Empreende Porto Boosts Local Business While Sebrae RS Champions AI Adoption for Small Enterprises

The momentum for local entrepreneurship in Brazil is growing, marked by successful initiatives blending traditional business support with cutting-edge technology adoption. The third edition of Empreende Porto recently wrapped up in Porto Nacional, showcasing 32 companies and strengthening the local economy. Mayor Ronivon Maciel stressed the event's role in creating avenues for entrepreneurs, expressing confidence in the city’s commerce and talent pool. Participating entrepreneurs praised the platform for expanding their commercial networks, with some launching their own stores afterward. Sebrae's local manager, Milena Lima, confirmed the positive impact and anticipated the next edition in 2027, as Empreende Porto now holds a permanent spot on the city's official event calendar. Simultaneously, Sebrae RS launched the “Semana Faça Mais com IA”, a week-long program from September 14-18 focused on practical Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications tailored for small businesses. Despite over 60% of companies using AI, only 46% of small businesses have embraced it. The program offers nine free online sessions covering finance, marketing, productivity, and decision-making, led by industry experts. Lucas Santos from Sebrae RS emphasized that the initiative helps small businesses solve everyday challenges more efficiently through AI. Analyst Kelly Dias pointed out immediate benefits like time savings by automating repetitive tasks and encouraged starting with customer service automation. She noted that while AI—likened to a GPS—guides decision-making, the entrepreneur’s experience remains irreplaceable. Recordings of the sessions will be available for those who miss the live events, aiming to ease concerns about security and return on investment while boosting small business competitiveness.