Brazil Sets Record with 4.6 Million New Small Businesses in 2025

Brazil experienced an unprecedented surge in small business creation in 2025, with 4.6 million new small enterprises registered from January to November, marking a 19% increase over the 4.1 million recorded in 2024. This milestone highlights Brazil's strongest performance in small business establishment to date.

Small businesses made up 97% of all newly registered companies, with microentrepreneurs—known locally as MEIs—accounting for 77% of these. According to Décio Lima, president of Sebrae, this rapid growth reflects robust entrepreneurial confidence rooted in Brazil's current economic environment characterized by full employment and controlled inflation.

In November 2025 alone, 350,000 new small businesses were registered, representing an increase of 28,000 compared to the same month the previous year. The services sector led this expansion, responsible for 64% of new registrations, with specific growth in delivery services and road freight transport. Commerce and industry followed, comprising 21% and 7% respectively of new businesses.

Geographically, the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro dominated the small business landscape. São Paulo alone contributed 29% of new registrations, while Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro accounted for 11% and 8%, respectively.

Décio Lima emphasized the significance of entrepreneurship in Brazil, noting about 60% of Brazilians aspire to start their own businesses. He pointed out that small businesses are crucial for income generation, job creation, and social inclusion, effectively driving the nation’s economic mobilization.

This record-breaking trend distinctly positions 2025 as a landmark year for Brazilian entrepreneurship, underscoring the vital contribution of small businesses to the country's economic growth and resilience.