Brazil Sees Record Surge in Small Businesses Amid Growing Entrepreneurial Spirit

Brazil has marked a new high in small business creation in 2025, registering 4.6 million new small enterprises through November, a 19% increase over the previous year and surpassing the 4.1 million set in 2024. This growth is largely fueled by microentrepreneurs (MEI), who comprise 77% of the new businesses, while microenterprises and small businesses make up 19% and 4% respectively. The services sector dominates this expansion, representing 64% of new businesses, with MEI openings rising 24.5% year-on-year. Commerce and industry trail with 21% and 7%, respectively. States leading the charge include São Paulo (29%), Minas Gerais (11%), and Rio de Janeiro (8%). Décio Lima, president of Sebrae, attributes this boom to entrepreneurs' confidence, buoyed by full employment and controlled inflation.

This entrepreneurial momentum extends into educational initiatives as well. At Fatec São Roque, for instance, gastronomy student Raquel Costa capitalizes on seasonal demand by producing artisanal Christmas sweets and operating her hamburger business, Boka Burger. Inspired by the university’s Gastronomic Enterprise Management course, which provides practical management insights and promotes entrepreneurship, Raquel launched Casa Branco Doce, a new product line to leverage holiday sales spikes. She credits her education and university support for aiding her business expansion plans. Renata Castro, coordinator at Fatec, highlighted how academic courses coupled with events like fairs are nurturing practical experiences that empower young entrepreneurs across sectors.

Together, these macroeconomic indicators and grassroots entrepreneurial activities illustrate Brazil’s robust small business ecosystem in 2025, driven by favorable economic conditions and strengthened by educational backing.