INDEX 2026 and Minas Trend 35 Lead Brazil’s Business and Economic Growth in 2026

Brazil is set to witness significant advancements in industrial and entrepreneurial sectors with two major events and a new entrepreneurial program in 2026. INDEX 2026, the largest industrial event in Northeast Brazil, is scheduled from May 6 to 8 at the Salvador Convention Center. Organized by the Federation of Industries of the State of Bahia (Fieb) and Sebrae, the event aims to generate over R$ 200 million in business through the participation of more than 40,000 attendees and 1,000 buyers, with over 300 exhibitors confirmed and 93% of exhibition spaces sold. New features such as a gamified engagement route and an Innovation Cube for startups are expected to enhance visitor experience and business opportunities. Manuela Martinez, the event coordinator, highlighted INDEX's role in boosting business visibility and regional economic growth, with expanded activities including business missions, innovation forums, and sustainability discussions.

Meanwhile, Minas Trend 35 will occur from April 14 to 16 at BH Shopping, focusing on the Spring/Summer 2027 fashion collection. The event expects a financial movement of R$ 33 million and features over 100 brands. Supported by Sebrae Minas, which will highlight 40 small businesses and offer free sales consulting, Minas Trend promotes business connections and sustainability in the fashion industry, notably emphasizing the children’s clothing segment. With Minas Gerais’s fashion sector comprising 8,497 companies and more than 117,000 direct jobs, the event reflects the vibrant economic landscape of the region.

Complementing these events, the Prefeitura de Uberlândia will launch the 'Uberlândia Empreendedora' program on April 14, designed to boost local entrepreneurship and economic development. The initiative focuses on five strategic axes: Business Development, Investment Attraction, Bureaucratization and Public Policies, Innovation and Internationalization, and Smart Cities. It aims to simplify bureaucratic processes, foster entrepreneurial skills, encourage technological innovation, and facilitate access to credit and local procurement to strengthen the business environment.

Together, these major initiatives illustrate Brazil’s proactive approach to stimulating business growth, innovation, and regional economic empowerment in 2026.