Agência Curitiba and ACP Launch Comércio 5.0 Program to Empower Small Businesses

On October 22, 2023, Agência Curitiba de Desenvolvimento e Inovação and the Associação Comercial do Paraná (ACP) signed a partnership agreement to launch Comércio 5.0, a focused program designed to strengthen micro and small businesses in Curitiba. Scheduled to run from January 12 to April 8, 2027, this initiative aims to enhance management skills, productivity, and competitiveness among small enterprises.

The program includes a practical, hands-on approach where business owners engage in tailored activities according to their specific needs. It begins with an initial diagnosis to identify areas of weakness and concludes with a new evaluation to measure progress. Businesses that demonstrate significant improvement will receive the Selo Comércio 5.0, a recognition of their enhanced capabilities.

Letícia Justus, president of Agência Curitiba, highlighted the program's role in helping entrepreneurs develop sustainable strategies. Municipal Secretary Sérgio Bento emphasized the practical tools the program offers to improve operations, while Paulo Mourão, ACP president, underscored the importance of business survival for families and communities.

This initiative specifically targets micro and small businesses in commerce and services with a minimum annual gross revenue of R$ 120,000. The program is expected to bolster the local economy by equipping entrepreneurs with skills to meet market challenges effectively.