Brazil Advances Entrepreneurship with New Programs, Partnerships, and Formalization Trends in 2026

Brazil is witnessing significant strides in supporting entrepreneurship through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and the growing formalization of street vendors as Microempreendedores Individuais (MEI).

On March 3, 2026, the Associação Comercial e Empresarial de Santa Cruz do Rio Pardo will launch the Connect program, designed to convert business ideas into operational enterprises. The program offers two phases: incubation for initial ideas and acceleration for existing businesses aiming for growth. It provides mentors and technical guidance, facilitating startups' access to investors to nurture business development.

Simultaneously, Magalu, one of Brazil's leading retailers, has partnered with Sebrae to empower small businesses nationally by enhancing training and expanding online sales. This alliance seeks to increase the visibility and accessibility of Brazilian products, especially those from the country's diverse biomes. Décio Lima, president of Sebrae, emphasized the effort to highlight national creativity, citing artisan products from the Amazon and other regions. The collaboration, expected to yield results within the first half of the year, merges Sebrae's expertise with Magalu's innovation to boost Brazilian entrepreneurship.

Further reflecting the positive momentum, the number of street vendors registered as MEI grew by 45% between 2023 and 2025. In 2025, more than 56,000 professionals formalized their activities, up from 38,000 in 2023. Sebrae underscores the benefits of formalization, including enhanced market negotiation, easier access to financial services, and the ability to transact with businesses and government bodies. This formalization trend is especially relevant for vendors in bars, restaurants, and tourism sectors, fortified by income opportunities during the carnival season. Sebrae's studies reveal that formalization can increase small business revenues by up to 25%, fostering more sustainable and expansive economic participation.

These initiatives collectively foster a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Brazil, offering support from inception, through growth, and formal market integration. They spotlight how mentorship, strategic collaborations, and formalization are crucial in transforming Brazil's economic landscape by empowering small businesses to thrive and innovate.