Brazil's Female Entrepreneurship Flourishes with Robust Support Networks and Forums
Brazil celebrates International Women's Day by spotlighting 10.4 million women entrepreneurs and key networks like Future Is Now and EBEM that empower women-led businesses.
- • Brazil has 10.4 million women entrepreneurs, leading 34% of businesses nationwide, ranking seventh globally.
- • The Fórum Empreender Feminino on March 6 featured panels, workshops, and speakers emphasizing strategy, leadership, and mental health for women entrepreneurs.
- • Challenges include access to credit, low wages, and technical support despite significant growth since 2012.
- • Three major support organizations are Future Is Now, EBEM, and Potencia Ventures, providing networking, mentorship, and investment to women-led startups.
Key details
On March 6, the Fórum Empreender Feminino convened at the Legislative Assembly of Goiás to celebrate International Women's Day by highlighting the growth and empowerment of female entrepreneurs in Brazil. Organized by Assembly President Bruno Peixoto and Deputy Dra. Zeli, the event drew women leaders from diverse business sectors to engage in discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities aimed at bolstering women-led enterprises.
Sandra Mendez of Sebrae Goiás underscored Brazil’s impressive milestone of 10.4 million women entrepreneurs, accounting for 34% of all businesses nationwide—a figure that ranks Brazil seventh globally for female entrepreneurship. This represents a 42% increase since 2012, reflecting a significant upward trend. However, challenges remain, notably limited access to credit, low wages, and insufficient technical assistance that hamper women's business scaling.
The forum featured influential speakers such as journalist Izabela Carvalho, who highlighted vital financial negotiation insights, and leaders like Wirla Karla Machado Tavares and Marcelle Cardoso, who shared personal experiences on leadership and connectivity. Luciana Oliveira stressed the critical role of mental health and emotional resilience in sustaining women’s personal and professional development. Mara Suassuna from the NGO Mundo Mulher emphasized the necessity of support networks that propel women’s business initiatives.
Complementing the forum are three prominent organizations shaping female entrepreneurship in Brazil. Future Is Now, founded by Laís Macedo, offers a hybrid networking platform that connects women leaders through both digital and in-person events. EBEM, led by Tatyane Luncah, provides mentorship and immersive programs that have benefited over 10,000 women in five years. Potencia Ventures, spearheaded by Kelly Michel with Brazilian director Itali Collini, invests in impact-driven startups predominantly led by women, backing more than 25 startups globally.
These initiatives collectively represent a growing ecosystem focused on empowering women entrepreneurs, driving their leadership, and addressing persistent barriers. With institutional support gaining momentum and specialized networks flourishing, Brazilian female entrepreneurs are poised for continued expansion and influence.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
