Research on entrepreneurship has changed over the 250 years since the concept was born in economic theory. The focus changed from the characteristics of an individual entrepreneur to the current emphasis on the contributions of entrepreneurship to economic development. This bibliography is a guide to theoretical material and to more recent empirical work on entrepreneurs in different economic climates. By using background references and the literature specifically on rural entrepreneurs cited here, rural development strategists can build a foundation of knowledge for use in their efforts to promote local independent business development.