Antônio João and Naviraí Launch Innovative Programs to Boost Local Economy and Entrepreneurship

Municipalities Antônio João and Naviraí in Mato Grosso do Sul are pioneering innovative municipal programs aimed at strengthening local economies through entrepreneurship and innovation. Antônio João recently launched its Municipal Development Plan (PDM), designed to modernize local business practices and stimulate economic growth. Presented on October 10, the plan targets increasing local businesses, creating tourist routes, promoting cultural events, and ensuring sustainability across over 40 objectives. The plan results from collaboration with Sebrae/MS, the State Government's Secretariat of Environment, Development, Science, Technology and Innovation (Semadesc), and the city administration.

One of the highlights in Antônio João is the inauguration of the 'Sala do Empreendedor,' a support center offering free services to entrepreneurs during weekdays. Mayor Agnaldo Marcelo da Silva Oliveira emphasized the importance of both public and private sector involvement, saying, "When partnerships like this come to a municipality of 9,600 inhabitants, we can achieve a significant impact on society." Sandra Amarilha from Sebrae/MS highlighted the need for community participation, especially in productive inclusion and community tourism, to ensure the PDM's success.

In Naviraí, a municipality with approximately 50,000 inhabitants driven largely by agribusiness, the local government has signed a Pacto pela Inovação (Innovation Pact) supported by Sebrae/MS. This pact aims to foster innovative entrepreneurship, support startups, and implement the Municipal Innovation Law, which encourages modernization through technological solutions. Tito Estanqueiro, Operations Director at Sebrae/MS, noted, "When government, academia, private initiative, and civil society work together, we can create a conducive environment for new initiatives, job creation, income distribution, and thus promote regional development."

Professor Sibelly Resch from UFMS in Naviraí affirmed that the pact and the law create vital mechanisms for expanding economic and social development, particularly by helping traditional businesses adopt new technologies. The initiative also emphasizes collaboration among government, academic institutions, and the private sector to build a robust local innovation ecosystem.

Both programs underscore a strong commitment to cultivating entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic growth through public-private partnerships and community engagement, highlighting a promising future for regional development in Mato Grosso do Sul.