Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Brazil's Growing Female-Led Business Success Stories
Brazil's female entrepreneurship is thriving with initiatives boosting empowerment and stories like Sônia Ramos' cake franchise success exemplifying the surge.
- • 10.35 million female entrepreneurs in Brazil, making up approximately 34% of total entrepreneurs.
- • The 'Todas por Elas' project in Caraguatatuba supports female entrepreneurs through training and empowerment.
- • Sônia Ramos, at 79, leads Casa de Bolos, expected to earn BRL 650 million in 2024, with over 600 franchise units.
- • Casa de Bolos recently expanded internationally with a store in Lisbon and promotes workplace age diversity.
Key details
Female entrepreneurship in Brazil is surging, with 10.35 million women entrepreneurs representing around 34% of all entrepreneurs, according to Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (Sebrae) figures cited in Caraguatatuba's "Todas por Elas" project launch. This initiative, started by the Caraguatatuba Municipal Government and Sebrae-SP, focuses on strengthening female entrepreneurship through training and practical tools to enhance sales during peak seasons. The program fosters empowerment, strategic planning, financial management, and building support networks, as highlighted by Sebrae-SP Business Analyst Giulliane Bispo. A panel of local female entrepreneurs—including Bárbara Almeida, Vera Costa, Luciana Collacio, and Elisabete Monteiro—shared inspirational stories on navigating challenges with resilience.
Simultaneously, Brazil is witnessing increased entrepreneurship among older women. At age 79, Sônia Ramos, known as "Vó Sônia," has transformed her homemade cake business into Casa de Bolos, the nation’s largest cake franchise expected to generate BRL 650 million in 2024. Originating from family recipes after her son’s layoff, Casa de Bolos now boasts over 600 units nationwide with more than 65% of franchisees owning multiple stores. The brand recently expanded internationally with a new store in Lisbon, Portugal, emphasizing quality, accessibility, and community connection through food. Ramos stresses the importance of professionally managing growth while preserving the artisanal essence of the brand. Additionally, Casa de Bolos promotes age diversity, employing about 20% of staff over 60.
Together, these initiatives and success stories exemplify Brazil’s vibrant landscape for female entrepreneurship, underscoring empowerment, strategic growth, and community impact. Upcoming "Todas por Elas" meetings will delve into marketing and customer service, continuing support for women in business.