In rural areas, we are now dealing with a surplus of labour in agriculture and lack of jobs for the population without land. The decreasing role of agriculture and the benefits of agricultural production as a primary source of income of the rural population makes it necessary to supplement income from other activities. Making activities in the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises can significantly be replenished. Small and medium-sized enterprises can be regarded as a manifestation of entrepreneurship in rural areas. The aim of the study is to identify the role and importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in rural activation. In this study, the statistical material available from GUS contained in the publications concerning rural areas in Poland and literature.