 2010; Stam et al., 2009; Block and Sandner, 2009; Hechavarria and Reynolds, 2009; Ardagna and Lusardi, 2008; Hessels, 2008; Bergmann and Sternberg, 2007; Acs, 2006; Bosma and Harding, 2006; Reynolds et al., 2002). Although there are different types of entrepreneurs, the literature highlights that not all types significantly contribute to economic growth. Additionally, it suggests that types of entrepreneurship with minimal economic impact should not be actively promoted. Instead, emphasis has been placed on encouraging entrepreneurship that makes a significant contribution to economic growth. However, counterviews can also be noted when reviewing the existing literature. Then, there is a higher requirement for a unique agreement to encourage and maintain different types of entrepreneurs from an economic growth perspective, facilitating effective policy design.en-USEntrepreneurshipDifferent TypesEconomic GrowthArticle