Digital Training Workshops and AI Adoption Boost Small Business Competitiveness in Brazil
Brazilian small businesses boost competitiveness through city-run digital workshops and increased AI adoption despite knowledge challenges.
- • Circuito Andreense de Empreendedorismo offers free digital workshops to improve small business skills in Santo André.
- • 44% of Brazilian small businesses use AI, aided by reduced tool costs, per a Sebrae study.
- • Main challenge for AI adoption is lack of practical knowledge, says João Pedro Brasileiro.
- • Workshops cover digital marketing platforms, AI tools, and business management topics.
- • Initiatives align with policies to enhance competitiveness and professional qualification.
Key details
Small businesses across Brazil are increasingly embracing digital tools to enhance competitiveness, aided by government-backed training initiatives and the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI).
In Santo André, the Circuito Andreense de Empreendedorismo, a partnership between the city hall and Sebrae, is conducting free digital qualification workshops throughout the year. In September, two workshops are planned: an online session "Venda em alta nos marketplaces" on September 3, focusing on selling through online marketplaces, and an in-person workshop "Promova seu negócio no Pinterest" on September 15 at the Heleny Guariba Auditorium. These sessions aim to equip entrepreneurs with skills to leverage digital platforms like Instagram and Google, and AI tools such as ChatGPT and Gemini for business planning, marketing, and sales. Further workshops are scheduled for October and November, covering influencer marketing, Google business profiles, TikTok advertising, and more. The program also offers monthly mobile assistance for small and medium enterprises, including training on business management and fiscal matters.
Meanwhile, a Sebrae study, "Transformação Digital nos Pequenos Negócios 2025," reveals that 44% of Brazilian small businesses currently use AI. The reduction in AI tool costs to approximately US$20–25 per user monthly has democratized access previously limited to large corporations. However, João Pedro Brasileiro, a professor at Fundação Dom Cabral and CEO of Innovation Latam, highlights that the main challenge remains a lack of knowledge on effective AI deployment. He stresses that practical, ongoing learning is critical for realizing AI’s benefits. Small businesses benefit from AI by automating repetitive tasks, thus freeing up time for strategic activities that may foster growth.
These combined efforts demonstrate a significant push towards digital transformation for Brazilian small businesses, aiming to improve operational efficiency and market presence. Evandro Banzato, Secretary of Economic Development and Employment Generation in Santo André, emphasizes that these initiatives align with the city’s economic objectives to enhance the business environment and promote professional qualification.
As training workshops continue and AI technology adoption expands, Brazilian small businesses are positioned to strengthen their competitiveness in increasingly digital marketplaces.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
