Conecta Networking Highlights Growing Importance and Challenges of Business Networks in Brazil
The Conecta Networking event showcased the strengths and challenges of Brazil's business networks, underscoring the need for professionalization and technological advancement to support entrepreneurial growth.
- • Conecta Networking gathered 130+ entrepreneurs to foster business opportunities using Sebrae's methodology.
- • Brazil has over 500 business networks facing challenges like low engagement and digital transformation.
- • 73% of experts are optimistic about the future of business networks in Brazil.
- • Professionalization, member engagement, innovation, technology, and scale are essential for network success.
Key details
The Conecta Networking event in Jundiaí brought together over 130 entrepreneurs and professionals to boost business connections and cultivate commercial relationships, reinforcing the local business ecosystem. Organized by the Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico, Ciência e Tecnologia and supported by Sebrae, it featured a dynamic business round using Sebrae's methodology that enabled quick and effective networking. Participants reported numerous new opportunities for partnerships, with Márcia Almeida Silva praising the event for its business expansion potential. The program also included a lecture on collaborative strategies (Projeto SOMA) and a session on how companies can engage in public procurement, expanding their market opportunities.
This event exemplifies broader trends highlighted in a recent survey from Fundação Dom Cabral and Área Central discussing the future of business networks in Brazil. Over 500 such networks have emerged in 25 years, aiding many small and medium enterprises in overcoming competitive and market challenges. Despite a strong majority of 73% of experts expressing optimism about the future of these networks, they face significant hurdles like low member engagement, governance issues, and limited digital transformation due to costs and skills shortages.
Technology is now essential, not optional, for network survival, with integrated management and data analysis critical to competitiveness. Experts emphasize that professionalizing management, engaging members effectively, innovating business models, and enhancing scale through inter-cooperation are key strategies needed to strengthen these networks and meet the demands of an evolving market.
According to Humberto Cereser, Secretary of Economic Development in Jundiaí, public sector support is crucial to help businesses grow by preparing them and creating valuable connections. Fábio Augusto from Sebrae-SP reinforced that networking events foster entrepreneurship through collaboration and knowledge sharing. Bruna Lazarini, Deputy Secretary, noted that such initiatives promote an innovative and prepared business environment. These combined insights underscore the vital role of strategic networking, professionalization, and technology adoption for the flourishing of Brazilian entrepreneurship and business networks.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.