Networking Key to Unlocking Growth and Credit for Women Entrepreneurs in Brazil

At the 2026 Feira do Empreendedor in São Paulo, Ana Cláudia Badra Cotait, president of the Council of Women Entrepreneurs and Culture (CMEC) and the Institute for Freedom to Undertake (ILPE), emphasized the transformative power of networking for women-led businesses. Speaking at the Sebrae Delas Space, Cotait highlighted how expanding professional connections and forming partnerships are crucial for women entrepreneurs aiming to grow and secure leadership roles. She stated, "Those who want to grow need to be in conversations where opportunities happen," underscoring that these networks can open doors to referrals and business opportunities.

Cotait also introduced associativism as a supportive framework, describing it as a mechanism that "gives a hug" by allowing women to share experiences and face challenges together. She noted the critical need for enhanced access to credit, pointing out that women own 10.4 million businesses in Brazil, accounting for 34.3% of all entrepreneurs. Improving financing conditions is essential for accelerating their business expansion.

Furthermore, Cotait spotlighted the recently launched Rede Parlamentar Mista de Políticas Femininas, established on October 13, which seeks to incorporate women's economic issues into legislative discussions, focusing especially on credit access and economic autonomy. This initiative signifies a political commitment to fostering an environment that supports the growth of women-led businesses through better policy frameworks and financial inclusion.