Brazil Boosts Industry and SMEs with Innovation Programs and Credit Support in October 2025
Brazil enacts targeted support programs including design-driven innovation immersions and credit opportunities to aid industries and SMEs against tariff impacts in October 2025.
- • FIESC organizes immersion program to support wood industries affected by US tariffs, focusing on innovation and design.
- • The program aims to increase product value by 25% and exports by 20%, with ongoing support to develop new products.
- • BNDES holds "BNDES Mais Perto de Você" event in Bahia to provide micro and small businesses access to diverse financing solutions.
- • BNDES emphasizes support for companies of all sizes to promote investment, innovation, and sustainability.
Key details
In October 2025, Brazil has launched significant initiatives to support its industries and small businesses amid economic challenges, particularly those affected by increased US tariffs.
The Federation of Industries of the State of Santa Catarina (FIESC) is conducting an immersion program focused on the furniture and wood industries in São Bento do Sul. This program aims to turn the impact of new US tariffs, effective since August, into growth opportunities through innovation and market repositioning. With 37.3% of Santa Catarina's exports to the US being wood products, the program emphasizes design as a competitive advantage, potentially increasing product value by 25% and exports by 20%, according to ApexBrasil. Led by Célio Teodorico of Studio 566 Design, participants undergo intensive workshops on product development and innovation strategies. The program supports companies for three months post-immersion to develop new products, with further sessions planned in Caçador, Rio do Sul, and Lages in 2026. FIESC's broader “desTarifaço” initiative has also been providing credit assistance, consultancy, and legal support to affected businesses since August (ID 109121).
Meanwhile, the National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) is launching "BNDES Mais Perto de Você," a credit and financing event for micro, small, and medium enterprises in Bahia. On October 22, at the Federation of Industries of Bahia headquarters, entrepreneurs can consult with BNDES experts and attendees from partner financial institutions, including Bradesco and Banco do Brasil, about financing options covering working capital, investments, innovation, and sustainability. Aloizio Mercadante, BNDES president, emphasized that the bank supports companies of all sizes and aims to help them invest in growth and innovation. The free event seeks to connect business owners with tailored financial solutions to strengthen their operations (ID 109122).
These parallel initiatives highlight Brazil's commitment to fostering industrial innovation and providing financial accessibility to smaller enterprises, mitigating external trade barriers and promoting sustainable expansion across diverse regions.