Brazil Sets Historic Record with 4.6 Million New Small Businesses in 2025

Brazil experienced an unprecedented surge in entrepreneurship in 2025, creating a record 4.6 million new small businesses from January to November. This milestone surpasses the 4.1 million businesses founded in all of 2024, marking approximately a 19% increase according to data from Sebrae and federal government sources. Small businesses constituted 97% of the newly created companies, with individual microentrepreneurs (MEIs) making up 77%, microenterprises 19%, and small enterprises 4%.

Sebrae president Décio Lima attributes this record-breaking growth to a favorable economic environment characterized by full employment and controlled inflation, which has fostered confidence among entrepreneurs. Lima noted, "60% of Brazilians aspire to start their own businesses, viewing entrepreneurship as a pathway to inclusion, job creation, and income generation."

The services sector dominated new business formations, accounting for 64% of the total. MEIs in services grew by 24.5% compared to 2024. Commerce and industry followed with 21% and 7% shares, respectively. Notably, delivery and transportation services emerged as popular sectors among microentrepreneurs, while the health sector saw considerable growth in newly registered micro and small enterprises.

Regionally, São Paulo led with 29% of new small businesses, followed by Minas Gerais at 11%, and Rio de Janeiro at 8%. November 2025 alone saw the creation of 350,000 new small businesses, surpassing the previous November by 28,000 registrations.

This surge reflects a robust entrepreneurial spirit in Brazil, setting a record in the historical series and signaling dynamic development in the country's small business landscape.