In recent years, the concept of" rural area" has gained particular importance in connection with the implementation of the principles, instruments and mechanisms of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy. The change in the definition of rural areas is a prerequisite for differentiation in territorial economic and social development. The purpose of the studies is to define and characterize rural areas as an environment for entrepreneurial activity, in accordance with the current regulations and in the context of the new Strategy for the Development of Rural Areas 2023-2027. The study is limited to the rural areas of Bulgaria. Through the methods of comparative and retrospective analysis and synthesis, the rural environment is characterized with all its elements and dimensions that create opportunities and/or problems for the development of entrepreneurship. The impact of the CAP and relevant national programs and institutional activity is considered as an objective factor. An attempt has been made to justify the classification of entrepreneurship in rural areas by forms, types and phases. As a result of the analysis, conclusions were drawn regarding: the influence of place and space, the role of entrepreneurship in value creation and the reassessment of environmental conditions. In an applied aspect, the research would be useful for achieving homogeneity in the development of rural areas in relation to the work of local communities and the implementation of the Recovery and Sustainability Plan.